Sophia Electric OPTs do actually sound very nice. I mean VERY nice. I honestly can't tell if these are significantly better sounding than the Hashimotos, if at all, since I don't have an amp with Hashimoto OPTs to make the AB comparison. But I get the same goosebumps when I hear these Sophia Electric made WE-core OPTs as I did when I auditioned Paul's amps (Hashimotos OPTs, $800 per pair + $200 shipping from Japan). It's all there- excellent high end extension, seductive mids and good bass. Mostly importantly, they are very natural sounding and musical. I am spinning some Jazz records as I am typing this and I can't remember for how long the amp has been on. It's been playing music for hours, but I didn't notice it(time flying quickly) because the sound is so comfortable. Hope I remember to turn it off before going to bed! Will I recommend these for future builds? Sure. After all, shouldn't a WE91A deserve WE sounding OPTs? TAL