Opera Speakers - Opinions?

I've only heard the Callas Divas, and they sounded very nice. Definitely on the warmish side of neutral, adequately dynamic, and a very sweet midrange. If you value those type of sonic qualities, it's definitely woth looking into. Not a rock speaker, IMO. Much more suited to low-key classical and jazz.

I had the Opera Quinta in my home for a couple of weeks. They do have a "warmish" sound as Hooper describes the Diva. I ended up buying Silverline Sonata III. They are far superior to the Opera's. As are all of Silverline's speakers. Silverline uses better drivers. I was fortunate to hear the Silverline speakers at the manufacturer's location and did hear a few of Alan's line. Alan also showed me some of the drivers he uses and those of other speakers, including the Meadowlark Shearwater which I had at the time. The workmanship and quality of the drivers was quite obvious.

How would you describe the "house sound" of Silverline? It seems the Opera sound is warm and musical, maybe comforting and relaxing. Which is, of course, often great for late night listening but not always the best for when you want to "kick 'em out". (Geez, I'm such a white guy from Detroit!)

The Operas sure are good looking, though. And what's with Sam Tellig at Stereophile? Three articles about Opera speakers and the only real indication of sound and music making ability is "it's all about the tonality". What ABOUT the tonality? Good, bad, accurate, lush, cool, what?

I know Tellig has become friends with the people at Unison/Opera but is he saying something between the lines by not saying much? Or am I missing something? And how come only A'goners who have only heard Operas have responded? Any current owners with opinions?

Tomryan, your skepticism re. Sam Tellig & his European junkets to British (MF), French (Triangle) & Italian (Audio Analogue, Opera & Unison) is well-placed, IMHO. I have the same feeling. His nose is brown big-time!! read those articles w/ a huge grain of salt. They are entertaining & a break from the rest of the magazine in that they don't talk audio, specs, sonics all the time. They are good 'come-up-for-air' articles. The best piece of info I got from that Opera/Unison article were the near exact directions to that Italian restaurant! LOL! If I ever visit that town/village, I'll be sure to eat there. looking @ Sam's belly, his restaurant recommendations seem (far) better than his choice in audio gear!