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  1. #1
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    Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    I’m looking to upgrade my old Avantgarde Duo horn speakers and am almost decided on Avantgarde Mezzo XD or possibly Duo XD.

    I love the sound of Avantgarde speakers and their quirky looks. Looks are especially important as the speakers stand in the middle of my large semi-circular room.

    With a budget of up to Mezzo price (40-50K) what else should I look at? They must be happy standing mid-room (no back wall), so no Martin Logans please – they just sound poor in my room (I have Expression 13As for sale). This probably excludes other panel speakers, though big Quads sounded remarkably good. What else is there that will sound fantastic and look interesting?

    Bayz look the part but way too costly. What else is there out there? UK distribution preferred, but not 100% essential. Thanks for any imaginative ideas

    Peter
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  2. #2
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by Hear Here View Post
    I’m looking to upgrade my old Avantgarde Duo horn speakers and am almost decided on Avantgarde Mezzo XD or possibly Duo XD.

    I love the sound of Avantgarde speakers and their quirky looks. Looks are especially important as the speakers stand in the middle of my large semi-circular room.

    With a budget of up to Mezzo price (40-50K) what else should I look at? They must be happy standing mid-room (no back wall), so no Martin Logans please – they just sound poor in my room (I have Expression 13As for sale). This probably excludes other panel speakers, though big Quads sounded remarkably good. What else is there that will sound fantastic and look interesting?

    Bayz look the part but way too costly. What else is there out there? UK distribution preferred, but not 100% essential. Thanks for any imaginative ideas

    Peter
    Bayz? Good Lord are those ugly. A plumbing project gone wrong, and yes I’ve heard them - a few times.

    Fyne F1-12. Made in Scotland!

    Magico M2’s. OMG, what a speaker.

    Stenheim Alumine 5

    Vivid Giya G2 S2





    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  3. #3
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    I would add Tidal speakers to that group. I heard a pair at Axpona 3 years ago that blew me and some friends away. The electronics were all Bricasti. I think they sold for $35K without the diamond tweeter. Good looking speaker as well.

    At RMAF last year, the Boulder Audio room featured Vienna Acoustics Imperial speakers. My son and I thought it was the best sounding system at the show. But, there was about $200K worth of electronics and cables. And 4 subs were used.

    I have to agree with Mike, Fyne Audio is definitely worth a look. They are on my shortlist of speakers for my next upgrade.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  4. #4

    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    1. Accapella, horns with plasma tweeter
    2. Lansche speakers with plasma tweeters
    3.Tidal


    Gesendet von iPad mit Tapatalk

  5. #5
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Just to let you know, I've ordered new Avantgarde Duo XD speakers to replace my ageing 2006 Duos.

    Thanks for all the suggestions, but Avantgarde wins out for me. Peter
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  6. #6
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by Hear Here View Post
    Just to let you know, I've ordered new Avantgarde Duo XD speakers to replace my ageing 2006 Duos.

    Thanks for all the suggestions, but Avantgarde wins out for me. Peter
    Congratulations! That makes the most sense indeed. Once you’ve lived with the live sounds of AG, you’re spoiled! The XD is a big step up. Enjoy!
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  7. #7
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Congratulations! That makes the most sense indeed. Once you’ve lived with the live sounds of AG, you’re spoiled! The XD is a big step up. Enjoy!
    Thanks Mike. I'm looking forward to the new speakers.

    I'm still likely to modify their appearance. As with my old Duos, I plan to "ditch the scaffolding" as I find it rather unattractive.

    I'll do this either by getting a simple cradle made similar to Mezzo and fixing the midhorn tube to the sub enclosure, or getting a bracket made that will support this tube from the rear panel of the sub. A Simpler bracket to the one used in my old Duos.

    IMG_0110.JPGIMG_0105.JPG
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  8. #8
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Too late the party. I wanted to sugest these. Grats on your new speakers.

    9079g.jpg
    Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.

  9. #9
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by Mordante View Post
    Too late the party. I wanted to sugest these. Grats on your new speakers.

