2. amps-preamps
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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
nick778
147 posts
 
Spectron Musician III SE MK2 with V-Cap option.
youngstown1969
9 posts
 
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
musicslug
430 posts
 
you say you just took delivery... are the speakers broken in yet?
mert's avatar
mert
132 posts
 
Since I used own Pass X250.5, I would say Pass labs would be best candidate. However, Dartzeel is also strong contender but not many arround as seconhand. I have Krell 402 and almost satisfied with it. Lastly keep avoided Boulder power amps for Sophia. Makes sense?
hce4 OP
48 posts
 
Musicslug -GOOD QUESTION!

The Sophias are broken in. They were purchased and set up by an authorized dealer as a "demo" pair.

My dealer is pushing VTL MB450 SII and VTL 6.5 pre, but at $26.5k, plus CA taxes, I don't see the value. The MB450s at $15k is a little spendy, but it may be one of the best options.

Audphile1,

Thinking outside the box are you? Swaping the preamp could be a good idea, I'll borrow my dealers VTL 6.5 and see where it takes me with the Ayre amp.

Plinius:

I have a Plinius 9200 integrated which does okay with the Sophias and sounds more magical than the Ayre, but lacks control, impact and transparency. A bigger Plinius could be the ticket since I've got Plinius as a source?

Not enough experience with the other brands mentioned, but great ideas everyone...
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