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
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.
PLINIUS PLINIUS PLINIUS.
The MOST "tubelike" SS amps made.
The older sa series should work perfect or a 102/103.
They too sound best in balanced mode.
I have had MANY amps and I always come back to Plinius