@cbozdog used this very combo.
Avant-garde speakers
Has anyone had any experience with Avant-garde speakers? Specifically, I am thinking of buying a pair of Uno Nano speakers to pair with my First Watt J2 amplifier. The system will be used in a rather small bedroom (15' x 15'). Also, the speakers are about 9 years old and selling for about 1/2 the new cost. I guess what I am interested in is whether these speakers will work in this situation, and what can I expect in terms of performance in a 9-year old Avant-garde speaker. Do they sound good at low to very low volume? i currently use a pair of YG Carmels. Can I expect them to be reliable at this age? Any input would be appreciated.
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I agree with czarivey that Avantgade speakers can sound harsh but, in my experience with Duo’s, that will be with the associated equipment rather than the speakers. My Duo’s have sounded awful with a high powered SS amp, very good with an older Avantagde Model 5 SS integrated and really excellent with Atmasphere OTL valve amp. They also REALLY benefit from time spent in setting up the listening position and siting of the speakers. Get Better Sound from Jim Smith was invaluable in getting my setup from sounding good to being a brilliant musical event. My Duo’s are now 10 years old and have not changed since I bought them. Avantagrde speakers sound really good at both low and high volume levels. Before Avantgarde speakers I used to play my system much louder, however, the efficiency of the horns allow the dynamic rage of the music to be captured, even at low levels, that I’ve not experienced with other speakers. Some people have complained of poor bass integration but that hasn’t been an issue for me. The size of your room shouldn’t be a problem, particularly if you play at low/mid volume. When they go really loud and shift a lot of air then you may neeed to calm down the crossover/gain settings on the speakers. Hope that helps. |
@russ751 - Whilst auditioning a Bluesound Node 2, I had the sales person hook it up to a system with the Duo’s - just for fun :-) They wowed me from the get go... - extremely articulate and detailed - very balanced sound - superb imaging - even in the showroom (as opposed to a talored auditioning room) - they ticked all the boxes and more From what I have read I believe the Uno Nano would sound very similar They have a larger "footprint" than most other speakers , but I will bow to rocketII’s opinion that 15 x 15 will suffice - however I prefer more space around my speakers - especially behind them. They were driven by a very good 1 watt amp and had very expensive speaker cables, so perhaps that will be something to consider going forward. Also, because they have a powered woofer - quality power cables would contribute to an improved bass performance. Their appearance is not to everyone’s taste - but once you close you eyes and listen - their looks are of no consequence - I think they look stunning and they are certainly a conversation piece. Avangarde have left a distinct and very favorable impression on me and is the one speaker I would buy tomorrow if money were no object :-) Hope that helps |
For horn based systems I prefer updated vintage. I have a few complete examples of the best designs in horns. RCA MI Shearer horn is a amazing thing to hear and behold its in a complete different level of performance over AG designs. AG is nice since you can just check book them but if wanting the best in horns you need hands on and a good bit of experience http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/lmco/shearer.htm |
reminds me of Siemens Bionor with huge baffle reg the Avantgarde I agree with JK after having lived with the Trio and different custom bass systems for years what A did for the resurrection of commercial horn interest is great, but you need to look elsewhere to get a seamlessly integrated fullrange hornsystem probably some level of DIY which is a long and narrow path... |