Wilson Sophia 2--- VTL S-150 or Ayre V1-xe?


Hi,
I just got the speakers and need an amp to drive them. I was wondering if a VTL S-150 would be enough. I have a Cary SLI-80 right now and I dont get the tight full bass. The top end and mid is perfect though. I dont think I could live with a ss amp on Wilson for it would be too bright. Thx.
nickt
I do not agree with the "high current needed" comment. I'm currently running them with 27WPC Audio Note Japan Ongaku SET amp and they sound spectacular.

I also have a big, DIY 35WPC SET monos based on GM70 tube (think Lamm ML3 for the poor) on loan from a friend and they also sound excellent with Sophias II - in fact, better than ANY transistor amp I tried (and I tried quite a few - Dartzeel, Lamm, Pass, Krells - you name it).
I didn't say high wattage, I said high current, which are two different things. Of course other factors such as: type of music, preferred listening volume, and the size of listening room can influence which amp an individual prefers. You don't have to agree, because I'm talking about my experience with the Sophia's and I like you have listened to many amps.
27W SET amp is hardly a current monster. Quite the oposite.

The reason I posted this is that you seem to have a very strong opinions about the product, which I belive are not true.
I've read one of your prior post, concerning the lack of bass output with your current equipment. At least that was my understanding of your post. I have an opinion, I didn't say it was a fact. I use this forum to give food for thought, based on my experiences and my preferences. There isn't a one amp fits all. As a Wilson dealer has told me; Sophia's require quality, not quantity. If you love your sound and I love my sound that's great. We end with the same results with different opinions.
I have had the Sophia 1 for a few years and have heard the Sophia 2s many times. I love them with my Lamm M1.2s, although I know that amp-speaker combo did not sing for Elberoth. They also sound great with Ayre mono blocks. I did not care for them with the big Krell mono blocks.

I have them in a fairly large room and they breathe and fill the room with sound and the Lamms seem to drive them without difficulty.

I did find that the Sophia 1s can sound bright with some music with Virtual Dynamics cables. They were not bright with Transparent but did not sing either. But with Purist Anniversaries the sound is always liquid AND detailed with the lowest noise floor I've heard.

I'm not surprised that Elberoth's Sophia 2s are beautiful with the 27WPC Audio Note Japan Ongaku SET amp. I imagine that is a beautiful sounding system.