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
gtfour45
39 posts
 
Hi Hce4,

I'm very pleased to hear you've had good results from your positioning experiments.

Crossing approximately two feet behind your head sounds about the same as my setup.

I hope you can find the right upstream combination to get the best from your Sophias.
hce4 OP
48 posts
 
Stringreen,

I ran the Ayre components completely balanced with Synergistic Research's top Tesla cables (Apex & Precision).

In addition, I have Sonus Faber Cremonas, and even with the Ayre and Sonus Faber, I got similar results.

The Vandersteen and Ayre combo put the Ayre in the best light I've heard yet, but I still prefer a well set up Wilson system. It may be the speakers, but after many auditions I kept going back to my Wilson dealer and appreciating all that the Sophias did...

I suppose Ayre is just not for me, but I'm sure many others love Ayre for exactly the same qualities that drove me away. YMMV.

Thanks again for all the comments, repositioning made the strongest difference as many of you suspected!
maverick_spd
67 posts
 
Have you thought of looking at the plinius 250 sa Mk3? Its as close as you can get to a tube like amp but with so much better base. Look at the reviews its an amazing amp. Cheers
no_money
638 posts
 
Hce4

Get your dealer to loan you those top end transparent cables.

Or at least try the Ultra MM2 or above.
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