Silverline Sonata 11 Speakers

The Sonata II still houses the all-new point-to-point-wired crossover (first order for all drivers except the midrange, which is second order) in a separate compartment, but there is now a user-filled sandbox at the base of the speaker. Once full, this sandbox is said to increase mass for the dissipation of spurious and damaging bass energy, and it adds some 17 pounds to the speaker's weight. No doubt about it, the new speaker has a brawny look about it with its new broad shoulders and squared stance. It measures 45"H x 12"W x 16"D and weighs 130 pounds sand filled. The speakers come with black grilles that cover the entire front, but I preferred the sound without them. Silverline specifies a sensitivity of 95dB, an increase of 2dB over the older model, and the same easy-to-drive, tube-friendly 8-ohm nominal impedance. The crossover frequencies are 600Hz, 1200Hz, 2000Hz and 3500Hz, and the frequency response is given as 25Hz to 28kHz with no tolerance stated. Speaker connections were made via very sturdy dual sets of gold-plated five-way binding posts, which are recessed into the bottom rear of the cabinet. Silverline recommends a minimum of 10 watts to drive the speakers and a maximum of 1000 watts. The speaker is also available in rosewood veneer that is as equally beautiful as briarwood. The retail price of the Sonata II is $5999 per pair, the same price as its predecessor.