Home demo speaker shoot out - AG Uno XD vs. Lansche 4.2

[Kuoppis]

Finally I get to hear the AG Uno XDs in my own system, have been waiting for this for a while. This home demo comes with a twist, they are going to be compared to Lansche 4.2 speakers.

The Uno XDs:


Specs:
107 dB efficiency
18 Ohm drivers with double-ferrite magnets
500 mm spherical midrange horn
CDC system w/o passive filter
100 V CPC crossover design
subwoofer with DSP control
2 x 10 inch bass drivers
1000 W bass amplifier

Very nice immediacy to the sound, full bass (can be adjusted), great imaging. Only turn-side is a slight nasalness and slight mid range coloration.

That said, while I liked my Magico S3 mk2s (which I sold last week), lately I started to perceive their sound as being slightly flat. Horns to the rescue, the AGs delivered thereness and immediacy in abundance. I think regular box speakers offer little to compete with against horns in this respect.

Second contender Lansche 4.2


Specs:
Semi-active loudspeaker
2,5-way closed design with integrated subwoofers
Tweeter 1 x 8 mm CORONA Ion-tweeter
Mid range 1 x 20 cm coated paper
Bass 2 x 26 cm aluminum woofers
Cross-over freq 2.5 kHz
Impedance 8 Ω (minimum 6.2 Ω)
Efficiency 94 dB / 1 W / 1 m
Freq range 15 Hz - 150 kHz ±3 dB
Size 112 x 29 x 51 (HxWxD)
Weight 70 kg
Sub amp 1,200 Watt (Power Output)

Similar, but improved immediacy to the sound through the Corona horn as the AG, but significantly better imaging, kind of floating sound, very detailed by smooth. Adjustable bass, easy to fit taste and room requirements. As only the Ion tweeter is horn loaded, no nasalness or coloration.

In my humble view, delivering a great combination of horns and cone drivers. Imaging is surreal.

One of the two is going to be my next main system speaker. Maybe not an entirely fair comparison, as the AG Uno XD retails for 23K in Europe, while the Lansche 4.2 will set you back 46K Europeans.


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[Kuoppis]

What I can say after comparing them for a while:

- the Lansche Corona tweeter is definitely way superior to the AG horns. Have really not heard a better tweeter ever. It has similarities with the MBL immersive sound, which I find spectacular.
- I think this is a personal preference, but for me the Seas aluminum woofer drivers in the Lansches way outperform the AG paper woofers in terms of bass definition. Coming from Magicos I do need good definition in the bass.


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[Sean]

Wow, a big surprise, at least to me. I’m glad to hear you are already close to finding what you want. Best of luck. Looking forward to more of your thoughts.


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[Mr Peabody]

I'm not familiar with Lansche. I wonder how the passive Sadurni would fair in that shoot out. I also like what I've heard from Volti.

[pdub]

Price difference somewhat offset by better Soulution/Lansche compatibility. If you went AG you’d likely end up preferring different amplification.
Parker

[Kuoppis]

Price difference somewhat offset by better Soulution/Lansche compatibility. If you went AG you’d likely end up preferring different amplification.
Parker

I have heard a lot of statements claiming that AG require tube amplification to sound their best. However, their own amplification designed for use with the speakers is solid state.

The Lansches are also predestined for use with tube amps, due to the active bass unit and relatively high sensitivity of 93 db (which is however of course less than the AGs 107 db).

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[Kuoppis]

Double post.

[Kuoppis]

I'm not familiar with Lansche. I wonder how the passive Sadurni would fair in that shoot out. I also like what I've heard from Volti.

Lansche is not very well known outside Germany, and the larger models mostly sell in Asia.


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[mallen123]

Interesting review and no doubt the Lansches would be better than Unos which is AV's entry level horn speaker.

Couple of thoughts to consider:

1. AV's SS amplication is low power and their amps aren't a common choice of most Duo/Trio Owners.

2. AVs generally don't sound as good with high power SS as they do with low power SS (Pass, FW etc) or very high quality low to medium power tube amps. Your Soulution is a great amp, but as Parker noted, it may not the best match for an AV horn speaker.

3. In the 46K Euro Lansche price range, you could get the Duo XD. The larger midrange horn significantly cuts down on nasal ness as well as blends bass and mid range better. If you had the Duo with dual 12 sub (not the Basshorn)it would greatly outperform the Uno XD 10 bass and midrange

The Lansche Plasma tweeter may still beat than the AV Duo tweeter, given its hard to be faster than Plasma, but I think a Duo XD comparison with better matching amplification would more apples to apples.

That said, I can understand going with the Lansche, as amps designed for Avantgarde tend to lock you into 98db plus speakers.

