Wilson Sophia2s demand better than AYRE V5xe, so..


...What would you recommend?

Just took delivery of Wilson Sophia 2s. Plinius CD101 - Ayre K1xe - Ayre V5xe - Sophia 2s. Synergistic Research cables.

The K1xe is very good, I'd like to keep it, but I need a new amp.

The V5xe is too lean in the midbass, no texture or bloom. Soundstage is okay, but not "full" enough. No deep bass!

At the RMAF, I liked VAC phi 200s on the Von Schweikert VR-9se AND on the Greshman Black Swans as a point of reference.

I'm open to tubes or SS, but I think tubes might get me where I want to go. I'm looking for very full and detailed imaging that absolutely floats in the air, with intense layering, body and texture. I need better control over these speakers, and stronger deep bass output, speakers sound too thin now. I want fullness of images like MBL speakers, but with a more natural, involving midrange like the best Acapellas.

Budget is 10k new or used. Again, looking for a warmer, natural sound with very delineated images that complement my dynamic Wilson speakers, so don't underpower me!...
hce4
I too use and love my Ayre K-1xe preamp, and plan on keeping it for a very long time as well. (The phono stage makes this an incredible value as a full function preamp, IMHO!) Its neutrality and transparency is incredible.

However, I too found most solid state amplifiers to be somewhat lacking in bloom, especially in the mid-range. (Perhaps having a solid state preamp with a solid state amp is just too neutral.) I found my long term amplifiers when I bought my Lamm M2.1 (200 wpc) monoblocks. These amplifiers are hybrid amps, with just one 6922 tube in each amp, but that one tube just seems to add a sense of life to the music. (FYI, replacing the stock Sovtek 6922 with something like an Amperex Orange Globe 6DJ8 ($200/pair), or better yet, the Amperex pinched waist 6922 ($400+/pair) will really make these amps sing!)

I used to use these amps with my Revel Studios, (which I felt sounded similar to the original Sophia), and now use them with my Eggleston Works Andra II. The Andra II speakers really have great bass response, and these amps provide all the power and bass extension I would ever want. (The M2.1s have better bass response than any tube monoblocks I've ever heard.) Their mid-range is fantastic, with a nice touch of tube bloom. (Vocals are great!) Their treble response is great, with good extension and lots of decay to cymbals. (Note: with the stock Sovtek tubes the sound has just a slight touch darkness. However, with even decent NOS tubes, this touch of darkness is no longer present.)

I got my Lamm M2.1s used for $7K. The Lamm M2.2s (220 wpc) replaced the M2.1s, and are slightly better in the treble response, but tend to run slightly over your $10K budget @ $12K used.

My two cents worth.
Good Luck in your search!

PS As an alternative, the DarTZeel NHB-108B, (The "B" version has balanced inputs), is a mighty fine solid state amplifier, and might do the trick if you can get by with 100 wpc. Used they run about $12K too.
You should look at the new Aesthetix Atlas hybrid amplifier. 200 watts per channel with 2 6SN7 tubes in the gain stage. It is fully balanced and costs $8K new.
If you want more control and more bass, then you should consider a Krell Evo 402, around $8K used.
The current PASS Stereo Amplifiers have a very good synergy with Wilson Audio Speakers and are within your budget. The X250.5 and X350.5 work very well with the Sophia. I would recommend an audition if possible - "Reno HiFi" offers "at Home demos", for a small restocking fee - this worked-out well for me - the PASS bettered comparably priced Amps. that I tried from Krell, McIntosh, BAT and Musical Fidelity, with my Sophia Spkrs.