Amati Futura's to replace Sophia?

[W9TR]

I've been enjoying a pair Wilson Sophia 2's for a couple years now and really like them a lot.

I love the imaging and sound staging of the Sophia's and their overall dynamics. They are a fun loudspeaker. Bringing in a pair of MC601's into the mix has me thinking that I don't yet have the correct system synergy with my MC2301's, which are going to stay in the system.

I've found that I'm looking for the different aesthetic for sure and also a sound that's a little bit less forward.

I'd like to consider Sonos Faber and I think the Amati Futuras would be a great next step.

Has anybody here had a chance to compare these two loudspeakers, or something similar?

Pros? Cons?

Your advice will be very welcome!

Tom

P.S. my listening space is 14' deep and about 16' wide with 8' ceilings, and is part of a larger room that is the same depth but about 55' wide. I listen pretty much in the near field, sidewall reflections are minimal.

[antipop]

I haven't listened to any of those speakers so I cannot comment but I can say that SF has a special something that makes everything sing.

[mbovaird]

I would do it in a heart beat.

[dteam702]

Tom,

Your 601's was driving the Futura

[Still-One]

Tom
That price point you are considering is populated with quite a few very nice speakers. There was a recent thread here that touched on the challenges you will face selecting one.

http://www.audioaficionado.org/gener...akers-wow.html

Enjoy the hunt.

[Bluemcintosh]

Tom, since you love the wilson audio sounds as you stated why not move up to Sasha ? Isn't that safe bet?

Or is that anything you are missing on your current setup? I just finished my journey on that price range and at least I found what I was looking for

Good luck

Sent from my Note II using A.Aficionado

[mbovaird]

Based on your room dimensions, I think the Futuras would be perfect.

[-E-]

McWilson synergy... never made me go "ooooooo."

SF + Mc =

Mc + Mc =

But you wanted something more laid back; XRT1K's aren't laid back.

[jdandy]

Tom.......I am quite confident the Sonus faber Futura's and the McIntosh MC2301's will melt your heart. .

[W9TR]

Jim,
Thanks for the link. Great reading. The challenge for me is being able to listen to the speakers on my short list. Minneapolis is in the #16 TV market, not a huge city, so choices here are somewhat limited.

Tom, since you love the wilson audio sounds as you stated why not move up to Sasha ? Isn't that safe bet?

Paul,
While I really like the dynamics and imaging of Wilson speakers, the aesthetics are a challenge for Kelly. She thinks they look too industrial.

Bringing the MC601 into my system made me realize that the synergy between Sophia's and the MC2301 is just not what it should be. The overall sound with the 601's is better balanced, but is missing the midrange magic of the 2301's.

While I really love the Shasha's and think it's a great speaker, it's not a good match for the MC 2301's. The Shasha's are difficult to drive, having some big impedance dips in the bass that would be a real challenge for the 2301.

BTW, I love your VA speakers. I heard them at CES when they were introduced. awesome. Definitely a contender, but the closest dealer is Chicago.

Emile,
I've heard the XRT200 and really like them a lot, so McIntosh could be an option for sure. More listening will be in order, and there is a good local dealer here.

Dan,
That is exactly what I'm looking for. You know the magic of the 2301's. I need to find a speaker that will release all their potential.

Thanks all,

Tom