Are Avalon Ascents the Classics they seem to be?

THANK YOU "SO" MUCH--Cinematic systems!!I find your comments to be a real eye,I mean ear opener.You clearly have more technical knowledge than me,and I cannot tell you how much I value these recent comments.

Believe me,I don't want to make any mistakes,as quite honestly,I was planning on moving to a super tweeter just out of what I theorized "might" be an improvement.Not based on any problems I hear in my speaker,which have a wonderful sense of extension,and air.Fine timbres as well,but those DARN marketing guys tell me that I have to have a "diamond" or Beryllium,or whatever is next.I think we'll start hearing about "black diamond domes" soon.I have read about this.Maybe I can use some of my wifey's stones!

Yes,these(the Ascent,and Eclipse) were originally designed by Charles Hansen,now owner of Ayre electronics.

I have always felt these titanium domed tweeters(Modded BTW)were superb,with clearly more air than the Esotar(my friend has the Esotar,in his speakers),but maybe I have been affected by industry hype.I'm FAR from perfect!!As I'm sure you know.

Though I must admit that the Esotar used in the Sonus Faber Extremas,where I had heard(and loved)the addition of the Townshend Ribbon add ons,really benefited from the super tweets.So I did some research,and found that Sonus Faber claims the upper freq. limit to only 17khz.Mine are claimed to be ruler flat(+or- 1.5db)to 25khz.My friends felt I'd be taking a risk,and your informative thoughts certainly give me pause for real thought.

I must emphasize the fact that I don't hear any upper freq problems,in my system,as of now,but thought "maybe" I could squeak a bit more of "whatever"!Who knows?I sure don't,and I am willing to play it safe,after your educated comments.

What do ya think?

Oh yeah,and thanks in advance!!

Cenline,as I have my Ascents on carpet,would the Beaks penetrate the fibres?I think it could pose a problem.Also,the German Cones coming with the original speakers are really quite good.

Best!

Cenline,thanks for the info,but as described I don't think I can go for the beaks.I like the dispersion of my tweeters,and don't want to affect it.As to a stand,I don't like the idea of increasing the height of my 175 lb Ascents,and am on concret flooring.

Dennis,I have tried different materials on top of my speakers,and have found the dispersion always sounded best with nothing on top.It's not the actual tweeter,itself,but the shape of the wavelaunch,due to the cabinet angles.I would love to try the beaks,but won't make a move until that happened.As to the stand,that's another story.I am on a concrete floor,but unless I had the stands for trial,I'd have to stay put.There is also the "pain in the tush" factor involved in moving such massive speakers.

Thanks for the wonderful feedback!

Hodelrecords,I think you will find the speakers to perform better with the best components you can give them.They are rediculously good,and I have a sneaky suspicion that those owners moving away from them,some time ago,would have gotten much more from them with today's best electronics.
I assume you have the grilles cut out,to expose the drivers.Also,the owner's manual is SPOT ON in terms of the descriptions of performance,and how to get the best from these "heirloom quality" beauties.I am amazed at how accurate that manual is,regarding this speaker compared to others.Time has proven that the manual's claims were not marketing hype.Also,though I like the newer stuff,it is clear that the "new Avalon designs" are completely opposite of the claims in our owner's manual,as to what is most accurate.Hmm!

In an attempt to keep my pair current with today's tweeter trends(the supposed superiority of Berrylium,or Diamond),not that I hear any deficiencies from the modded titanium drivers,we have,I am seriously considering an add on super tweeter.Like the Townshend Maximum Super Tweeter.This device does not come into play until 20khz,and is beautifully integrated sitting just above the Ascents dome.I have heard it make a significant improvement in a Sonus Faber Extrema.Yet the Extrema does not have the high frequency extension of the Ascent.I may consider the Muratas as well.Also,I have seen pictures of other Ascent owners,in Japan,running ribbon super tweeters,above the titanium dome,so maybe there's something to this.

Any thoughts?

Best of luck!

I have decided to leave well enough alone(I've put the kabbash on the super tweeter subject)!Truthfully,and having heard a load of the newer(all fine,btw)stuff,I am still ecstatic about the performance of the Ascents.Though I did purchase a Rel Stentor sub some time ago.The sub DOES blend flawlessly,but took me "eons" to get correct.Very low crossover point,and very low gain setting.Also,in my dedicated room,I have found it performs best just behind,and a bit to the right of my right channel speaker.This places it three feet out,from back wall,and two feet from side wall.The room is a closed off affair.Measures 13x22.5x8.Speakers are actually about 8.5 feet from back wall,as measured from back of cabinets.SERIOUS SOUNSTAGE DEPTH,as well as ambience and great inner details.I guess I'm a happy camper!Thanks,so much for the well intentioned feedback!

Best!