Wilson Watt/Puppy 6 or 7 versus Sophia

Harley's review also had a sidebar comparing the WP7 to the Sophia; I'll have to check it out at home tonight, but it was along the lines of very similar, not quite as refined but you're not going to be giving up much with the Sophia, if I remember right. Having heard all three in my dealer's showroom on a few occasions, I'd say that the Sophia is surprisingly close to the WP6, giving away just a little in refinement but not much else--no wonder they had to do a redesign of the 6. The WP7 is a step up, though, the first Wilson WP that I'd consider buying, as it manages to have a big sound (no more miniature orchestra) and surprisingly good bass extension, as well as a level of transparency and ultimate ease that the Sophia comes close to but cannot match, in my limited listening to the two.

Yes, They are both (WP/7&Sophia) outstanding. I have been searching for a speaker to replace my B&W N804s for 2 years. I belong to an audio club in Michigan and I travel to audio salons from New York to Colorado searching for a speaker that I could live with for a long time. At the clubs I have been exposed to some beautiful speakers from Sonas Faber (Amatis&Cremonas),Buggtussel,Royd. At the salons everything from Marten-Logan,Maggies(1.6&3.0),Vandersteen 5s,Quads,Aerial,Paradigm,Klipsh,Red Rose,Acoustats,Spendor, Harbeth,Revel,etc. I made friends with a reviewer here in Michigan and sat for hours listening to Kharmas. I ordered the Sophias thats how good they are. The WP/7s are even better. But not by alot. Even though the Wilson speakers are exspensive and people will nock them for that reason, they are just out&out the best sounding speakers my ears have listened to. To me dollar for dollar the Sophias are my speaker of choice. Outstanding in all areas. Please forgive me if I butchered some of the speaker models,I hope you and those who read this can understand it. Peace and Good Listening, Pat.

I've heard the 6 and the sophia side by side. The 6 is a better all around speaker, better bass, better detail, better tranparency. The 6 retail price (around 20K) vs the Sophia around 11k, the Sophia is a better deal and put your money better electronics and cables. However, if you are buying used, the 6's are a steal around and below 10k. Used, you are much better off with the 6.

The RH article is available free online
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter/143/wa_watt_puppy7.html

I have listened to all three.
Wilson Watt/Puppy 6' - Excellent 20hz bass versus 30hz Sophia bass, older style brighter mid-highs, can be etched but not like the old 5.1's. You need to have listened to them then before buying them used (great deal)
Wilson Sophia - Mid range to die for and no hot tweeter, easier equipment load. increadible deal for a Wilson product. Setup is easier (no watt adjustments), except requires two people since speaker is one heavy unit. Or if you are buying New the Dealer sets them up for you!
Wilson Watt Puppy 7 - Mini Maxx's in my opinion, 3-4ohm load so require amplification that is cablable of it, 20hz bass which is tighter than the 6' (pretty amazing accomplishment)

I am waiting for my order for WP7's right now since that is what I ordered. I use to play the upright bass and the Sophia and the WP7's did this more convincingly, and the hotness of the older Wilson 5.1 tweeters use to turn me off about Wilson products, so the only real choice was Sophia or 7's.

I didn't want black (no matter how good the finish is) so buying them new was the only option.

I purchased a pair of 7's earlier this year and absolutely love them. I think the Sophia's and the 7's share the same sound signature with the 7's being a bit more defined with deeper bass extension. The 6's are great speakers as well but not as sweet on the top end. Depending on your electronic's, a used pair of 6's are a real bargain right now. A pair of Sohpia's mated with a Wilson Watch Dog sub would be stellar combo.