My Avantgarde Duo XD - simply incredible....

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 04:19 PM

I have been thinking about them for a very long time. I’ve loved other horn loaded speakers like Klipsch and especially JBL.

I didn’t realize until recently that the drivers in the Duos and other Avantgarde speakers were made with Alnico. I’ve had speakers in the past with Alnico drivers and loved them. My Nola Lotus Signature SE were with me for 9 years. With Rogue M-120 (upgraded to M-150 over time) then eventually moving to Counterpoint gear. Alnico always gave me a wonderful presentation, especially with tubes.

I just had to scratch the Avantgarde itch. I was afraid of true horn speakers but immediately I knew, once fired up, these were no ordinary speakers.

Right now I feel so connected to the music, it’s absolutely stunning. The music is freed from the box and just appears in my room. Vocals are wonderfully natural. They have tremendous 3D, depth and width. The music is so dynamic, clear and open.

Now I realize exactly what Mike, Buddy, Paul and Justin were experiencing.

I’m in awe. For my taste, a sweet amp is a glorious match with them.

**Justin** · October 28, 2018, 04:24 PM

Wow, so happy to see this.

Totally agree that you need a sweet tube amp with these. Match made in heaven.

Had mine for a year and every time I power up I want to just keep listening for hours. Music is direct, emotional and so stinking’ fun.

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**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 04:34 PM

Justin,

Your posts really got me seriously thinking about them. Paul kind of took me over the edge. Seeing how much gear he’s gone through (he’s got me beat by a mile) and knowing how happy all you Avantgarde owners are, I felt comfortable taking the plunge.

I’m glad you still love them. I’m just getting started but holy cow, I cannot believe what I’m hearing.

**Justin** · October 28, 2018, 05:07 PM

I think you’ll find that your connection to the music will be stronger than ever. That’s my bottom line.

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**Kuoppis** · October 28, 2018, 05:33 PM

Congrats Joe, wonderful speakers! Wish you many happy listening hours with the AGs.

So, which tube amp is it going to be?

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**Justin** · October 28, 2018, 05:40 PM

Yes, I want to know your adventures with Amps here. Please let us know.

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**Spock** · October 28, 2018, 05:53 PM

One more happy audiophile.
That´s what this hobby is all about.

Congratulations.
Enjoy!

(can you put a family photo, the speakers in their ambience?)

**still-one** · October 28, 2018, 06:01 PM

Congratulations Joe!! It sounds like this might be the speaker to anchor your system for the foreseeable future.

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Congrats Joe, wonderful speakers! Wish you many happy listening hours with the AGs.

So, which tube amp is it going to be?

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Thank you. So far the Luxman MQ300 takes the cake. I have a few in rotation but I think this will be the one going forward.

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Justin

Yes, I want to know your adventures with Amps here. Please let us know.

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Will do. I have so much to experience, these need quiet and sweet amps.

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Congratulations Joe!! It sounds like this might be the speaker to anchor your system for the foreseeable future.

Jim,

Thank you so much. Once the first few notes of music poured out of these, I knew things would be different. My post about other speakers we own/use was in anticipation of these just knocking it out of the park. They’ve done that in a huge way.

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Spock

One more happy audiophile.
That´s what this hobby is all about.

Congratulations.
Enjoy!

(can you put a family photo, the speakers in their ambience?)

Thank you.

I need to straighten up and organize a little but it’s coming.

**Alpinist** · October 28, 2018, 06:28 PM

Congratulations Joe!!!!!! What an awesome addition to your already wonderful audio system. Enjoy the amazing sound!!!

Best,
Ken

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 07:00 PM

Thank you so much Ken.

I’m sure your system with the MSB dac must be awesome.

**Dth31** · October 28, 2018, 07:13 PM

Congratulations Joe. Before I bought my M3’s, I wanted to try out the Mezzo XD’s and showed my wife a picture of them. She has been awesome over the years about not ever complaining about all the equipment in our home. But for the first time, she drew the line with those big horns! So I’m a bit jealous. I’ll have to live vicariously thru you!

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Dth31

Congratulations Joe. Before I bought my M3’s, I wanted to try out the Mezzo XD’s and showed my wife a picture of them. She has been awesome over the years about not ever complaining about all the equipment in our home. But for the first time, she drew the line with those big horns! So I’m a bit jealous. I’ll have to live vicariously thru you!

Ha! I’m so sorry about that. I’ve only heard S1 and S5 and loved them but felt it was time for a change for me. I had to scratch that itch. While I love the look of the Mezzo, it was too far a stretch.

Mike absolutely loves the M Magico speakers but I was afraid, too big and heavy for me.