Best of luck with your new speakers what ever you buy and thanks for the review. Let us know what tube amps you end up getting.

[Kuoppis]

This was not meant as a good vs. bad comparison . I think both speakers are great. Price-wise even the AG Mezzo would come closest to the Lansches, the delta to the AG Uno is almost 50%.

And it was not much of a test, as there were no detailed comparisons. It was just to see which one fits better for my current use case and my listening space.

The most significant difference is the Plasma tweeter, which is just very special. Both, technology and sound wise.


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[mdp632]

This was not meant as a good vs. bad comparison . I think both speakers are great. Price-wise even the AG Mezzo would come closest to the Lansches, the delta to the AG Uno is almost 50%.

And it was not much of a test, as there were no detailed comparisons. It was just to see which one fits better for my current use case and my listening space.

The most significant difference is the Plasma tweeter, which is just very special. Both, technology and sound wise.


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How would compare Plasma tweeter to the Magico?

In terms of treble resolution. I've never heard Lansce so, curious.

Magico's flagship tweeter is the best I've personally heard.

[mallen123]

This was not meant as a good vs. bad comparison . I think both speakers are great. Price-wise even the AG Mezzo would come closest to the Lansches, the delta to the AG Uno is almost 50%.

And it was not much of a test, as there were no detailed comparisons. It was just to see which one fits better for my current use case and my listening space.



The most significant difference is the Plasma tweeter, which is just very special. Both, technology and sound wise.


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No doubt on the Plasma tweeter. And the Lansches look like the have a smaller footprint, especially compared to Duo Mezzo HD.

Surprised however at your comment on Duo Mezzo being similar price to the 46K euro Lansches. What's the Euro retail these days for the Duo Mezzo HD?

[Kuoppis]

No doubt on the Plasma tweeter. And the Lansches look like the have a smaller footprint, especially compared to Duo Mezzo HD.

Surprised however at your comment on Duo Mezzo being similar price to the 46K euro Lansches. What's the Euro retail these days for the Duo Mezzo HD?

About the same. I know in the US that’s Duo price range.


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[Kuoppis]

How would compare Plasma tweeter to the Magico?

In terms of treble resolution. I've never heard Lansce so, curious.

Magico's flagship tweeter is the best I've personally heard.

I have owned three pairs of Magicos, so I like their tweeters. My latest S3 mk2 had the diamond coated variety.

However, in terms of resolution, smoothness, frequency range, layering, and presentation the Plasma tweeter is just way better. Imaging and sound-staging is just surreal. It is so much better you cannot even compare. Different league altogether. And the Magico tweeters are really good compared to the rest.


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[nicoff]

Finally I get to hear the AG Uno XDs in my own system, have been waiting for this for a while. This home demo comes with a twist, they are going to be compared to Lansche 4.2 speakers.

The Uno XDs:


Specs:
107 dB efficiency
18 Ohm drivers with double-ferrite magnets
500 mm spherical midrange horn
CDC system w/o passive filter
100 V CPC crossover design
subwoofer with DSP control
2 x 10 inch bass drivers
1000 W bass amplifier

Very nice immediacy to the sound, full bass (can be adjusted), great imaging. Only turn-side is a slight nasalness and slight mid range coloration.

That said, while I liked my Magico S3 mk2s (which I sold last week), lately I started to perceive their sound as being slightly flat. Horns to the rescue, the AGs delivered thereness and immediacy in abundance. I think regular box speakers offer little to compete with against horns in this respect.

Second contender Lansche 4.2


Specs:
Semi-active loudspeaker
2,5-way closed design with integrated subwoofers
Tweeter 1 x 8 mm CORONA Ion-tweeter
Mid range 1 x 20 cm coated paper
Bass 2 x 26 cm aluminum woofers
Cross-over freq 2.5 kHz
Impedance 8 Ω (minimum 6.2 Ω)
Efficiency 94 dB / 1 W / 1 m
Freq range 15 Hz - 150 kHz ±3 dB
Size 112 x 29 x 51 (HxWxD)
Weight 70 kg
Sub amp 1,200 Watt (Power Output)

Similar, but improved immediacy to the sound through the Corona horn as the AG, but significantly better imaging, kind of floating sound, very detailed by smooth. Adjustable bass, easy to fit taste and room requirements. As only the Ion tweeter is horn loaded, no nasalness or coloration.

In my humble view, delivering a great combination of horns and cone drivers. Imaging is surreal.

One of the two is going to be my next main system speaker. Maybe not an entirely fair comparison, as the AG Uno XD retails for 23K in Europe, while the Lansche 4.2 will set you back 46K Europeans.


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What are your room dimensions?

[Kuoppis]

Between 20-25 sqm.


