Avantgarde Acoustics DUO Mezzo G2

[Jerry Seh]

Anyone heard these speakers? Well, I did with the puny little integrated amp from their stable, which I had one last piece before it went obsolete from their production.

They simply sounded gorgeous, with not a nary of honkiness as always been associated with horn speakers. Moreover, they sounded so lifelike, so clear that I am moved ..... Not they are that much better than the Meridian combo I owned today, but certainly a very refreshing performance to me.

Thinking hard on offers ..... For sure, a few more audition wont hurt.

Attached pictures of the speakers as well as the integrated amp. Beauties isnt it?


Cheers!

 

[jwhite613]

Jerry... I usually don't care for the look of that style of speakers. But these aren't bad. Maybe because the horns aren't painted in a bright glossy finish. These look a little more subdued. Good luck with your decision.

 

[dlb2]

Sorry I can't comment on the speakers since I've never heard a pair, but I have always thought Avantgarde's were very cool looking. It seems as though they might need enough room to breathe. I would love to hear them with my Line Magnetic 22 watt SET amp. :audiophile:

 

[Howiebrou]

Jerry, They would be perfect in a second system. Keep the meridian, buy the Avantgardes. One day I might follow suit!

 

[Jerry Seh]

Good idea, but bad resources.

1. I dont have a big home like you do.
2. I dont have a forgiving wife like your's.

Its like telling her I have a wife and wants a concubine. Bed sharing? :reallymad:

The other thing would be like going back into cables etc, .... Another cash outlay all over again! Got to think thru.

 

[Dewster]

I've always find the Acapella interesting..

 

[Jerry Seh]

I've always find the Acapella interesting..

Sometime in late 2009/2010, both Howie and myself own a pair of Acapella Violons MK IV I think .... They do sounded ok. I prefer Meridian then. If not, I would not have let them go.

 

[joeinid]

Jerry,

I love the idea and look of the Avangardes. I've never heard them or owed them. I still lust for a pair with a sweet SET amp. OMG! I don't think it can get any better. Let us know what you decide.

 

[XV-1]

Yes Jerry I have heard them. At Singapore at that very shop with Air Tight Set's and TW Acoustik table.

Brilliant speakers. If I had a LOT of cash and another room I would definately go with some big Advantgardes or Cessaro horn speakers

 

[Jerry Seh]

Hi Joe,

What really intrigues me is the fact that the tiny little wattage integrated amp Avantgarde produced is a SS SET amp. And even more interesting is that when played together as a combo, nothing betrays the fact that its not tube and yet so very musical. That was the primary reason I went and bought the last production piece - and kept it - waiting for the day I could unleashed it with a pair of the Mezzo G2's, which is a huge improvement over the model it replaced. The overall presentation is so coherent, with none of the dis-jointed bass.

Much as I like to keep the Meridian combo, reality states I cant have my cake and eat it. So, if I did do the crossover, about the only thing I could save is the entire Sooloos Media files with a newer combo (MD600 & MS600) now as an input into the tiny little amp. Needless to say, I would go hunting for a CD player and the first 2 that comes into mind would be the dCS Puccini with U-Clock OR the Meitner MA-2 playback system. Others in the same price range I could consider would the Esoteric or Playback System. Of course, it will also mean I am going back to the "wild goose chase" on cables and interconnects. Having lived with Audience 24 series, I think that would be about the most sensible and less wallet busting alternative. I also happen to like the cables "softness" as dont think I like those hard 'water hose" like cables anymore.

As I am in China for a week, I have a week to consider all the options and cash outlay and how I could still fit all the new toys I am suppose to get into the same slots. Till then, its all on the drawing board.

Wish me luck! Think I need a lot of selling and convincing to do, both to myself and more so, to my wife on WHY I need to change when I liked what I have so far. Its not like I am getting a second system (Vintage), like what I had planned before. Cheers!

 

[joeinid]

Hi Jerry,

I fully understand about the chase for gear but know you will make the right decision. That was brilliant that you purchased the integrated Avantgarde amp. They were designed to be quiet because the sensitivity of the speakers is so high. The fact that you were so smitten by what you heard is proof enough for me that you may be headed in that direction. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Elberoth]

How big is your room ? A friend of mine was not able to make them work in his 30sqm room and eventually sold them. He went with Wilsons - much happier now.

 

[Jerry Seh]

How big is your room ? A friend of mine was not able to make them work in his 30sqm room and eventually sold them. He went with Wilsons - much happier now.

About the same as your friend's. However, I was told these speakers can be "tamed" by proper setup and "dialling" by the local experts, a la the dealers. Please advise more ... as all advises will be considered. Its definitely true what one listens to in the showroom may not be what it will be in one's home. Unfortunately, these speakers cant be offered for home demo prior to purchase.

I am still pondering. 5 more days to go ... counting down. As right now I am very satisfied with my Meridian combo, I dont want to make a hasty decision on what I have heard, in the showroom, and end up chasing gears again. Cause for a start, I have to find a new CD player all over again, excellent as the Oppo standard 95/105 may be.