How old is too old ?....

I upgraded to Silverline Sonatas. They have the warm musical soul of the Kef, but the Dynaudio drivers are much more accurate. Bass is better, more defined, without he midbass bloat. Kef 104.2 was ahead of it's time, but computer aided design and new materials has greatly improved speakers. Used Sonata II's are 2k used, and a beautiful speaker. Please auditon the Sonata III, or sonatina III. You will be impressed.

“The Silverline Sonata is an outstanding bargain and one of the most musically satisfying speaker systems on the market … a compelling musical rightness from top to bottom … superbly finished … Buy these, just listen to the music, and forget about hi-fi forever.”

- Paul Bolin / the absolute sound
Issue 133 (Dec. 2001 / Jan. 2002)
Quoted with permission from the absolute sound

Old sonata II review. Originally $6500

hifinut- the Silverlines use all Dynaudio drivers except for a german domed midrange, and like the Dyn, comes "closest to the KEF sound." I listened to Monitor Audio, new KEF, and B&W before I fell in love with the Silverlines (which I'd never heard of- thank God for Paul Bolin of the Absolute Sound ...It prompted me to audition them). Monitor and KEF did not have a seemless integration of the music, as if there were a phase issue with the cabinet or crossover. The B&W was wonderful. I just didn't like that metal hissy tweeter. It's personal taste. It's much smoother than the old metal tweeters, but for my tastes there is too much sibilance (on cymbals for example) in a metal tweeter. Just to let you know, the Silverline was $1000 more than the 805, but was worth it. If you can get it for less than a 705, it's a steal. I don't expect you guys to order it on my sayso, I just ask you to try to audition it. There must be a dealer or a 'gon member who'll let you listen. Come to my house...CA near Berzerkeley.

Hifinut- used Sonata II', are now 2500, about the original cost of the 104.2, and a spectacular buy. The original Sonata is probably cheaper, and is a spectacular speaker, with less bass (although it doesn't roll off until mid 30's). Sonatina or Panatella are cheaper still....If you see one on the 'gon and it's near Vancouver, take the time to go for a listen!