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[Mr Peabody]

Wow

I have owned three pairs of Magicos, so I like their tweeters. My latest S3 mk2 had the diamond coated variety.

However, in terms of resolution, smoothness, frequency range, layering, and presentation the Plasma tweeter is just way better. It is so much better you cannot even compare. Different league altogether. And the Magico tweeters are really good compared to the rest.


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[Mike]

Kuoppis - I enjoyed your write up. Thanks you. The question I would have about the amazing plasma tweeter, was how well does it integrate with the rest of the speaker? Is it as seamless? Maybe longer term listening is required? I’ve heard Lansche many times. Just an observation of something I would encourage you to listen for.

For the AG’s, you really want to go Duo XD or above. The Uno XD to Duo XD is the biggest jump in the entire lineup. The Mezzo adds a more seamless bass. But definitely Duo XD/Duo Mezzo XD is a must home audition if you can.

If I may make a suggestion, keep auditioning. Although the Duo/Duo Mezzo XD or Lansche may be your ultimate choice, if you can keep demoing, I would recommend it. In Europe, you have some incredible brands you can try: MBL, Estelon, Vivid, Stenheim, Tidal, etc. and of course, looking at that space, a pair of Magico M2’s may fit in nicely IMO.

I hope you’re able to get a few more auditions - specially the Duo XD’s/Duo Mezzo XD’s and keep us posted on your journey.

We can agree on one thing, the tight, detailed, defined bass of Magico’s does spoil you! M2’s to the rescue?

[nicoludio]

What I can say after comparing them for a while:

- the Lansche Corona tweeter is definitely way superior to the AG horns. Have really not heard a better tweeter ever. It has similarities with the MBL immersive sound, which I find spectacular.

...

Enjoyed the write-up.

Would you be able to elaborate on the similarities with the MBL sound?

[Kuoppis]

Hi Mike, I think the Plasma tweeter integrates the best in Lansche’s 2,5-way concepts, i.e. the 3.1/3.2 and the 4.2. Bi-amping is also essential to achieve that, as in the semi-active 4.2, or with separate sub amps as Lansche showed at the German trade show last week. I find coherence more of a challenge in their 3-way and D’Appolito arrangements.

Regarding AGs, I agree the Unos are not Duos . Duos are however too large for my current listening space. The sales rep thought I would need at least 12-15 ft between listener and speaker.

I was looking at M2s, but decided I’ve been long enough a Magico fanboy and would like to try something else. Maybe there are MBLs somewhere in my future at some point. But currently I cannot get enough of the Lansches. They are transporting so much more of the musical experience.

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[Kuoppis]

Enjoyed the write-up.

Would you be able to elaborate on the similarities with the MBL sound?

Immersive sound, very wide soundstage come to mind.


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[KeithR]

You probably want a SS amp without negative feedback for AG...

[Kingrex]

I listen to the Lanche audio at a friends place here in Washington. They are a darn stunning speaker. He had a lot going on in his system as well as room correction. What I can say is that was is the second of only 2 speakers that have ever made me emotionally tear up when listening. The plasma Tweeter is an incredible experience. It has far better sound staging than do my pure audio project Trio 15 horns. My horns are nice and they are quick, but they don't have near the detail and overall resolution as the Lanche. I almost bought a used set from Spain but I ultimately balked being concerned over having the Tweeter recharged here in the USA. I have a dealer I buy from who carries the Lanche brand, he likes the speaker very much but pushes me towards Joseph Audio as it's American-made and works well for the money.

[Kuoppis]

I listen to the Lanche audio at a friends place here in Washington. They are a darn stunning speaker. He had a lot going on in his system as well as room correction. What I can say is that was is the second of only 2 speakers that have ever made me emotionally tear up when listening. The plasma Tweeter is an incredible experience. It has far better sound staging than do my pure audio project Trio 15 horns. My horns are nice and they are quick, but they don't have near the detail and overall resolution as the Lanche. I almost bought a used set from Spain but I ultimately balked being concerned over having the Tweeter recharged here in the USA. I have a dealer I buy from who carries the Lanche brand, he likes the speaker very much but pushes me towards Joseph Audio as it's American-made and works well for the money.

Thank you sharing you experiences, very interesting to hear you have a dealer who carries Lansche.

I do share your views. My experience is as well the Plasma tweeter is something different altogether. It creates this kind of sound layer with a tremendous amount musical information, and in a very natural way. But Joseph Audio is also very impressive, so I guess you can’t go wrong with either.

And, as a matter of fact, I was also concerned about the Corona maintenance. But after I was told the service interval is 5-7 K hours, I was not worried. That would mean over five years with my kind of listening habits. Also, a friend of mine, who had the previous model, said it is very easy to take the tweeter out and send it in.


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