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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Silverline Audio Technology SR12 Speakers by jonbee

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REVIEW: Silverline Audio Technology SR12 Speakers

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Model: SR12
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $995
Description: Very small 2 way speaker
Manufacturer URL: Silverline Audio Technology
Model Picture: View

Review by jonbee on March 10, 2013 at 11:41:00
IP Address: 98.225.22.34
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for the SR12


The Silverline SR12 is a tiny (11x8x6.5 in., 12 lbs.) monitor type speaker. It uses a 5" midwoofer and 1" fabric tweeter that are very similar to drivers in the Panatella and other Silverline models. They can hardly be smaller- the woofer and tweeter take up nearly all the front baffle space. They are rear ported, very solidly built with very good parts and attention to detail, and beautifully finished.
I owned a pair of SR12 about 15 years ago which used a metal dome tweeter and liked them ok, but because of their niche application did't match my needs and I didn't keep them.
Let me say at the outset that these are not "general purpose" speakers. They can get acceptably loud in small to medium size rooms, but if fed a full range signal with a lot of bass content they will be overdriven at less than 90db. If used in a full range system they need to be crossed at 80-100hz., with a steep high pass filter to protect them. In my small 10x12 office, they have enough midbass to let you know the bass instruments are there, but not really fleshed out. Those comments just about cover the negatives.
As small room, desktop speakers with a beefy amp, or as surrounds, these truly come into their own with some real strengths. Within their limitations, these are great sounding small speakers. Seen as alternatives to LS3/5a, they are less colored and more open, to my ears, without the midbass boost of the LS3. I prefer the SR12s to the LS3, but the latter has never really floated my boat.
Like all Silverlines I've heard, they have a balanced and musical midrange expertly blended with a tweeter that is very extended, open, and detailed.
Imaging is great and really gets outside the speakers, and the soundstage is quite spacious. The upper bass sounds a bit "plummy" in my small office (most speakers are similar), but is balanced in my medium sized room.
Instrument images and outlines are very nice and natural, but not as razor sharp as my other, much larger and pricier speakers. The overall impression is of an easy and open sound, with a wonderful image, but on a miniature scale.
Comparisons? The current speaker that I'm reminded of most is the standard Ascend Sierra 1, with the base tweeter. The Sierra is quite a bit larger, though still quite small, and has probably twice the internal volume. The Sierra goes much lower, will play louder, and matches the midrange purity, but the top end of the Silverline is notably more extended and finely detailed. Both do a nice job of presenting real music, with the choice being dependent on the application. If you need the smallest possible speaker, or really relish a great top end, the SR12 is a better choice; if bottom end range and power handing is more important, the Sierra 1 gets my vote.
BTW, I find the sound is best listening below the tweeter axis, above it and the balance suffers.
So- if you need a very compact but high quality speakers for desktop, bookshelves, surrounds or small rooms and can give up high volumes and low bass in exchange for a lovely soundstage, these are a good choice from a small field of candidates. It seems Silverline has had them in their lineup for a very long time, and I can see why. In their niche, they are very enjoyable sounding and beautifully realized devices.
I'm not sure what I'll do with mine, but I not inclined to sell them again. Another great quality- they take up very little storage space!


Product Weakness: No deep bass, light midbass. Can be overdriven with full range signals. Somewhat insensitive. Images not as razor sharp as the best.
Product Strengths: Excellent imaging, top end extension. Clear, musical, well integrated tonal presentation. Jewel-like finishing and construction. Size?


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: magnum dynalab 208 receiver
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Modded Oppo 983 H
Speakers: see review
Cables/Interconnects: Zu Mission, Libtec
Music Used (Genre/Selections): lots
Room Size (LxWxH): 10 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 week
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Silverline Audio Technology SR12 Speakers - jonbee 11:41:00 03/10/13 ( 7)