I purchased the LaFolias over the Sonata IIs because they work better with high powered SS amps than the Sonata IIs do. Im using the Spectron Musician II which is rated at 500 watts per channel. Also, Alan Yun of Silverline told me that with the rear firing woofer, the LaFolias should be placed closer to the back wall (about 2 feet). This was ideal for my room since I dont have the luxury of placing the speakers 3 to 4 feet out for optimum midrange and imaging. I find them to be incredible speakers with the above mentioned amp. My source is a Cary 306/200 and the pre is a VAC Vintage. Finally, another reason I choose these over the Sonata IIs is that the drivers in the LaFolias are much higher quality. Hope this helps!
Jim
Jim