My move to the Sasha

[audiohippo]

Taking the weekend to drive approx. 600km / 373 miles return trip to listen to the Wilson Sasha v2, I was very impressed.

Dealer is checking availability on Red and Titanium colour.

Next is getting new electronics as I my Mcintosh gear is pending sale.

My music ranges from Jazz/Blues through to Rock.

Over the past few weeks across 3 different cities, I've had the opportunity to listen to the below gear which was initially compiled based on other threads recommendations. Unfortunately none electronics were matched with the Wilson Sasha or any Wilson speaker for that matter.

I enjoyed all of the electronics, and would like to own them all.

1. Audio Research Ref5se with Ref75se or Ref150se
2. Ayre KX5 and VX5
3. Pass Labs XP20 with XA60.8 or XA100.8
4. Esoteric C02x with Classe M600

I won't be in a position to change the speakers/electronics again for another 3-4 years (WAF) so don't want to choose the wrong gear.

I know it's down to the individuals preference, but is there any one combination that really stands out as the better option to select?

Thanks

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Taking the weekend to drive approx. 600km / 373 miles return trip to listen to the Wilson Sasha v2, I was very impressed. Dealer is checking availability on Red and Titanium colour. Next is getting new electronics as I my Mcintosh gear is pending sale. My music ranges from Jazz/Blues through to Rock. Over the past few weeks across 3 different cities, I've had the opportunity to listen to the below gear which was initially compiled based on other threads recommendations. Unfortunately none electronics were matched with the Wilson Sasha or any Wilson speaker for that matter. I enjoyed all of the electronics, and would like to own them all. 1. Audio Research Ref5se with Ref75se or Ref150se 2. Ayre KX5 and VX5 3. Pass Labs XP20 with XA60.8 or XA100.8 4. Esoteric C02x with Classe M600 I won't be in a position to change the speakers/electronics again for another 3-4 years (WAF) so don't want to choose the wrong gear. I know it's down to the individuals preference, but is there any one combination that really stands out as the better option to select? Thanks

My dealer was playing Ayre gear (both the newest 20 series mono blocks and the newest integrated) with many of the Wilson speakers and I thought it was quite nice.
Esoteric may be a bit clinical when paired with Wilson, though that is my subjective opinion. Congrats on the Sasha2!

[chessman]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Taking the weekend to drive approx. 600km / 373 miles return trip to listen to the Wilson Sasha v2, I was very impressed.

Dealer is checking availability on Red and Titanium colour.

Next is getting new electronics as I my Mcintosh gear is pending sale.

My music ranges from Jazz/Blues through to Rock.

Over the past few weeks across 3 different cities, I've had the opportunity to listen to the below gear which was initially compiled based on other threads recommendations. Unfortunately none electronics were matched with the Wilson Sasha or any Wilson speaker for that matter.

I enjoyed all of the electronics, and would like to own them all.

1. Audio Research Ref5se with Ref75se or Ref150se
2. Ayre KX5 and VX5
3. Pass Labs XP20 with XA60.8 or XA100.8
4. Esoteric C02x with Classe M600

I won't be in a position to change the speakers/electronics again for another 3-4 years (WAF) so don't want to choose the wrong gear.

I know it's down to the individuals preference, but is there any one combination that really stands out as the better option to select?

Thanks

ARC Ref5se and Ref150se would be a commonly seen pairing with Wilson Audio. My personal preference would be BAT gear, which I think is heavenly matched with Wilson.

Edit: Just noticed you are in Australia. I do not know if Balanced Audio Technology gear is even available there. Sorry for the digression.

[audiohippo]

Found 1 dealer for BAT in Australia, unfortunately they are not local and would involve catching plane for an audition.

[thesaint519]

Wow!! Congratulations. Although I've only heard ARC & Lamm gear with Wilson, I'm sure there are other highly regarded electronics that'd make your new loves sing. I chose Lamm. Good luck in your search.

[jdandy]

audiohippo.......I would keep the McIntosh MC501 amplifiers and move to a much better preamp like the C2300, C2500, C500C/T, or C1000C/T or C1000C/P. The C220 was an entry level preamp, no moving coil phono stage, and doesn't hold a candle to the performance of the preamps above. All of the above mentioned preamplifiers mated with the MC501's will light up your Wilson Audio Sasha's.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by jdandy

audiohippo.......I would keep the McIntosh MC501 amplifiers and move to a much better preamp like the C2300, C2500, C500C/T, or C1000C/T or C1000C/P. The C220 was an entry level preamp, no moving coil phono stage, and doesn't hold a candle to the performance of the preamps above. All of the above mentioned preamplifiers mated with the MC501's will light up your Wilson Audio Sasha's.

Amen. My C500 and MC501s handle Sophia 3 beautifully.

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by jdandy

audiohippo.......I would keep the McIntosh MC501 amplifiers and move to a much better preamp like the C2300, C2500, C500C/T, or C1000C/T or C1000C/P. The C220 was an entry level preamp, no moving coil phono stage, and doesn't hold a candle to the performance of the preamps above. All of the above mentioned preamplifiers mated with the MC501's will light up your Wilson Audio Sasha's.

I have no requirement for phono, that said I may have an opportunity to listen to the Sasha's on the MC501s before they are sold with a friends C52.

[Down Under]

I know you are looking at separates,but the Gryphon Diablo 300 is worth a long hard look particularly with Sasha's.
You have some good advice on Mcintosh-I have little experience with them.
I have heard the others and would choose either the Pass or Audio Research combo depending on your taste.

[2fastdriving]

Why not get the Sasha's and see how your current electronics sound with them before starting over from scratch? Or, like Dan suggested, upgrade only the weaker links, like the preamp?