I’ve always wanted a truly efficient higher impedance speaker and reading how advanced my Duo XD are, I was absolutely hooked.

One thing that I love, as long as the amp is quiet, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg to sound great on my Duo.

**Elberoth** · October 28, 2018, 07:30 PM

What about that ZOTL amp you had ?

I bought myself Graaf OTL 20 for kicks - I think it would be perfect for AG. Lightning fast, transparent and dead quiet.

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 07:36 PM

Hi Adam,

I have and still use my Linear Tube Audio MZ2 preamp. It’s only about 1wpc by itself. I never bought the LTA amps but would love the new Ultralinear.

I have to say my Job INTegrated is fantastic on them. Who would have thought.

**Elberoth** · October 28, 2018, 07:41 PM

Yeah, that was the one I had in mind. Does it work on the AG ?

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Elberoth

Yeah, that was the one I had in mind. Does it work on the AG ?

It’s funny, I have not tried it. I really should. I’ll have to rearrange a few things but it’s worth a shot.

**puroagave** · October 28, 2018, 08:30 PM

Wow Joe, congrats on the Duo XD!! I was half hoping you'd buy the Uno Fino XD so I could pick them up from you in six months at half price

LOL

**mep** · October 28, 2018, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by puroagave

Wow Joe, congrats on the Duo XD!! I was half hoping you'd buy the Uno Fino XD so I could pick them up from you in six months at half price

LOL

**Justin** · October 28, 2018, 09:03 PM

When you move up to Trios, I will happily take your Duos off your hands...

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**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by puroagave

Wow Joe, congrats on the Duo XD!! I was half hoping you'd buy the Uno Fino XD so I could pick them up from you in six months at half price

LOL

Ha!

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Justin

When you move up to Trios, I will happily take your Duos off your hands...

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Way too big for my space, thank goodness.

**jadedavid** · October 28, 2018, 09:30 PM

Congrats on your new babies. Looks like these may be keepers.
If so then please don't list all your other gear on Agon at the same time or you'll flood the market. LOL

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 09:38 PM

Hahahaha, too funny.

I need to think about my other speakers. Maybe just set ‘em up downstairs

**Paul** · October 28, 2018, 10:01 PM

Huge Congrats again Joe. I know we been talking about this for a long time and I’m so glad you got them finally

. So happy for you. Welcome to AG club !

**Justin** · October 28, 2018, 10:07 PM

Joe, you inspired me to rip to my server just now the new Dave’s Picks Grateful Dead release. CD’s came in mail this week. Glorious 1976 Capitol Theatre release.

Love my whole setup. Curious where Joe ends up in the end with amp and preamp. I’m Thrilled with Triodes and VAC preamp. The one area I could see really splurging on next is a DAC change. Have Berkeley Ref DAC. Not unhappy. I’ll move to another thread soon, but curious if any AG and tubes lovers can recommend the most natural, sweetest DAC on the market for 30k or less. I like organic and sweet but not colored. That is the one area I could most see making a jump. Is MSB the real deal?

Sorry to hijack. Back to Joe! You have thousands of hours of bliss ahead of you in the next year. I am sure of it!!! And I love Luxman.

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**Ritmo** · October 28, 2018, 10:09 PM

Glad you are happy Joe. The AGs are wonderful speakers. Enjoy!

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 10:14 PM

Justin,

Thank you, no need to worry. As soon as I can recoup some cash, I’m thinking dacs too. I’m also not unhappy with my Bricasti. Thinking about what the upgrade to it will cost but I need to break in my speakers and just get familiar along with a final setup. I have a way to go but it’ll be fun.

Paul,

Thank you for making the decision easier. It helped a lot.

**joeinid** · October 28, 2018, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Glad you are happy Joe. The AGs are wonderful speakers. Enjoy!

Thanks Mike. I remember Mark was glued to Mike’s system with his Mezzo. I know you both love his AG setups.

**Paul** · October 28, 2018, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by Justin

Joe, you inspired me to rip to my server just now the new Dave’s Picks Grateful Dead release. CD’s came in mail this week. Glorious 1976 Capitol Theatre release.

Love my whole setup. Curious where Joe ends up in the end with amp and preamp. I’m Thrilled with Triodes and VAC preamp. The one area I could see really splurging on next is a DAC change. Have Berkeley Ref DAC. Not unhappy. I’ll move to another thread soon, but curious if any AG and tubes lovers can recommend the most natural, sweetest DAC on the market for 30k or less. I like organic and sweet but not colored. That is the one area I could most see making a jump. Is MSB the real deal?

Sorry to hijack. Back to Joe! You have thousands of hours of bliss ahead of you in the next year. I am sure of it!!! And I love Luxman.

