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.
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.