Silverline Face-off: Sonatina II vs 17.5

Art - I've had the three previous versions of the SR17, as well as the Sonatina I, so I can hazard a guess.

As far as imaging the SR17's will should be a clear winner from my experience. Nothing disappears like them. I'm going to assume you're putting them on good stands as they really need that. That's not to say the Sonatinas are chumps at imaging, it will just be difficult for a 3-way floorstander to surpass a 2-way monitor in that department. As far as getting a full tonal range the Sonatinas should eek out a bit more, but I wonder if you won't be more enchanted with the magic of the SR17s, but that's a big room to fill with music and if you keep that Cary in Triode - well, I found 40 watts was marginal but could do the trick, though every so often had me wanting a bit more power. On the Sonatinas that amount of power would be fine. He makes some damn fine speakers - look forward to hearing what you think of the 17.5's.

If I had to bet my money, based on my experiences with the other versions of those speakers, I'd bet that with your space (room volume) and that amp, that you'll stick with the floorstanders. I bet it'll be tough choice though.

Hi Jax2. SO FAR, after a few hours of testing, I'd have to say you pretty much nailed it in terms of describing the differences. However, I've had the Sonatina II's for several years and the 17.5 are new to me. In a close call I'll keep the newer speakers. But you are right, the Sonatina II's do a better job of filling the room gracefully and have more height of soundstage too. 17.5 sound more pure, disappear better, and I think are a tad clearer. They sound so much more similar to each other than I expected!

What I did not expect is how different the 17.5 sound on different stands. Yikes! On sand-filled Skylan 24D they are extremely poised, natural, a tad restrained. On EPOS ST12 stands, they have more air, larger soundstage, seem to be enjoying them selves more, but a hair metallic compared to the Skylan, not quite as natural tone.

All 3 sound great. Right now I could toss a coin.

I did expect the Dynaudio drivers in 17.5 to sound more different than Sonatina II.

BTW my Sonatina II are serial numbers 1818. Alan once told me he made an important change around serial number 1800. FWIW.

Art

ps: Care to describe the sonic differences among the various versions of 17? :)

Kill the sub, then listen. Then after you feel confident in your conclusions...add the sub back. Then listen again.

Agreed, you should definitely leave the sub out for basic comparisons and, especially,for comparing stands and such.