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Hey Justin. I’m very happy with my Lampizator.

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**Kuoppis** · October 29, 2018, 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thank you. So far the Luxman MQ300 takes the cake. I have a few in rotation but I think this will be the one going forward.

Wow, awesome setup. Hard to beat this horns/ 300B combo.

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**XV-1** · October 29, 2018, 03:48 AM

Very cool Joe.

congrats

**rrwmd** · October 29, 2018, 07:06 AM

Wow Joe! Congratulations. I know you've been thinking about these for awhile. Enjoy!

**joeinid** · October 29, 2018, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Wow, awesome setup. Hard to beat this horns/ 300B combo.

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Everything is so clear but smooth and sweet too.

Originally Posted by XV-1

Very cool Joe.

congrats

Thank you. Maybe a GAT2 with the Luxman could be THE combo.

Originally Posted by rrwmd

Wow Joe! Congratulations. I know you've been thinking about these for awhile. Enjoy!

I have but was having trouble making the leap. I remember your description of what you heard visiting Mike and I knew that’s what I wanted. It’s absolutely wonderful.

**Alpinist** · October 29, 2018, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thank you so much Ken.

I’m sure your system with the MSB dac must be awesome.

You’re welcome Joe. I listened to the Duo XD’s on the videos and they appear to have amazing nuance and delicacy. They must sound very special in your room.

The Select II DAC is a relevatory component. I’m set for life for a source.

Best,
Ken

**Mr Peabody** · October 29, 2018, 10:59 AM

I'd like to sit down and hear a set of AG's in someone's system. I've only heard them at shows, although I heard nothing wrong with them, I also didn't walk out lusting for a pair. It must be the associated quipment or room, looking at Joe's other speakers and gear I think we like similar sounds. In addition to speakers I really like the Bricasti DAC.

Joe, if you audition DAC's I'd encourage a listen to Lampizator from your comments of what you like about your Duo's. My friend has had a variety of Lampi, moving up the chain, and to me have been consistent with an engaging and lifelike presence. Typically, somewhat larger sound stage and bold, yet the latter holds true.

Congrats on another winner to the stable

**Mike** · October 29, 2018, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I'd like to sit down and hear a set of AG's in someone's system. I've only heard them at shows, although I heard nothing wrong with them, I also didn't walk out lusting for a pair. It must be the associated quipment or room, looking at Joe's other speakers and gear I think we like similar sounds. In addition to speakers I really like the Bricasti DAC.

Joe, if you audition DAC's I'd encourage a listen to Lampizator from your comments of what you like about your Duo's. My friend has had a variety of Lampi, moving up the chain, and to me have been consistent with an engaging and lifelike presence. Typically, somewhat larger sound stage and bold, yet the latter holds true.

Congrats on another winner to the stable

Come on over.

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**Marslo** · October 29, 2018, 12:11 PM

Although we do not know to each other I hope you have nothing against to call you with your first name, you are always so kind for others.
So congratulations Joe, pls be welcome to the Avantgarde Family.

I have had Duo Omega for 7 years, since over 2 years I am very happy with Duo Mezzo XD.
Enjoy your new speakers

Mariusz

**joeinid** · October 29, 2018, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

I'd like to sit down and hear a set of AG's in someone's system. I've only heard them at shows, although I heard nothing wrong with them, I also didn't walk out lusting for a pair. It must be the associated quipment or room, looking at Joe's other speakers and gear I think we like similar sounds. In addition to speakers I really like the Bricasti DAC.

Joe, if you audition DAC's I'd encourage a listen to Lampizator from your comments of what you like about your Duo's. My friend has had a variety of Lampi, moving up the chain, and to me have been consistent with an engaging and lifelike presence. Typically, somewhat larger sound stage and bold, yet the latter holds true.

Congrats on another winner to the stable

I’ve had the Lampizator Big 7 and an early Golden Gate. I know they’ve progressed since then and I need to listen the the GG2 and Pacific. I do love the Lampizator sound. Might be time to revisit them.

I also agree that we probably have similar taste based on gear and previous posts.

I really love my Bricasti but like everyone else, have a roving ear. Balance in a system is key and depending on amps (SET or not) will play a role in which DAC or other source to add.

I think Avantgarde and similar horns are so different from typical box speakers, it might take a little time to fully appreciate what they do. I know coming from speakers like the 4367, it seems to me to be an easier transition. Having 1000wpc of powered bass per channel and DSP control really sets these apart from more passive designs.

