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Speaker cables for Wilson Sophia 3

Good Day,

I've recently upgraded from Kef 205/2 to Wilson Sophia 3. Firstly, i'd like to share my initial experience on the Sophia 3
Secondly, I'm looking for opinions on speaker cables which will work best with these speakers. However, I'm not looking for a pair of cable which will cost as much as my speakers!

Wilson Sophia 3: IMHO, they're awesome speakers and they're a big step forward comparing to the Kef 205/2 (worth the upgrade!). They're very balance from top to bottom. However, I need to crank-up the volume to get them going. I highly recommend the Sophia 3

Speaker cables: I'm currently using Grover Sx speaker cables. They sound good on the Sophia 3 but I don't think they're "the one" SCs for the Sophia 3!
Wilson has replied to my email to confirm Transparent was used for internal wiring. However, I’m reluctant to purchase cables with network boxes (purest signal path is the path with nothing in between!?)
Can experienced Wilson users recommend a few cables brand?

Also for future ref. what will be the best cdp to go with the Sophia 3!? Should I go with integrate or transport, dac and clock. I'm leaning toward Antelope Gold Dac+PSU+ Clock or Lessloss DAC+CEC

My system:
Wilson Sophia 3
McIntosh MC501
Audio Research Ref 3
Primare CD 31 (with Analogue section heavily mod)
Linn LP12, Dynavector 17D3, Ittok, Lingo
Linn Uphorik
Grover Huffman Sx SCs
Nordost Quatro Fil ICs
LessLoss Sig. PCs on mono blocks which are feed by Weizhi PRS6
Stefan Audio Art PCs on cdp and pre which are feed by Shunyata Hydra 2
TG Audio Black & White 9awg to feed into Weizhi and Shunyata
Vibra Pods & cones on cdp, pre and tt
Custom Hifi stand using thick mdf and steel rods!
Music pref. mainly Jazz and classical

Regards,
primare_cd31
primare_cd31
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hi I'd start a new post on the acoustic issues. That's a critical area to address also.

I've used Transparent, Cardas and Purist all to great sounds with my Wilson's over the years. They all have strengths and weaknesses. I would not discount the networks due to purer signal path. You want purest signal transmission (the networks don't cut the cable, just add stuff to strip away rfi and correct imdepence)

I your price range I'd look for Transparent Ultra mm2 or Purist Venastas as the best choices used. I think you'll find the transparents have better bass control, better image, and maybe a little quieter, the Purist more transparent and delicate. These are not night and day things...more subtle. Both great cables and you can't go wrong. ymmv

best of luck
wloeb
43 posts
 
I use Canare Starquad 4S11 with my Watt/Puppy 7's with good results. The Canare cables are a little expensive ($1.35/ft) but I think that they are worth it.
primare_cd31 OP
66 posts
 
Thank You all for your responses
I'm looking into PAD Venustas SCs

Do you have experience on Acoustic Zen Absolute?
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
I have owned a variety of Wilson speakers over the last 10+ years, Maxx 2 at present, and have found MIT to be the cables that sound best with them. You will often see them showing with MIT as well as Transparent for what that's worth. With Sophia, I would use the best I could afford, beginning with Magnum level but preferably Oracle.

Regarding network cables and purist transmission, all wire alters the signal carried. The networks in MIT cables correct that alteration to allow for a purer, more accurate signal between components. In essence, what you described as your goal will be accomplished by networked cables that function as MIT, not straight wire.

Best on your quest for great sound and enjoy your wonderful new speakers!
rgs92
974 posts
 
The best I heard Wilson Watt Puppy 6s with were top-end Transparents (at a dealer in Pennslylvania, now defunct).
They were very nice to me, and in fact I never heard Wilsons sound so nice again. This was 10 years ago, so take that into consideration. The dealer said the this match was the best, it seemed very true to my ears.
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