Speaker Asylum: Silverline Audio Technology Sonata Speakers by Joe Coherent

Please note this is not a complete review. This is only a review of the external appearance and initial impressions of this speaker. I am posting this review because another member of this forum has posted what I consider to be a grossly inaccurate description of this speaker.

The Sonata's arrived in a big box and were deliverd by FedEx in excellent condition. Inside the outside shipping box were three (yes three)interior white boxes and inside was some styrofoam and inside a plastic bag and inside another plastic covering...and finally the speakers. I've seen better packaging from certain manufacturers (i.e. Madrigal, Thiel), then again, I've seen a lot worse. So the packaging was OK and did its job fine.

The stated weight is like 120 lbs each but I believe the units weigh 100 lbs top. The rest is probably the packaging. Mine are rosewood veneer (you can also get briarwood, black piano at extra cost, and birdseye maple).

The veneer is real wood, contrary to what this other individual has posted. I know because I collect antique english furniture (which is why I ordered rosewood and not the other woods, which will go better with a more modern decore). I give the veneer 90 points. Why not 100 points ? First because modern veneer is kind of thin and to an expert eye that shows, compared to antique veneers, which are thicker. And second because there are some not perfect areas of veneer towards the side of the speaker. Since these are not visible under normal circumstances I don't care and they were certainly not worth the hassle of reshiping 200 lbs of speakers for an exchange. If you are more demanding go select the pair yourself instead of accepting a blind shipment, like me. Note that my old speakers were at the side of the new ones and looked like its poor relatives. Yet they are a make that reviewers consider top notch for quality construction.

Bottom line: these speakers look great. They are not really much alike the Avalon's in form, so I am at a loss as to why Yun is caveing in on the Avalon suit. The top part of the speaker is mildly similar, but the bottom is not. I recognize they are not as beautiful as Sonus Fabers (together with Alkibiades the most beautiful on the planet) but they easily match the quality of Vandersteens, Thiels, etc. and surpass most others. They look fine side by side with a 1830 mahogany bookcase purchased at Christie's. That should give you a sense of how good looking they are. I am being very picky just because of the other individual's comments, to make sure I am not misleading you.I don't feel anyone can be dissatisfied about the way this speaker looks.

They are very well constructed. The connectors are in the lower back, and allow bi-wiring. The connectors are first rate in my opinion. I've seen worse in more expensive units. I have not yet inserted the brass feet in case I decide to move the speakers around. I can't believe this other reviewer is an audiophile if he actually moved the speakers with the feet on. That would be awfully dumb ! The brass feet are OK, I'll tell you more about them in my full review, six months from now.

My initial impression on the sound: I was blown away. I'll be honest, my old electronics are hardly appropriate for this speaker: an old solid state NAD integrated amp, a Sony ES CD changer and cheap monster cable speaker cable. Yet this speaker opened a window into the sound that my old speakers never had. I just have to accelerate the replacement of my upstream components ! It would not be serious for me to tell you much about the sound yet. I honestly feel these speakers have unbelievable potential but are super-sensitive to what you match them with. The speakers feel as one of the most transparent and sensitive I have ever listened to. On the other hand I do not feel they are anywhere near their full potential, and will get even better with a suitable break-in and front end. There are absolutely no euphonics as the other reviewer pointed out.

The bass was there. Loads of it below 35 Hz. in my room (which is large), contrary to what other reviewers (some serious ones too) have said. I'm sure the room has a big effect on this. I listened to Rebecca Pigeon in "Spanish Harlem": my room shook with the bass and her voice sounded beautiful. Then one of my favorite CDs, James Taylor (the one with Track 1: Your Smiling Face) which sounds just awesome, Taylor's voice is clear and warm, the instruments perfectly delineated, the soundstage wide. Next, Trampoline: awesome, unbelievable bass !! I had to change the CD lest my neighbors kick me out. Perfect ? Not yet, but how could it be. Shortcomings ? Yes, but I'm convinced due to the lack of break-in and unsuitable electronics. If not, you'll hear of them in the next review. I ache to improve my front end and discover what these puppies can do ! I am thinking of the Marsh amplifier and pre amp (tubed ?), and perhaps an Arcam FMJ cdp.

For any of you who have doubts, I could have no vested interest in this since this speaker is going out of production. I doubt there are any left. I believe it is a great speaker and will follow this company's evolution with great interest.

Thank you for reading my review.

Silverline Audio Technology Sonata Speakers Review by Joe Coherent at Audio Asylum