I had basically the same question s as Sunnyjim but must alsohave pair down my choices to both style and musicality. In todays world, home owners want audio excellence and speakers that can fit in to elegant spaces. The Sonatinas are very nice looking and may work well with my CJ tube gear. Audio Physics sound nice and are fairly attractive...but exposed drivers don't cut it outside of a listening room. V erity seems to get it right on all counts. I love Merlin VSMs but not for design reasons. It has to be more than just fit and finish...maybe we should change from WAF to DF or design factor.
Silverline?Thiels? Audio Physic?: Need guidance
After deciding to look for something better than Thiels Audio Physic, I have been on the verge of purchasing a pair of Silverline Sonatina II, but read that they really sound better with a tube amp. I have a high current SS Aragon amp which is 200RMS. Also, I am confused if this is the best choice of speakers because there seems to be many Silverlines on resale. Yes, their cabinet wood is beautiful, but I don't want a speaker that is going to sound either bright, uneven, dull, or boomy because it is more compatible with some esoteric tube flea power amp. I can't afford to go out and buy $3000-5000 in monoblock tube amps or even a single tube amp of 100 RMS. So, owners or former owners of Silverline Sonata II or Sonatina II, I need your advice. Also, one final question, how does the Sonatina II compare to either the Audio Physic Virgo II, and/or Thiel 2.3 both which I heard and like for different reasons; I was hoping from what I read on the web that the Silverlines are better and offer more detailed and musical sound. Thank you all, SJ