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

In my opinion, the VTL-150 won't work with the Sophia 2's. I have both (although in separate systems) and tried them together. Bass was F-L-A-B-B-Y. I'm guessing that amp doesn't have enough juice at 4ohms.

I'm guessing you also don't want Ayre. I heard Ayre electronics matched up with Wilson Sasha's at RMAF and it was thin and bright sounding - not my cup of tea. If you like realistic body, you're going to need tubes in your path somewhere (imo).

I have Pass amps and use a tube preamp to balance out the sound. I have heard nothing but good things about the Parasound and would love to audition them one day. I did try the preamp and it was very warm and nice, but a little rolled off on top. I wonder how the amp would sound...

Go with the ARC Ref 210s and you will be happy for some time.

As a Sophia 2's owner I have run them with the CJ350ss amp. They sounded good until I got the Roland 312. ---Which was a nice step up. My Wilson dealer has recommended the Ayre MXR's----I'm thinking about that along with Ayre's K-something pre and all Cardas wires.---Anybody??

Hi Cipherjuris,

I'm looking at getting used Sophia 1's, and would be using them with a Krell stack (KCT & FPB400cx), Nordost Blue Heaven cables, & Marantz SA-7S1 CDP. In what way did the Krell setup disappoint you?

Tinear1,

Sorry to be late responding. Haven't checked this thread in a while. First, let me say that I have never really liked the Krell sound. It has always been too analytical for my taste. The new Krells are a big improvement, but still don't quite get there for me.

With that disclosure, I found the combination of big Krell mono blocks with both Sophia 1s and 2s to just not have the magic that Sophias with Lamm M1.2s have or the warm midrange they have with the Ayre mono blocks.

If you like the Krell sound, however, I don't think you will be disappointed with Sophia 1s with them. If you go with that combo and find you would like to warm up the midrange, you might try the Purist Proteus Provectus cables. They have fabulous midrange and highs, but were a little bass shy with my Lamms, but that should not be a problem with Krells.