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Avantgarde..... Still a contender???

I am thinking seriously about a drastic change in my system.... I am becoming very intrigued with the idea of high efficiency horn speakers and low-powered tube amps. If you look at "My system" you can see that this is a big change from my current set-up. The trouble is I haven't heard many horn designs (but so far really like what I have heard) and wonder if the Avantgardes are still thought of to be state of the art. Can I do better (for less money)? Any input from you SET guy's is very much appreciated. There just aren't very many (any) dealers doing horns in my area so I need some help on this one.

Other issues are:
1. Is my room large enough (21x15x11)?
2. What would be a good amp to start with (without
breaking the bank)?
3. Is there a good low-powered amp that is balanced? Or,
is single ended REALLY the way to go? (the rest of my system is balanced, and I'd love to keep it this way)

OK enough for now.

Thanks

Chris
cmo
mattslade
4 posts
 
hi chris

your room size seems fine for most of the horns out there as all you need is 7foot + from the speaker for cohesive sound stage formation.
I have some AVG Uno's V2 with the upgraded subs which are faster and classed as one of the best possible for the price.
I have heard the newer version of the uno, the nano but prefer the overal sound of the unos as they are generaly larger and made for the job without cutting corners.

Amps: i have tried Musicfidelity Electra 300 tubes which are great but to powerful as you will get hiss issues at low volume. I have now gone to a arcam av top amp which has almost no hiss and a natural sound with out the harshness that people are getting with the other amps.

It all depends what you want from your speakers.
I compose and produce music on mine which is a experience in itself. Albums at www.mattsgallery.co.uk
Music made for Horns on Horns
jayarr
117 posts
 
I own the Duos. I don't hear any horn "shout" and prior to purchase compared them side by side with cone/box speakers and again heard no shout. As to the integration issue I have listened nearfield(6 feet away) and heard problems with integration. However, past 12 feet away I hear no integration problems at all. I have no idea whether I'm sensitive to this or not. Also for such large speakers they completely dissappear in the room(aurally not visually). Sometimes for the fun of it I listen in the dark and cannot locate the speakers in the room with music playing. Your room size seems fine as long as you can sit 12 feet away from the speakers while still having some distance between the speakers and the front wall. My personal feeling is that these speakers are tailor made for SET or OTL amps. SET are usually single ended but some OTL's such as Atmosphere are balanced and should sound good with the Duos. I also made the jump from SS/cone speakers to horn/SET and will not go back. More musical involvement. Hope this helps.
cmo OP
471 posts
 
I have had the Duos since my original post aver three years ago..... Still love every minute with them. I don't see myself moving from the high-eff./SET thing anytime soon..... You can check the "My system" link to view the updates.

I think in an ideal world (where I had a lot more disposable income) I'd probably have second system with planars or cones....

Chris
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