The first Sonata was pretty popular around here, and the second looks equally promising. Nice to have a "plain" quality case that leaves room for adding your own flavor.

I'm not sure if I like that air duct...

I think I'll stick with the first version of the sonata for now

I like everything about the case except for the front panel.. nice find

its the same except that duct?
Weakkk

I agree, it looks more like a version 1.1 than a 2.0. They upped the included power supply from 380W to 450W. And they got rid of big word "Antec" drilled in holes on the side (see it).. Don't know why that always bothered me so much.

Still, the original is going for $70 after rebate at Newegg, while the "II" is going for $120 (plus shipping). Maybe it's a good time to grab an original...

A buddy of mine is building a new rig (his first) and I recommended the original version for him.

I have a BQE (smaller, less quiet) Antec that I love, and if I could sneak it past the wife I'd grab a Sonata v.1 myself

The "Antec" holes bother me too, though

After reading the entire review i was a little saddened about this write up. Where would have our reviewers gone with this? They wouldve got the 480w psu to fit in this first place, and tested all the rails, they wouldve checked all the edges for any kind of bad cuts, and lastly they wouldve take the case completely apart to see what kind of breathing this case could really do. Poor write up imo by that reviewer who blamed the 480w psu that came with the case for not being able to install on his mobo due to a cap being in the way. He also had some valid points about there not being a removable mobo tray, but hey everyone and their mom has been bitchin about that on every case for damn near a decade now.

About the case. I loved version 1 and used it several times for a couple of builds. Great case, that has no real issues imo, but they wanted better i guess. Version 2 was not a version 2 at all from what was said above. Only a duct and a better psu is all they could think of for one of the swankiest cases theyve made? If there were at least some more upgrades to this product that could be noticed, i wouldve bought, even for 120. Fortunately for Antec, they are a name to be reckoned with and pulled a 9 out of 10 on that review but i think there wouldve been a different tune played if that had been here....or at least i hope.

Becuase it only has 1 exhaust on the back, the 120mm fan. It uses those holes to bring aire into the case/ vent hot air out....I like the Antec symbol...specially if there is lighting behind it. Glows "antec" on your wall