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amp for low volume listener w/ wilson audio sophia

I am looking for new amp and preamp to replace my current system consists of Krell KRC preamp and KSA-200S amp to go with Wilson Audio Sophia speakers. Krell sounded brite but excell only at loud volume around 12:00. I prefer listen at lower volume around 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm position and wonder Pass Labs amp 250.5 (new) or 350 (used) meet my need? Should I get these?

Thanks.
meocha
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
I'm not sure about match with Sofia but Class D amps are known for very good sound at low levels. I listen soft at late evening and was amazed by performance of my Rowland 102 (Icepower). Later I found few people mentioning the same thing about their class D amps.
lihifi
21 posts
 
I recently moved from Krell to Pass Labs X1 & X250.5 to power a pair of Wilson Sophias, and have been very happy with the change. I've also heard this PASS combo powering a pair of Wilson W/P 8, and it too sounded excellent. PASS Amps seem to be a very good match with Wilson Audio Spkrs.
meocha OP
2 posts
 
I need to find out which amp classified as class D and I definitely looking into the Pass Labs gears. Thanks for response and sugguestion.
soundisntmusic
55 posts
 
the pass x250.5 ( or new pass xa60.5, maybe even the xa30.5 ) IMO is a better choice for for the sophias than thex350 ( no pt ) . you will get a bit more richness, liquidity, less dryness from the point 5 series than the x350. at low listening volumes, the new all class A xa.5 series should be superb. call pass labs directly to discuss. they are quite familiar with how their various amps mate to wilson speakers.
rapogee
256 posts
 
Hi Meocha,

I just wanted to remind you that the Sophia's do sound at its best at louder volumes. They sound great at low levels too but they will amaze at louder levels I believe. Getting a PASS and listening to it at low level volume might not resolve your quest.

ItÂ’s the Wilsons, they do sound very very tame (too tame for me at times) at low level volumes, I even had the 200w ARC and it was a little more pleasing at low level, but the Krell is no slouch at all!
I tried well over 15 high end preamps with the Krell including the Krell Reference and some super tube preamps and finally I found the Preamp that suited me. The Ayre K1e fixed all my needs in a flash. Low and High level playing with no trouble.

In fact I went from a PASS to a Krell FPB and now I am looking for more control (POWER) and I am seeking a larger Krell to mate that need. I love the bass on the Sophias...just staggering!

Good luck!
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