One of the best and most fun things about my Avantgarde Duo speakers .....

Is that I can play with amps that are totally unusable on average sensitivity speakers.

Dennis Had, formerly of Cary Audio fame, makes and sells his Inspire and/or Fire Bottle line of flea watt amps on eBay.

I got a pair of his 45 SET Inspire mono amps. Holy cr@p these are wonderful. They actually live and breathe. There’s an undeniable life and naturalness about these amps.

At a blistering 2 watts per channel, it’s more than enough to blow me out of my listening seat.

http://www.audioshark.org/attachment...id=24170&stc=1

http://www.audioshark.org/attachment...id=24171&stc=1

http://www.audioshark.org/attachment...id=24172&stc=1

Totally agree. I’d love to try more low watt options like these with my AG’s.

You’re a man possessed right now, Joe! Good for you.


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Joe or Justin

Here's an interesting little amp for little money. Known more for their headphone amps.

https://www.wolfearaudio.ca/products...nt=38476967233

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Originally Posted by Justin

Totally agree. I’d love to try more low watt options like these with my AG’s.

You’re a man possessed right now, Joe! Good for you.


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Oh boy am I. Absolutely possessed. But I love it.

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Originally Posted by Jack

Joe or Justin

Here's an interesting little amp for little money. Known more for their headphone amps.

https://www.wolfearaudio.ca/products...nt=38476967233

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Very cool Jack. I’m looking at the website now. That’s a new one to me. I’ll check it out.

I really need a remote control for volume but might be able to learn to live without one.

Joe

It's just a straight power amp like the Inspire should work fine with the LTA. Quite a few of the guys on AC bought their headphone amps.

I’ll take a hard look at it, could be another great amp. I love the look of it too.

These Dennis Had 45 monos have really settled in and warmed up. I am ecstatic. They are smooth and a little creamy with amazing separation and a wonderful flow to the music. I love SET. Good recordings sound spectacular and not so good recordings or streams sound great. I never expected to be able to listen to flea watt amps and speakers like my Duos are perfect to experience these little bottles of magic.

Just curious, through all the amps that you have tried over the years, have you ever used Ayon, Graaf or Unison? I've never heard them on Avantgarde speakers but on others they've always sounded excellent. Also, years ago at CEDIA in Indianapolis I heard Avantgarde paired with BAT. One of the best systems I've ever heard, even in a show setting.

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Originally Posted by matt_zak

Just curious, through all the amps that you have tried over the years, have you ever used Ayon, Graaf or Unison? I've never heard them on Avantgarde speakers but on others they've always sounded excellent. Also, years ago at CEDIA in Indianapolis I heard Avantgarde paired with BAT. One of the best systems I've ever heard, even in a show setting.

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I’ve not personally heard either Ayon, Graaf or Unison but I’ve read of Avantgarde owners using Ayon and loving it. Their 30wpc SET in particular (the model escapes me at the moment).

You had to mention BAT? Mike fell in love with a local Avantgarde owner near him using a BAT VK-55SE, I think. I’ve been a little obsessed ever since but they run hot as heck. That would be out as a summer amp but certainly welcome in the fall and especially winter. I’m seriously thinking about BAT.

Joe

What about Lamm, you've got a local dealer.

https://lammindustries.com/pages/pow...lifiers-ml2-2/

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Originally Posted by joeinid

I’ve not personally heard either Ayon, ..........

You had to mention BAT? Mike fell in love with a local Avantgarde owner near him using a BAT VK-55SE, I think. I’ve been a little obsessed ........... I’m seriously thinking about BAT.

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Ahhh, I wondered......

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Originally Posted by joeinid

I’ve not personally heard either Ayon, Graaf or Unison but I’ve read of Avantgarde owners using Ayon and loving it. Their 30wpc SET in particular (the model escapes me at the moment).

You had to mention BAT? Mike fell in love with a local Avantgarde owner near him using a BAT VK-55SE, I think. I’ve been a little obsessed ever since but they run hot as heck. That would be out as a summer amp but certainly welcome in the fall and especially winter. I’m seriously thinking about BAT.

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I think the big Avantgarde's (whatever the top model was back in 2005ish) that I listened to were paired with the 75SE's. My friend had the 75SE's running Reference 3A MM DeCapo's and it was magical. Although they do run hot I don't remember them running hotter than any other tube amps I've been around.

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Originally Posted by bzr

Ahhh, I wondered......

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I bet your new amps are glorious :)

Joe


It is incredible when one finds equipment which under normal circumstances would never had crossed your path and then it becomes a magical experience.

Just enjoy it and happy hunting in finding the music that makes the system sing ...

Take care.


