Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Silverline Audio Technology Sonata III Speakers by Jack G

Model:	Sonata III
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$6500
Description:	4 driver floor standing speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Silverline Audio Technology
Model Picture:	View

Review by Jack G ( A ) on August 23, 2004 at 05:25:15
IP Address: 64.8.245.34

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for the Sonata III

This is sort of a preliminary review, since I've only had them a short while, and I will get to know them better as time goes by.
Since I had recently bought the Bel Canto eVo 2i II, I came to the realization, that it was far more neutral tonally than my speakers- Galante Buckinghams. Also, with 120 watts, I didn't need the 100db efficiency.
I unpacked the 110 lb boxes, and found rather diminuative speakers. At about 43"x12"x12", they do not dominate the room-in fact, they look rather tiny compared to what I'm used to. I burned them in for about 200 hrs with either a burn in cut or ocean waves(easier on the nerves). Placement was surprisingly easy. I placed them where all my other speaker went. This spot has been determined by the Audio Physics method, and works well with most speakers. Toe in is pretty much at my ears, with the focal point 1 foot behind my head.
Specs:
FR: 25-28K -3
crossover pts: 200,2000,4500
1.25" Soft dome tweeter, 2" soft dome mid, 7" cone midwoofer, 9.5" woofer.
efficiency-93 db 8 ohms(+/- 10%)
Gripes? It only comes in 3 finishes-Rosewood, Brairwood, piano black. I got the Rosewood. The brairwood is patterned like particle board, and the black is well...black.
The Rosewood is very nice, but it is a tad dark for my listening room, but the fit-n-finish is absolutely supurb. Still, other options would have been nice.
They are Bi-wireable, but I didn't want to spend the extra bucks for more cable, so I got a set of Onix Jumpers cheap on A'gon.
So, how do they sound? In a word, sublime.
Keeping the cliche's to a minimum, they do all of the audiophilia very well. The soundstage is deeper than wide, but this may be my room- this is also record dependant-much more so than any other speaker I've had. Imaging is round and organic sounding. I suspect this is due to the detail, especially in the treble. The detail has to be heard to be believed. There is tons of detail, but it seems very natural, and doesn't really call attention to itself.
The treble is smooth, detailed and seems to extend up forever. The mids are equally smooth and tranparent, and the bass is beyond beleif.
A few comments about the bass: It is DEEP, TIGHT, FAST, ARTICULATE, AND VISCERAL. Its also very musical. Unlike my other speakers with a 15" coaxal, they do not crush you with a wall of bass that hits you in the chest. Instead, it is more like a big beast that is standing in front of you. Most of the time the bass doesn't seem unusual, and is always natural and well integrated, but there are certain synth. albums that plumet down to the bowels of hell-they can be mindblowing.
Side note: The spec says -3 @ 25hz. I don't beleive it, but I suspect it is close. With room boost, they are actually up a few dbs in the 32.5-40 hz. region, but 25 hz is barely audible. My guess is they go down to the upper 20s and drop like a rock-perhaps it is my room.
Overall, the speakers are a touch laid back (more so with the grills on)which IMO, is better than in your face. They are also amazingly smooth, full, lush, fatigue free, coherent and FOCUSED. Lord are they focused.
I can't test for this, but I suspect there is a slight dip in the 2-3Khz region, giving the sound its laid back character. Or, perhaps my last speakers just had a boost there.
I can't stop grinning while I listen. My wife just looks at me and smiles.
More to come later...

Product Weakness: The WILL let you know if there are problems downstream. Soundstage is more variable than other speakers. Would prefer other finish options.
Product Strengths: Smooth and Fatigue free. Amazing detail and focus. Good extention and KILLER bass. Good imaging

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bel Canto eVo 2i II
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cary 308T Basis/benz/EAR phono
Speakers:	see text
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus solo /oval 8s
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Most
Time Period/Length of Audition:	a month
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	The WILL let you know if there are problems downstream. Soundstage is more variable than other speakers. Would prefer other finish options.
Product Strengths:	Smooth and Fatigue free. Amazing detail and focus. Good extention and KILLER bass. Good imaging