silverline vs von schweikert

I have a pair of sonata II's. Honestly, they are the only part of my system I don't want to upgrade. They are on the warm side, but very musical and involving. They are very easy to drive, stable for tube gear. The Von S's are excellent, but I will put in a plug for silverline. I paid full price and have never regretted it. My wife cut the check, after hearing classical like she never heard it before. (both of these speakers play all music well). No regrets- warm, musical involving- no fatigue.

I can't speak for the Von S's (though I've read good things) but I can also speak for the Sonatas (I have the II's too) as they are exceptionally musical. They are easy to place but do appreciate the extra effort to get it just right. Never fatiguing and extremely flexible to your choice of power as they are an easy load for SET's (and sound phenomenal on vocals/midrange) while also cranking out any kind of gusto you want with high powered tube or SS. The Sonata III's I believe are a little less efficient at 93db but still excellent, as above, while my II's are 95db and rated for 10 to 1000 watts... who else has such versatility? From jazz to classical to female vocals to some good classic AC/DC and the Cult; I run SS into mine sometimes for slammin (older Rotel monoblocks that sound fine on most rock and roll recordings) , switch to tetrode tubes for most "normal" listening (my VTL monoblocs) , then to triode for "rich and creamy,etc". Looking for a low powered SET next, maybe 8 to 10 watt "300B" based or possibly 15 to 20 watt or so "845" based...( my preamp has 4 pairs of main outputs... I just have to play with speaker cables for a minute ot two) -all with the same speaker! Very satisfying. Listen, and good luck.

thoughout the line....silverline

Isn't the Sonata Silverline III something like $7,200 while the Von Schweikert VR-4Jr. is $4,500? That hardly seems like a fair contest. I wonder how the Sonata compares to the VR-4Sr.

That hardly seems like a fair contest. I wonder how the Sonata compares to the VR-4Sr.

Apples and oranges, 9rw. The choice--for me--would come down to the type of music I prefer, the amp I want to run (the Sonata III can easily be driven with a 7W SET amp), and the room. I find the Sonata III, which sounds nothing like the Sonata I or II, to deliver an astounding level of refinement. It does not go as deep as the VR4Sr, but the tonal resolution on the Sonata III is up there with the best I've heard. Alan Yun (Silverline prez) brings emotion from the Dynaudio drivers in a way I've not heard even from Dynaudio's speakers.

Caveat: I've not heard the $25K+ Dynaudio speakers.

Hope that helps.