J

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Originally Posted by Jack

Joe

What about Lamm, you've got a local dealer.

https://lammindustries.com/pages/pow...lifiers-ml2-2/

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I’m sure very musical. I’d have to make sure they were quiet.

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Originally Posted by Jozua

Joeinid


It is incredible when one finds equipment which under normal circumstances would never had crossed your path and then it becomes a magical experience.

Just enjoy it and happy hunting in finding the music that makes the system sing ...

Take care.


J

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Thank you so much. I have to say these Dennis Had 45 amps are absolutely wonderful. Just a magical midrange, full bottom and sweet highs. I absolutely love the vocals.

W5LE silver glow.jpg
WA5 (2nd gen) Headphone/Integrated Amplifier
5,699.00
BTO, ships in 2–3 weeks

always loved Woo amps for headphones and they also have 300b speaker adjustable settingshttp://www.audioshark.org/attachment...id=24173&stc=1

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Originally Posted by joeinid

I’m sure very musical. I’d have to make sure they were quiet.

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People are using them with horns Joe. Ask DDK about them.

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Originally Posted by joeinid

I bet your new amps are glorious :)

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Joe even though it weighs 250lbs, it's only one!

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Originally Posted by bzr

Joe even though it weighs 250lbs, it's only one!

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Holy cr@p that’s insane but it looks like it exudes quality. I’m afraid to ask about retail. I’m so happy for you.

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Originally Posted by veindoc

W5LE silver glow.jpg
WA5 (2nd gen) Headphone/Integrated Amplifier
5,699.00
BTO, ships in 2–3 weeks

always loved Woo amps for headphones and they also have 300b speaker adjustable settingshttp://www.audioshark.org/attachment...id=24173&stc=1

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Looks beautiful. Having my Duos opens up a whole new world of amplification.

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Originally Posted by joeinid

Holy cr@p that’s insane but it looks like it exudes quality. I’m afraid to ask about retail. I’m so happy for you.

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Aries is the definition of big iron. Great SQ too.

But be afraid, be very afraid of the price. Not cheap, unless you do dollar per pound ...then its a bargain. LoL

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Originally Posted by wisnon

Aries is the definition of big iron. Great SQ too.

But be afraid, be very afraid of the price. Not cheap, unless you do dollar per pound ...then its a bargain. LoL

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I can’t afford anything else so I’m done :)

Woo amps are awesome! The W5Le was my dream head amp years ago........ but then I rediscovered speakers and it’s been a slippery slope thereafter.
Dang......if that Avantgarde Unofino sways me........oh Wu is me.....shame and scandal in the family...lol

Larry,

I think Mike has nice pair of Uno Fino stashed in a warehouse somewhere on the east coast looking for a home :)

Let’s make it happen! Thank me later.

Nope Joe.........6 weeks out.......elves making em hidden somewhere in the Black Forest in the township of Odenwald ...per herr Michael S. Klauss

Hahaha.

What’s the difference between Uno XD and Fino edition?

BTW, big congrats on the Duo, Joe. It’s about time a set of AG rock your boat.

Thank you so much. It’s rocking all right!


The Uno fino are a little shorter and should work better in a smaller room. Beyond that, Mike should be able to explain in more detail.

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Originally Posted by kzhtoo

What’s the difference between Uno XD and Fino edition?

BTW, big congrats on the Duo, Joe. It’s about time a set of AG rock your boat.

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There are some differences. The Uno has two 10 inch drivers and a sealed cabinet. The Uno Fino has ONE 10 inch driver and a port at the bottom. I would like to see 8 feet or more of a "throw" for the Uno. Meaning, sitting at least 8 feet away from the speaker (measured ear to speaker). The Uno Fino, because it is SLIGHTLY physically shorter, you can sit closer. 7 feet, maybe 6 feet or less.

I have a pair on order in this finish:

https://www.avantgarde-acoustic.de/f...lack-satin.jpg

Thanks, Mike and Joe.

I see. Fino is a smaller version for closer sitting position and/or room. But it’s very interesting to find out UNO has 2 10-inch drivers in a sealed cabinet. I guess I just never really looked into it before. That’s Magico S3 territory and could be an option for me in the future. And most importantly, wife loves the look.

WAF is a big part of it, I am convinced you’ll both love the sound. It’s a whole new world. :)

That color combo you ordered Mike is gorgeous! .......Coincidence that it was my fave too!
:cryforjoy:

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Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

That color combo you ordered Mike is gorgeous! .......Coincidence that it was my fave too!
:cryforjoy:

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Larry, they didn’t have the Ebony-Wenge wood and won’t until mid-next year, so I went with black.

