silverline vs von schweikert

I auditioned both at CES 2005 and own neither. I agree that VS is a bit less finicky as far as placement; and in fact, it might be a bit easier to drive to get optimum sound relative to the Silverline.

However, the two speakers dont perform in the same class. The Silverline Sonata three is simply a much better product. I know I am not listing a detailed audition report on coherency, soundstage mid highs lows etc.

Its immediately obvious though.

Robm321,

Yes it is definitely comfortable. Even more so with the Ayre cx7e that replaced the bel canto dac2 and cal audio changer. I don't find the diagonal set up a problem at all. Perhaps it is because there is a hallway behind me to my right and the room opens up into a dining area behind me to my left. The sound waves do have room to disburse.

I've had both speakers The VS VR4JR about a year and now the Silverlines. The VS were detailed open sounding with tight bass. But never really wowed me or brought me into the music. THey were on the lean side- somtimes bright(Yes I broke them in for 400 hrs). Not a plus for me -With my CJ Tubes I was looking for something a little richer and full bodied.

The Silverline Sonata 3's did the trick. RIch, full bodied as open as the VS but full bodied and less lean. WIth the Dynaudio tweeters they were never bright. And the midrange on the Sonata drew mw in and got me involved. The VS were a bit too analytical/clinical for me.
I like my music presentation to have character.

The Sonatas knocked me over from the first minute

Gear:

Shanling CDT-100
Michel Gryrodec SE/SME 4/ Clear Audio virtuoso wood
Audio Research PH-1
COnrad Johnson- PV-14Series 2
CJ Premiere 11a

I'm using a premier 11a with the 4JRs and it was nice but really improved with biamping. An MF2250 on the bottom really opened up the 4JRs.

Rrodmanr is right. Certain speakers have a "signature". The VR4jr's are very neutral. With tubes they are magical, not analytical. So, the choice is a "house" sound or neutral. On headphones I enjoy Grado's signature sound, but for speakers I ended up choosing the VS's for simply playing what's recorded.