Sasha vs Sophia 3

[George47]

I am contemplating an upgrade to my current system and have the option for Sophia 3s or Sasha 1s.

My current system consists of an Esoteric P03/D03, ARC Ref 5SE, ARC Ref 75SE (a set of Krell Evolution 600) and a pair of Wilson 6s. There are 2 deals available for Sasha 1s or Sophia 3s. My reason for an upgrade is I really like what the Wilsons do but would like a bit more warmth and a more organic sound. Which of these two speakers would do that? A few people have said that the Sophia 3s are better in that they are less fussy than Sashas and therefore more likely to work better as a result. Apart from a little 'upfrontness' I do not find a problem with the 6s. A few have said that the Sasha are better at fitting into larger US rooms not smaller European room. My room is 30'x20' which I would hope is OK.

Also given the punishing load (and the need to sell one set of the power amps) will I need to use the Krell Evo 600s as the Ref 75SE will be found to be under-powered. I normally do not listen at very high levels and rarely go above 90-95db.

[audiohippo]

I don't have the answer which is going to sound better in your room, but the Sasha v1 are more efficient than the Sophia v3, 91dB/87dB. However they do dip down to 1.8 ohms compared to 3.1 ohms.

My room is smaller than yours and I find the Sasha's a perfect fit. 25' by 16'. I listen between 65-85dB.

Even though the frequency response is the same, +/-3 dB 20 Hz - 22 kHz, the Sophia uses a 10" compared to dual 8" in the Sasha, the Sasha would be moving more air and has a slightly larger cabinet, the result should be a better bass punch.

I found this link too: http://www.audioaficionado.org/wilso...-vs-sasha.html

As for the amplifier, the Ref75 has been mentioned on this forum many times as a perfect match for the Sasha or Sophia. Infact Wilson did a number of events using the Ref 75 when the Sasha v2 and Sophia v3 were launched. I really like the Krell Evo series; it has heaps of power, but you may find it doesn't have the finesse to bring out the best in the Wilson's.


Audio Show 2013



California Audio Show 2014


Keep us posted on your progress.

[George47]

Cheers mate.

I am thinking that if I make the change I should go for the best and get the Sashas. I can then compare the Ref 75SE to the Krell 600s at home and sell which I did not prefer. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Mikeoz]

The link is an interesting read. Maybe Martin Colloms opted for the Sophia as it was 40% cheaper than the Sasha at that time. I think the secondhand Sasha I would be better value than secondhand Sophia III as it's no longer the current model. Given the superior design would seem the better option.

Please let us know how you get on I hope to make a similar purchase when funds permit.

[Console666]

Originally Posted by Mikeoz

The link is an interesting read. Maybe Martin Colloms opted for the Sophia as it was 40% cheaper than the Sasha at that time. I think the secondhand Sasha I would be better value than secondhand Sophia III as it's no longer the current model. Given the superior design would seem the better option. Please let us know how you get on I hope to make a similar purchase when funds permit.

Definitely a 2nd hand Sasha is the better choice!
Price difference around 4-5k max depending on age for a Sasha 1.

[PLK]

I've spent a lot of time with both.

IMO, the Sasha 1 sound best with amps more powerful than the REF 75 SE.

It's also more "in your face" than the Sophia 3s, but can be tuned with the loading resistors.

[jpgr4blu]

Not that close. Used Sashas. The Sashas are much warmer and more musical than the 6s you currently have. Indeed, that progression in sound started with the WP 7 and has only gotten better and more refined over the last few iterations. I too think that the Ref 75SE is a great amp and will handle the Sashas about as well as the 6s. Herd the combo at showrooms and shows. But if you want great grunt down below---ref 150se. But that said, don't think the Sophia 3s are a better choice because they accommodate less current better than the Sashas. The Ref 75se/ Sasha combo is simply much better than the Ref 75se/Sophia 3 combo and also leaves room for future improvements.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

Not that close. Used Sashas. The Sashas are much warmer and more musical than the 6s you currently have. Indeed, that progression in sound started with the WP 7 and has only gotten better and more refined over the last few iterations. I too think that the Ref 75SE is a great amp and will handle the Sashas about as well as the 6s. Herd the combo at showrooms and shows. But if you want great grunt down below---ref 150se. But that said, don't think the Sophia 3s are a better choice because they accommodate less current better than the Sashas. The Ref 75se/ Sasha combo is simply much better than the Ref 75se/Sophia 3 combo and also leaves room for future improvements.

Yes yes yes.

[Elberoth]

My room is 14x19. My old Sashas worked beautifully in that room. At the current S/H prices, Sasha is a no brainer to me.

[Console666]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

My room is 14x19. My old Sashas worked beautifully in that room. At the current S/H prices, Sasha is a no brainer to me.

Agree!