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How do reference speakers rank to today's standard

I think that most of us at this forum had an experience like I am having now: to choose between a once reference speaker and a recent midrange speaker.
For 8 years I have been the owner of Audio Physic Spark III's and I love the sound of the AP's so I want to cling on to this brand. But what to do.
I can choose between two offers, both in the same price range. One is the Audio Physic Avanti II (the year 2K version, the Century), 11 years old and once a reference speaker.
The other one is a 2 1/2 year old Audio Physic Tempo VI.
I know that speakers do age and that 11 years old speakers won't sound as they did 11 years ago.
Also, in the 8 1/2 years that seperate these AP's there has obviously been some development in speaker design.
But do you think that the Tempo's sound better than the Avanti's ?
And what about the (remaining) lifespan of both of them. For the record, I am not able to listen to them at home. Any advice is highly appreciated. regards, Ton
linkingpin

Showing 8 responses by linkingpin

linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Thanks all, and I agree, abuse is more concering than the 11 years. The drivers and the filtercomponents in the Avanti are all of high quality and will still be Ok. I also assume that the audio enthusiast that buys an Avanti will automatically take good care of his speakers.
But are there any Audio Physic owners who could say anything about the two types ? Will the Avanti still overpower the Tempo's in all aspects ?
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Yes, 11 years is a long time. But cars still drive after 11 years, and, when taken care of, will do so after 25 years. But how does a speaker sound after 11 years compared to the younger Tempo ?
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Ok, so Larryi, you're saying that 11 years is not a big problem when quality speakers are used ? But what about the 8 1/2 year of "evolution" between the Tempo's and the Avanti's. Could that make the Tempo's a better speaker even if it ranks lower in AP's list ?
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Hi Jarecneps, thanks, I think that your answer makes the choice easy. Also your remark about the positioning into the room was helpful, that was also a worry. In favour of the Avanti's is that it's an enclosed system while the Tempo has a port at the back, making it, I think, less easier to put the Tempo's close to a wall. On the other hand, the Avanti is a side fire, so I guess he won't like it close to a side wall.
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Hi Charles1dad, Jarecneps, great to hear about your positive experiences with older high level speakers.
The point is taken, 8 years is by long not enough for the Tempo's to reach the standard the Avanti's have set, and 11 years for quality parts is perhaps only half way their lifespan. I will try and get the Avanti's if the price stays reasonable, not many are offered every year, so there are more interested enthusisasts.
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Larryi, that is indeed surprising that the drivers were unharmed. Here I have a (small) picture of the the crossover used in the Avanti's, http://www.highendnews.info/reviews/audiophysicavanti3-english.htm . It's from the Avanti III.
I can't find any documentation how the crossover of the Avanti II is built nor could I find any picture. Would be very interesting though.
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
About melting your coil, as in the answer Larryi gave, here is an example you should not try at home. A guy was testing his speakers with a 4hz tone. And was surprised he blew up his woofer :(
linkingpin OP
8 posts
 
Still own the Centuries and they will never leave, very very happy with them.
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