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Help! Best amp for Rockport Aviors?

I recently purchased a pair of Rockport Aviors to replace my Dynaudio C2s. My system comprises of a Berkeley Reference DAC, Spectral DMC-30SS preamp, and Spectral DMA-260 stereo amp. My intial impression was disappointing - "hot" treble and a lack of low end slam. I assumed that my amp didn't have enough current to drive the Aviors properly so I auditioned the Spectral DMA-400 RS monos with the Aviors and that combo still didn't resonate in the way I first heard the Aviors (kicking myself for not noting the system). My current theory is that the Spectral gear (as much as I love it) isn't a good match for the Rockports; therefore, I have a bit of a quandary - ditch my Spectral system or the Aviors.

I know that Andrew uses a Gryphon stack to voice his speakers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't kmow of a USA Gryphon dealer and wouldn't purchase a Gryphon component without hearing it in person first.

So cut to the chase: Avior owners out there - what do you drive them with that results in the "softer" treble and bass slam that I know these speakers are capable of. My current guess is to audition Pass Labs.
Ag insider logo xs@2xjason_john_howes

Showing 4 responses by babybear

babybear's avatar
babybear
106 posts
 
Jason,
I have the heard the Aviors on multiple occasions with both tube & solid state electronics and I don't believe that the speakers when properly setup have a hot treble. I am guessing that you purchased these speakers used and have set them up yourself. If that is correct, and assuming  they are already broken in, then I think the first place to start is with speaker placement in your room. In my experience with my own Rockport speakers, with the beryllium tweeter in your speakers, I have found that speaker placement within your room is absolutely essential to avoid the sound that you are describing. If you purchased them new from a dealer, then I would definitely back in and work on that setup. 
babybear's avatar
babybear
106 posts
 
Hi Jason,

If the dealer is local to you and he is a Rockport dealer, have him come out to do the proper setup in your room. Just FYI, I have heard most of the Rockport speakers properly setup, and I don't recall any of them being setup toed out - usually toed in. So, I would say your setup is off. Also, they are a ported speaker, so usually the first thing to do is work to get the best possible bass you can get and once you have that, work on toe in, toe out and subtle movements (closer or further to the side walls and to the wall behind the speaker).
babybear's avatar
babybear
106 posts
 
Jason,

Proper placement is very dependent on the speaker and your room so there isn't one best place.

Another suggestion that I have is for you to contact the dealer that you purchased them from and based on you saying that they are authorized Rockport dealer - contract with them to travel to your home and do the setup for you. It would be well worth it to have it done correctly. 
babybear's avatar
babybear
106 posts
 
HI Jason,

You are welcome and glad that you have got your Aviors positioned more optimally in your room. Assuming that the recordings that you are using that have the "hot treble" are not recorded that way, then I'd suggest trying the following:

Staying with your current Spectral amp, adjust the speaker positioning in very small increments. Start with adjusting toe in perhaps a half an inch (either more toe in or less toe in). And then listen with to see which is better - where you have them now or with slightly more or less toe in. These "micro" adjustments will allow to really dial in the speaker with the room. If after trying this, you still hear a "hot" treble on recordings that you are certain are not recorded that way, then play with the other amps as well and see how they sound.
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