Avantegarde Duo driven by Audiopax Model 88s. I too have been an audiophile since the mid 70's. I have been a fan of Rogers, ESS AMT 1B's, Magnapans, Dalquist, Acoustats, KEFs, Infinity Composition Preludes, Usher AC-10s, ....but they all sounded like stereo. Being the only thing I like better than listening to stereo is listening to live music. The Avantgarde Duos were the first speaker that completely caught me off guard (because I HATED horns) and changed my perception of what a dynamic loudspeaker should sound like...live music. They truly have the ability to touch you on an emotional level. I have, no kidding, seen grown men weep...
Which components knocked you out on first listen?
I've been listening to stereos since 1973 and I am still waiting to be truly knocked out by the sound of a component. I have sat in showrooms across the country and have been pleased by what I have heard but never truly blown away.
The closest I came was when I listened to a Meitner str-55 amp and VTL preamp a few years ago, sourced by a Linn Ikemi and Revel loudspeakers. However, I also have been moved by a
Apple computer cd drive, circa 1994 through a Creek 4040 and RA Lab speakers, estimated cost about $1,200; maybe more so than the Linn,Revel 10K system. How about you?
The closest I came was when I listened to a Meitner str-55 amp and VTL preamp a few years ago, sourced by a Linn Ikemi and Revel loudspeakers. However, I also have been moved by a
Apple computer cd drive, circa 1994 through a Creek 4040 and RA Lab speakers, estimated cost about $1,200; maybe more so than the Linn,Revel 10K system. How about you?