Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Silverline Audio Technology SR11 Speakers by jonbee

Model:	SR11
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1500??
Description:	standmount monitor
Manufacturer URL:	Silverline Audio Technology
Manufacturer URL:	Silverline Audio Technology

Review by jonbee ( A ) on May 06, 2006 at 17:04:56
IP Address: 24.19.38.53

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for the SR11

My main system has been principally unchanged for over 2 years, as I am very happy with the sound as it is, so have been happy just to play with tweaks to it. I have principally exercised my Audiophilia Nervosa in my smaller systems, most notably my bedroom system. In the last 5 years or so something like 20 pair of speakers have cycle through there. All candidates have been highly touted, and most retailed between $1k and $3k.
In this time the undisputed fave for me was the Merlin TSM-M. I considered it the only small speaker I found to be worthy of the name "monitor", in that they let the recording flow without significant coloration. As part of this they have the ability to allow one to hear deeply into the large soundstage at any part of the spectrum, and enjoy a sharply focused and accurate presentation of any of the instruments or ambient sounds found there. (FYI-I owned the TSM-M- I'm sure the -MX or -MM are better yet).
I ran across a pair to Silverline SR-11s in the stunning briar finish, and since WAF is big in the bedroom system I bought them for a very good price.
I had owned a pair of SR-12s a few year back, and I was not very pleased overall, as the lower mids seemed somewhat more opaque and congested than I was hoping for. I sold them quickly, and had not heard any other Silverline models.
When I hooked thethe SR-11s up and a-b'ed them to my similarly priced ($1500 retail) Onix Ref 1s and Monitor Audio GR10s, I was stunned by what I heard. The top to bottom accuracy, enormous soundstage and level of detail and focus easily trumped both those speakers, which is no mean feat as those two speakers were the winners after 3 years of comparisons in my system.
That's the good. The down side is that this kind of accuracy is a two edged sword. There is nowhere for any source or recording imperfections to hide. These input flaws are not accentuated, but are clearly apparent in such a pristinely delineated soundstage. In particular, there is a great deal of top end energy- not exaggerated, IMO, but extremely clean, detailed and accessible. Accordingly, system mathcup is critical. I think something like an Audio Refinement Complete would be a good budget choice, as would be smooth tubes, but these can show off the very best equipment as well.
To sum up- in my 12x17 bedroom, with my equipment, and within the sound level ( <96-7 db) and FR (> 55hz.) limits of these very small speakers, I have never heard a more totally honest monitor. The TSM-M will play louder, and go a bit deeper, but in a smallish room I think they've met their match.
I'm using them with an Onix UFW-10 sub, and the integration was a snap. While the ultimate SPL is still below the headbanger level, it is a nearly full range small room system that gives up very little to the best I've heard at any price.

Product Weakness: Very revealing of recording of source issues- very small woofer can't drive a large room. This level of accuracy may not appeal to a lot of listeners. Limited output capability.
Product Strengths: Enormously deep and wide soundstage- total disappearing act- stunning transparency and detail-smooth midbass allows easy integration with sub. Beautiful cabinets.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	see my systems
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	see my systems
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	see my systems
Speakers:	see my systems
Cables/Interconnects:	see my systems
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all kinds
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	fairly lively room
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Very revealing of recording of source issues- very small woofer can't drive a large room. This level of accuracy may not appeal to a lot of listeners. Limited output capability.
Product Strengths:	Enormously deep and wide soundstage- total disappearing act- stunning transparency and detail-smooth midbass allows easy integration with sub. Beautiful cabinets.