The more I look at UNO XD, the more I don’t want to look at it. New DAC delivery is still a few weeks to a month away.

Joe, you ever think of trying AG XA amp or XA INT? I see AG uses these at shows and they seem to sound good in the videos.

Mike, I’m also wondering how UNO XD bass is, especially comparing to Magico S3 or S5, given UNO has two 10-inch sealed drivers. Also, do they integrate well with JL subs? My S3’s play extremely well with F113v2 I have.

I know lower power tube or SS amp is the match here. But what about driving with high power SS, for example, Diablo 300?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kzhtoo

The more I look at UNO XD, the more I don’t want to look at it. New DAC delivery is still a few weeks to a month away.

Joe, you ever think of trying AG XA amp or XA INT? I see AG uses these at shows and they seem to sound good in the videos.

Mike, I’m also wondering how UNO XD bass is, especially comparing to Magico S3 or S5, given UNO has two 10-inch sealed drivers. Also, do they integrate well with JL subs? My S3’s play extremely well with F113v2 I have.

I know lower power tube or SS amp is the match here. But what about driving with high power SS, for example, Diablo 300?

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https://www.avantgarde-acoustic.de/f...au_zebrano.jpg
.

.

.

Oops

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Originally Posted by Paul

https://www.avantgarde-acoustic.de/f...au_zebrano.jpg
.

.

.

Oops

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LOL
Gorgeous!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kzhtoo

The more I look at UNO XD, the more I don’t want to look at it. New DAC delivery is still a few weeks to a month away.

Joe, you ever think of trying AG XA amp or XA INT? I see AG uses these at shows and they seem to sound good in the videos.

Mike, I’m also wondering how UNO XD bass is, especially comparing to Magico S3 or S5, given UNO has two 10-inch sealed drivers. Also, do they integrate well with JL subs? My S3’s play extremely well with F113v2 I have.

I know lower power tube or SS amp is the match here. But what about driving with high power SS, for example, Diablo 300?

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The AG electronics are solid state and not my favorite for the AG speakers. Paul recently had them in his system for a demo. Maybe he can chime in.

You won’t need subs with the Uno XD’s, but if you feel you want more bass, then keep them. But AG’s definitely don’t need subs.

The bass is powered with EQ and is tremendously fast and deep and powerful.

Diablo 300 is not the best match for AG. Best stick to 300b SET.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf375623d1.jpg

Hope this answers your questions.




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Absolutely beautiful.

I’ve thought about Avantgarde’s own amps, integrated in particular, but just think without having heard them that could be too much solid state sounding. Just a gut feeling and Having lived a little with them, they are just a match made in heaven with sweet SET. Having heard MC452 and MC275VI on them, I think they are a great match too. The 275 being absolutely wonderful but not in a SET way, but in a sweeter 3D great tube amp way than solid state. If that makes sense.

Mike, I actually like the all black instead of wood with that color better.....doesn’t detract from the horn this way!
The baby blue are my second favorite!......


Yeah BABY! :coolbroguy:

I personally think the magic with AG’s happens with tubes. I heard big solid state power (my Hegel H30) and lower SS power (a Pass amp) and I think you miss so much potential without tubes here.


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One of my friend told me you don’t know their potential until you pair your Avantgarde with their own pre and power amp - He owns the Trio and tried all kind of tube and SS amp before - so made me curious to bring the XA home.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...857c693d91.jpg

As soon as I pair it with my Mezzo XD by the first track “ Shostakovich- Symphony No.4 in C minor “ just knocked me out. The slam and punch shocked me and I go “ Wow this is something special !!!” Played couple of more classical music and solo piano sound just realistic as you can get plus the sound stage was just humongous.

However , once I start to play some vocal and small Jazz band where showed some shortcomings. Which was “soul of human voice “ and “ magic of tube “ is not there. Overall it was really fine amplifier. If I’m not a tube kind of listener I could easily live with it but since I’m coming from AirTight, Shindo and Kondo kind of guy. I would buy as back up amp for the summer but for my main I still need the tube amp.

And here is my friend’s set up

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d675a04ff0.jpg


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Holy cow what a setup. Wow!!!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Justin

Holy cow what a setup. Wow!!!


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That’s his own restaurant which he has that set up. [emoji846]

Amazing setup!

I’d pay a hefty sum to eat a meal there! And I’d bring a bottle of 1982 Bordeaux from the cellar!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Paul

That’s his own restaurant which he has that set up. [emoji846]

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Tax deductible... very smart!! Is his name Max perchance...

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Originally Posted by bzr

Tax deductible... very smart!! Is his name Max perchance...

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Lmao


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Omg :amazing:......I would have to rent a tux!