2. speakers
  3. 1171785530

Acapella vs. Avantgarde

I currently run a Cary CD-306, Cary SLP-05 preamp, and Cary 805AE monoblocks with a pair of ProAc D38's (see system). The combination is sweet and involving, but the combo just does not boogie when asked to play a large orchestral piece, by Mahler/Wagner/Shostakovich. When the volume is turned up, dynamics are poor and the system starts to sound compressed. I suspect that the 50W Cary's simply does not have enough guts to drive the ProAc's, so I am considering replacing them with a more efficient speaker. Since most SET afficionadoes love horns, this led me to look into Avantgarde and Acapella.

I live in Melbourne, Australia. Avantgarde is available through a dealer here, but he does not have any in stock. The Acapella dealer is in Sydney (a plane flight away). I am looking to spend A$30,000 - which will buy a nice Avantgarde Duo, or a secondhand Acapella High Violon.

I have read plenty about the dynamics of the Avantgardes, but my concern is if they have horn coloration. Also, how do they image? Are they sensitive to room placement?

Would the Acapella High Violon's be a better buy, considering the pair I can potentially get my hands on have been heavily discounted? I have read that Acapella's suffer from disjointed sound because of the three different driver technologies (plasma tweeter, horn mids, conventional woofer). How much is this a problem? And are there any room placement issues? Given that the Acapella's have lower sensitivity (91 dB/W/m) would I be achieving a real upgrade by moving from the ProAc's?
amfibius

Showing 4 responses by flg2001

flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Amfibius - Glad to hear you made up your mind ans selcted the Violins, I am sure you will get a terrific speaker.

Based on my experince with the UNOs, I should say that amp maching is rather critical, I tried a lot of amps (including SET) and arrived to the Jadis DA50Signature, Jacek is trying the Jadis SET300B and would be interesting to hear his findings as well.

Take care

Fernando
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I own a pair of AG UNOs and agree with many here, specially regarding proper placement, top-notch electronics (no - you wont save on amps if you get AG - I have been there) and the sub-horn alchemy.

i) AG is quite directional, I am still fine tunning after six months!
ii) AG cables make a difference in the subs, I have tried a dozen, Siltech worked for me.
iii) AG are addictive, whatever I hear, including a friends pipedreams or Avalon Eidoleons, sound boxed and laid back in comparison - (eg. yes, there is an AG "sound").

My next step is to try Magellan VIII subs (thanks for reading this post) - A good friend of mine is comming tomorrow to compare my system with his (Acappellas involved) - will post his remarks shortly after.

Enjoy!

Fernando
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Amfibius - You did an excelent jon at describing the Avantgarde main sonic characteristics (all fixable) - just a couple of things IMO.

The sub settings will help you integrating the AG sound a lot, it takes time, but well rewarded, and also, check your cable options (AC, interconect and speaker) since they also play a major role here.

As I said, Siltech worked for my system, but I have also heard that Nirvana works well.

From that point, you can play with upgrades, better frames, subs as time/financlals allow - these are keepers for sure.

Regards,

Fernando
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Well, my friend Jacek came last night and he shared with me his knowledge, based on the fact that he owns Acapella Violins and have heard many AG, including my UNOs.

He agreed that the top end of the Accapelas is unbeatable, as well as the overall tonal palette and involving presentaton, on the other hand - he said that the speed, bass impact and midrange purity of the AG (UNOs in this case) were a tad better than the Acapellas.

Hope this additional piece of information helps you out, or any potential AG/Acapella buyer

Fernando
More to discover