I too have been considering the Sonatina II and have been doing a great deal of research. I'm sure we are both eyeing the same pair of speakers here for $2200.00. I've not yet heard either pair. I have read reviews that suggest the Sonatina loses some of its impressiveness in bigger rooms. Especially in the lower frequencies. It's recommended that the Sonata is better capable in the larger listening area you descibe. My listening area is about half of what yours will be. I think you can hear the both Silverlines at "Sounds of Silence" in Nashua, NH. Hopefully that's not tooo far to go for a demo? I'm sure you know to listen before you buy. I'd be curious to hear how you make out with your choices. Good luck! PS, Both models are fairly common on Audiogon for almost 1/2 retail so take your time to make the right choice!
Silverline "Sonatina II" vs. Coincident "Victory"
I've essentially narrowed down my speaker choices to these two for my Graaf OTL 20wpc amp. While the "Victory" certainly appears to have better specs (14-ohm, 97-db @ $4500 new) the Sonatina-II are no slouch either (8-ohm, 93-db @ $3900 new). If I had no choice but to purchase them new I'd most likely fork out the extra money and go with the Victory. However at the moment I'm torn between the choices becuase I have a shot at a used pair of Sonatina-II (only one month old) offered at $2200. The other problem is, I can't seem to audition either of these here in NYC (a pervasive problem for most I'm sure) and therefore, I'm solely basing my decision on what I hear at threads such as these. I've already had bad luck once before but that was when I was completely new to OTL amps.
Does anyone here have any direct experience with both of these with OTL amps?
Other factors worth noting: Starting next month, I'll be in a large listing space -- approx 35' X 20' X 10-ft ceilings starting next month. Also, I listen to mostly loungy stuff with some vocals and classical thrown into the mix.
I appreciate any feedback you can offer...
Jewel
by Jewel_hasan