    9079g.jpg
    Out of curiosity, what are those beasts? Thanks. Peter
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  10. #10
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Blumenhofer I think.
    Speakers: Adyton Imagic 2.0 TC (line source), Subs: Audio Physic Minos x2, Amp: Adyton Cordis 1.7 Silver Signature, Pre: Burmester 077, RIAA: Burmester 100, Kondo GE-1, Consolidated MU-metal stepup Phono: Acoustic Signature Invictus Jr, Avid Acutus Ref. SP, Bergmann Galder, Technics sl-1000r, Michell Gyrodec, Arms: Acoustic Signature TA9000Neo, SME V with NO cabling, Bergmann Odin, SME 309, Thomas Schick 12´, FR64S, PU´s: Lyra Atlas SL, Kiseki PH, DS Audio W2, SPU 85th ann., VdH Colibri XGW Master Sig. Strad. Cables: Nordost Valhalla2, Odin1 and Odin2, Power: Adyton 6kw trafo, Burmester 948, Isotek Supertitan, Nordost QRT QX2, QX4, Qv2, Rack: Aavik titanium rack, Absolare, Kanso wall-shelf, NO Sort Kones TC, BC, Sort Fut, Ansuz Darkz B:TC, Grounding: Nordost QKORE6
    System 2: Kondo Overture PM2,, Michell Gyrodec, Naim NDX streamer, Burmester 113 DAC, Avantgarde Uno XD, Nordost Valhalla, Audio Insight Isovolt 3 kw trafo.

  11. #11
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Late to the party also but I am wondering why you didn’t consider Wilson Benesch?

    Cheers,
    Bernard

  12. #12
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by bernardl View Post
    Late to the party also but I am wondering why you didn’t consider Wilson Benesch?

    Cheers,
    Bernard
    I suppose because I'm familiar with Avantgarde and I know they sound good in my difficult room and will work well with my existing system. Wilson Benesch seem to have typically 89 dB sensitivity so it would require a different type of amp compared with the 107 dB Avantgardes. I got my fingers burnt last year after buying Martin Logan (and a Sanders Magtech amp to power it), so I'm maybe playing it safe.

    I'm not familiar with Wilson Benesch though I'm sure they are great speakers, but so are dozens of other brands. Better the devil you know, perhaps!

    Peter
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  13. #13
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Indeed, if you already know what works that’d the best and by far the safest. Congrats on the new speakers. I love avantgarde speakers!

    You are right that the sensitivity is very different.

    I happen to think that WB is far from being one out of many brands. Per my many listening sessions it’s among the very very best. At the same level as Magico, YG, Wilson Audio, Avantgarde,... but it has to be driven by suitable amplification.

    Anyway, glad that you have found what you were looking for.

    Cheers,
    Bernard

  14. #14
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by Hear Here View Post
    Out of curiosity, what are those beasts? Thanks. Peter
    Like someone said these are Blumenhofer speakers the model is the Gran Gioia 2x10"


    Gran Gioia MK 2 Gran Gioia 2x10"
    Material Birch plywood Birch plywood
    Horn Material HDF-Complex HDF-Complex
    Thickness 19mm / 3/4" 19mm / 3/4"
    Internal Bracing Structural bracing interaction Structural bracing interaction
    Cross over chamber - Yes
    Frequency range 35Hz - 20kHz ± 2dB 35Hz - 20kHz ± 2dB
    Woofer 380mm / 15" 2x 250mm / 10"
    Material Paper Paper
    Bass Cabinet HornBass Reflex HornBass Reflex
    Porting Floor Floor
    Horn load Front Front
    Cross over frequency 850 Hz 750 Hz
    Midhigh Compression driver Compression driver
    Horn Throat 1,4" 1,4"
    Membrane dimensions 75mm / 3" 75mm / 3"
    Material Titanium Titanium
    Max power input (RMS) 150 W RMS 300 W RMS
    Efficiency 100 dB 95 dB
    Impedance 8 Ohm 4 Ohm
    Impedance linearization Yes Yes
    Terminal Bi-Amping Bi-Amping
    Material Gold plated tellurium copper Gold plated tellurium copper
    Feets Adjustable Spykes Adjustable Spykes
    Dimensions 1335 x 550 x 840 mm 1332 x 482 x 536
    Weight 100 kg 60kg
    Packaging Dimensions
    Gross Weight 140kg 90kg
    Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.

  15. #15
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    Re: Loudspeaker Suggestions Please – Alternatives to Avantgarde Mezzo

    Quote Originally Posted by Hear Here View Post
    Thanks Mike. I'm looking forward to the new speakers.

    I'm still likely to modify their appearance. As with my old Duos, I plan to "ditch the scaffolding" as I find it rather unattractive.

    I'll do this either by getting a simple cradle made similar to Mezzo and fixing the midhorn tube to the sub enclosure, or getting a bracket made that will support this tube from the rear panel of the sub. A Simpler bracket to the one used in my old Duos.

    IMG_0110.JPGIMG_0105.JPG
    amazing view you have hear hear !!
    1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
    modded dac , marantz sa8005, Verity audio Rienzi

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