Avantgarde Zero 1 in latest TAS - rave review.

[Adrian Low]

Anyone heard these speakers? Physically small, similar to the Spatial M1/M2 that some of us have been discussing. Looks very interesting. Combines Constant Directivity, dedicated amps, very high sensitivity (should be fabulous for macro and micro dynamic contrasts), without the normal honk coloration that bothers some of us...ok bothers me

Avantgarde Acoustic Zero 1 Pro Loudspeaker | The Absolute Sound

 

[Mark Jones]

No, but they certainly have intrigued me too. Looks like a very clever design.

Unfortunately most Active speakers always turn out to be flops as audiophiles want to own an amplifier.

 

[bpw]

Considering that Avantgarde has not had a distributor in North America for years -- I don't think there has been anyone since Jim Smith dropped them -- I find Valin's gushing about this speaker irrelevant. Has he lost his mind? Talk about a disservice to readers.

 

[Myles B. Astor]

Considering that Avantgarde has not had a distributor in North America for years -- I don't think there has been anyone since Jim Smith dropped them -- I find Valin's gushing about this speaker irrelevant. Has he lost his mind? Talk about a disservice to readers.

Lawrence Blair (who built up EAR here before Dan Meinwald took the distributorship over) did AVG after Jim. Not not sure if he's still doing AVG or who is. A few companies-take Brinkman for instance- are now selling direct to dealers IIRC..

 

[bpw]

Lawrence Blair (who built up EAR here before Dan Meinwald took the distributorship over) did AVG after Jim. Not not sure if he's still doing AVG or who is. A few companies-take Brinkman for instance- are now selling direct to dealers IIRC..

I wasn't aware that Lawrence had taken over Avantgarde, however, Valin's review only lists the manufacturer, which would be a serious slight to a distributor, so I'd be very surprised if they have a distributor. I may be incorrect, but I thought Lawrence got out of the business several years ago. He had Brinkmann, then Philip O'Hanlon took over the line, and in recent months Brinkmann decided to do their own distribution and re-qualify dealers (Steven Klein of SOS made quite a stink on AA, since they did not keep him on), possibly to help their bottom line in the face of competition. Back to AG, you might ask Jim why he dropped them, or ask me at RMAF, since I don't care to say it here.

 

[KeithR]

I had a pair of Avantgarde Solos 10 years ago- great speakers. did not have DSP though; all analog. Just ran a tube preamp and source and was done. I'd like to hear these speakers and the Class A amps are interesting.

 

[astrotoy]

I have a 5.1 system based on older Avantgardes. A pair of Duos for left and right and 3 solos for center and LR rear. (Velodyne DD18's for a sub). The Duos have s powered bass unit and the Solo's have a built in amp. I drive the Duo's with a pair of Cary 2A3 SET amps - about 4 watts a side. I find it is plenty for the 103db sensitivity of the Duo's and playing classical music.

Larry