Wilson Sophia 3

Cam -- Sun, 08/29/2010 - 18:23

Does anyone have any insight as to what the changes/improvements will be for the Wilson Sophia 3 versus the Sophia 2? Are we to expect considerable, moderate or marginal improvements? And at what price?

I ask as I have the opportunity to buy a pair of Sophia 2s at a discounted price from the dealer (customer returned but didn't open the box) and I'm wondering if I should jump on the deal or wait for the Sopia 3?

Thanks always for your input!

SundayNiagara -- Sun, 08/29/2010 - 20:43

What do your ears tell you?

Cam -- Sun, 08/29/2010 - 21:55

Haven't heard the Sophia 3's yet - they are not yet in stock and the dealer won't even have pricing in until next week. I'm just trying to decide if I should jump on this deal for the Sophia 2s or wait it out, possibly losing the deal on the Sophia 2s, to hear the Sophia 3s.

As for the Sophia 2s - my ears tell me they are great speakers! I've heard some say they have a tweeter that can sound a little aggressive but I didn't experience that in the 2 or so hours I spent with them at the dealer.

Robert Harley -- Sun, 08/29/2010 - 22:15

I haven't heard the Sophia 3, but can tell you that the Sophia 2 is outstanding, and the best value in the Wilson line. But given the significant upgrades between the series in the past (MAXX 2 to MAXX 3, Sophia to Sophia 2, X-2 to X-2 Series 2, WATT/Puppy to Sasha, etc.) I expect the Sophia 3 to be quite a bit better. It's interesting that the Sophia 3 comes after all the other upgrades to the line, which suggests that what they learned on the more expensive models has found its way into the Sophia 3.

This isn't definitive, but I hope it helps.

Cam -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 07:25

Thanks Robert!

John Renzetti -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 11:45

Hi, I had a chance to hear the Sofia 3 at a demo at HiFi House in Jenkintown PA. Peter McGrath from Wilson and Mark Rubinson did the setup and placement They set them up in a large area with minimal acoustic treatments. The components were from Ayre. I don't think the amp cost more than $5k. The sound I felt was fantastic. Since I own a pair of Sofia 2's I was able to do some comparison. The 3's had a slightly better soundstage and I thought the high's were a bit more distinct. I would definetly say they made some improvements over the 2's. I have no complaints at all with my Sofia 2's. I bought them 2 yrs ago as dealer demos. For me trading in the 2's for the 3's just wouldn't be cost effective. However given that you have a chance to get either the 2 or the new 3, listen to them both, preferrably under the same conditions. If I had not already had the 2's and was faced with your same situation I might bite the bullet and find the additional funds for the Sofia 3's. I heard the Sasha's at the 2009 RMAF and given a choice of the 3's or the Sasha I would go for the 3 if the funds were limited. Nothing wrong with the Sasha's but given the improvements in the 3's they give a lot for less money.
Have fun making the choice,
take care,
John

Cam -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 11:57

Thanks John.

Any idea what the 3's might cost? I have an opportunity to pick up a returned (box unopened) pair of 2's from the dealer for $10,500.

John Renzetti -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 12:10

Hi, From what I understand they are the same price that the 2's were, about $16.5k. (if you say the price quickly it doesn't sound as expensive.) If the dealer is a Wilson dealer then they should be getting the 3's in so you can compare them side by side. That would be great if you could do that since it would be with the same equipment and same listening environment.
When I got my demo 2's two yrs ago they were a bit less, about 9k. Your spread between the 2's and the new 3's is a bit narrower.
If you are near SE PA and can't hear the 2's in person you can listen to mine.
take care,
John

Ricjor1 -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 14:13

CamBaskey
It's hard to say if the price difference is worth it or not, only you can determine that. I just went from the Sophia II's to the III's and in the context of my system there is a significant difference between the two. Significant, but not day and night. Definitely more bass articulation and impact, mids are clearer and more detailed, more space between instruments, overall the best upgrade I have ever done. Even my wife agrees that there is a significant difference.

Cam -- Mon, 08/30/2010 - 12:14

Thanks for the offer John - I'm in Toronto, Canada. I might hold out until I can hear the Sophia 3s at my local dealer before I jump on the Sophia 2 deal.

Cheers!

mert -- Tue, 08/31/2010 - 16:54

I agree with Robert , Sophia 2 was greatest value in Wilson Range. However, I wouldn't buy Sophia 3 or Sasha after having lived with Sophia 2. The Maxx 3 would be the one not the Sophia 3 or Sasha.

tompj -- Tue, 09/07/2010 - 13:36

Sophia III got a great review from Ken Kessler who seems to think it is a big step up from Sophia II (which he owns). For what it is worth....

Cam -- Tue, 09/07/2010 - 15:27

Thanks Gents,

I'm holding back on the decision on whether to buy a pair of new/used Sophia 2s or a new pair of Sophia 3s until I get a chance to hear the Sophia 3s. While I'm waiting, I'm also going to check out the Canton Reference 3.2 DCs to see how they compare.