Sophias vs. Revel Studios


I'm totally stumped, although either one will probably be happiness.
richard_stacy
For the money the Sophia's sure are little tiny things... Just a big footed American point of view.

Marty
The Sophias are a much easier load to drive, and will give
you more options in choosing an amp.
Sophias are small but soundstage like large speakers a la Watt Puppies with more musicality (vs. wp6). May not have the ultimate level of detail and low, low end but are pretty close to the 6 ( I haven't yet heard the 7's). They are probably one of the most coherent speakers around, more so than any other wilson (other than 7's)and are quite involving, wickedly dynamic and image extremely well when set up right. I drove mine with Krell 750 monoblocks and they loved the power, so if you have hi powered tube amps or a good solid state amp, these speakers will not punish you. In fact, they can sound great with even a low end receiver but will reward you when you move up in amplification. They are the perfect $15k system or $50k systems speaker-they're that good. I'd rather take them over any speaker in the Revel lineup. I have, however only heard the Salons, which I felt were a bit edgy, whitish brittle and sterile. Overall uninvolving but technically impressive. JMO
The studios are very transparant like thiel but have great imaging. I always loved the detail of the thiels, but when I first heard the Revels I was excited by the addition of this feature. I have demod the Revels with many amps and find them remarkably versatile. I didn't expect this, but they have really worked well through a spectrum of different style amps.
You got one high class problem there. The Revels need some serious amp power...be aware of that...Will narrow ($ wise) your amp options....unless of course money isn't a factor. Hey, but isn't it always?