Hantra-
No, I did not pay retail of course. As I believe you have no local dealer, email me off line.
[email protected]Regarding the Solos vs. Sophia--the Sophia is just not as coherant of a speaker, which is my beef with so many designs. I hate being able to pick out different driveers with different instruments, etc. Dynaudios have a crossover that is seamless (my old 1.3SEs) and was the reason i was attracted to them. After I sold them, i was set to buy Ann 25s, but hate the finish. The Solos just do so many things right, and in normal rooms. They are designed to be placed close to walls, but are ok 5 or 6 ft out. They have built in active eqs so you can tune to your room. They do not require massive room treatment as I feel the Sophias go, as the horn design prevents a lot of first reflection problems. I actually just purchased the new Wadia 861ix, which I am going to A/B against my Cary SLP98/306 rig now. If the Wadia works well direct, well then I may be set. That said, I also want to use these for recording dj stuff, so will keep the pre around. I hear from others that a tube pre is good for AGs, so we will see.
My other criteria for speakers was dynamics/soundstage and midrange. Vocals are just there on the Solos, and the dynamics of course being horns are there. I haven't heard a speaker that has the dynamics these things do. I can't wait to play some thunderous classical, heavy techno, or even classic Zep on these puppies. However, they don't beam at you as some horn designs do. In fact, several people argue the Solo is the best Avantgarde yet....
The Sophia has a touch more bass, but the Solo is no slouch with 12" drivers helping out. 30hz is the rating I believe, which is plenty for me. The Wilson may image slightly better, but I find that recordings/rooms affect imaging the most, and that may be at fault in my demos rather than the speaker. The Wilsons also require more power than most think, and I had Cub IIs before, so I was very familiar with the sound. That said, the Sophias are a superior speaker to Cubs and even W/P 6s in that Dave Wilson finally got coherancy much better in the new line. The Sophias probably also do a bit "outside the speaker" soundstaging better...although this isn't of huge importance to me.
To sum up, these are very different designs, and once you hear the horns, they just seem to walk over many things I have heard. Is there better? Sure, but I didn't want to spend 20k.
Feel free to email me offline with more specific questions...i'm rambling here.
John,
Yes, actually I have heard JoshKs RM40s. I like the speaker, but it doesn't fit in my room, and doesn't fit my decor at all. The blue metallic horns seem to do me better sizewise. I was quite impressed, although still thought the sweet spot was small. I hear Joshs new room makes this better however. I would love to bring the Solos over though, and we could do a shootout of sorts? Or just crack open a few beers and have some fun with both designs! I hope to get them in the next two weeks, and will burn them in for 200hrs before though. I hear AGs are a nightmare breakin wise. I live in Bev Hills Adj area by Robertson...
Cheers,
KeithR
PS. I saw the basshorns at the NYC AG store, but didn't get to hear them. With the Trios, that is an awe-inspiring setup!