My Duo XD are so dynamic, open, smooth, sweet and utterly present in my room, it’s astonishing. There seems to be no distortion. Cranking the volume to experience the music fully, I don’t realize how loud I’ve actually been listening at times. You hear things not normally heard. Singers parting their lips, breath control, even normal room ambiance comes through clearly. Uncanny!

**joeinid** · October 29, 2018, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Marslo

Although we do not know to each other I hope you have nothing against to call you with your first name, you are always so kind for others.
So congratulations Joe, pls be welcome to the Avantgarde Family.

I have had Duo Omega for 7 years, since over 2 years I am very happy with Duo Mezzo XD.
Enjoy your new speakers

Mariusz

Thank you so very much for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate them. Wow, long time Avantgarde owner, I’m excited and happy to be a member of the family. Thank you for posting. Have no fear, Joe is my name.

I think I’ve seen posts about you mentioning your Ayon Crossfire III. I’m sure that’s a wonderful amp. Please tell me more about it.

I can see you have great taste too

**Marslo** · October 29, 2018, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thank you so very much for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate them. Wow, long time Avantgarde owner, I’m excited and happy to be a member of the family. Thank you for posting. Have no fear, Joe is my name.

I think I’ve seen posts about you mentioning your Ayon Crossfire III. I’m sure that’s a wonderful amp. Please tell me more about it.

I can see you have great taste too

I have my rig in a big living room with difficult acoustics and when the Polish distributr of AG came to my place for presentation he brought also Crossfire I and Accu E560 , an A Class SS design.
I had then JM Lab Electra 1038 Be driven with Accu E 450, an AB amp.
So first we connected E450 to Duo Omega, I was a bit surprised with what I have heard.
Long story short Crossfire outperformed both Accu’s by a big margin.
It was in 2010 and ever since I tried many good amps, decided to keep SET, swaped only to next iterations of Crossfire, for last 4 years it’s Crossfire III with tube rectifcation.
My preference goes to integrated design because I want to keep 3 sources- sacd player, TT and separete transport and DAC in my living room.
Imho Crossfire is very good value for money- very transparent, fast, dynamic but it’s still a SET with all its magic.
It’s very well described here by Goeff Husband

https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/ayon_crossfire_e.html

And yes, the type of presentation offered by AG requires more time if someone listened only to traditional boxes, I fully agree with you.

**astrotoy** · October 29, 2018, 12:45 PM

Congrats on the new AV Duos. I've had my Duos for 16 years (and they were a used pair). So they are closer to the beginning of the line. Had no real desire to change, even though I regularly hear crazy expensive speakers (like the Rockport Lyra and Magico M series). My amps of choice (which actually drove me to the Duos) are a pair of Cary Signature 2A3 monoblocks (about 3.5w per channel). I have been using the fancy Psvane tubes for several years. Love the SET sound with the Duos.

I've had my Lampi GG (bought used this summer) and have made the jump to a Pacific (arrives in a month), with the very generous trade-in that Lampi gives.

But most of my listening is to tape these days.

Larry

**KeithR** · October 29, 2018, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Justin,

Thank you, no need to worry. As soon as I can recoup some cash, I’m thinking dacs too. I’m also not unhappy with my Bricasti. Thinking about what the upgrade to it will cost but I need to break in my speakers and just get familiar along with a final setup. I have a way to go but it’ll be fun.

MSB Ref --> Tube amp --> Duos is the easiest path

Congrats Joe! Hope you finally found a reference speaker to enjoy for years to come

**Paul** · October 29, 2018, 12:51 PM

Destination speakers Joe ?

**Marslo** · October 29, 2018, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by astrotoy

Congrats on the new AV Duos. I've had my Duos for 16 years (and they were a used pair). So they are closer to the beginning of the line. Had no real desire to change, even though I regularly hear crazy expensive speakers (like the Rockport Lyra and Magico M series). My amps of choice (which actually drove me to the Duos) are a pair of Cary Signature 2A3 monoblocks (about 3.5w per channel). I have been using the fancy Psvane tubes for several years. Love the SET sound with the Duos.

I've had my Lampi GG (bought used this summer) and have made the jump to a Pacific (arrives in a month), with the very generous trade-in that Lampi gives.

But most of my listening is to tape these days.

Larry

Congrats on your Pacific order, you won’t regret

**Marslo** · October 29, 2018, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

MSB Ref --> Tube amp --> Duos is the easiest path

Congrats Joe! Hope you finally found a reference speaker to enjoy for years to come

Could be, but PAC is not bad either

**joeinid** · October 29, 2018, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

MSB Ref --> Tube amp --> Duos is the easiest path

Congrats Joe! Hope you finally found a reference speaker to enjoy for years to come

Now that sounds like the winning combination.

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