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It's been a busy summer! I've been carefully analyzing and listening to and testing a number of different products, trying to determine which ones really impress me. As such, I am pleased to announce I have added three new brands: Avantgarde Acoustics, DEQX and Quadraspire.
Avantgarde Acoustics
I was able to extensively listen to a pair of early (circa 2000) Avantgarde Uno's. I listened on multiple occasions and couldn't believe how incredible these speakers were. Dynamic, immediate, laser like imaging, life sized imaging and simply, in a word, "LIVE!" I thought to myself, "if these are the generation one, entry level speakers from Avantgarde, I can only imagine what the Duo's from generation 3 (or is it 4?) must sound like!"
I felt the timing was right for me to jump in, especially with the introduction of the new XD series from Avantgarde Acoustics. The XD technology will be added to all speakers in the Avantgarde lineup, which will include: Zero XD, Uno XD, Duo XD, Duo Mezzo XD, Primo XD and Trio XD.
The XD versions will feature Avantgarde's latest and most advanced developments and technologies, which will advance the speakers to a new level of quality and flexibility.
The new DUO range (available August 2015) will comprise the DUO XD and MEZZO XD speakers (PRIMO XD available on special request), featuring technologies that will further outline the unique virtues of our horn speakers (such as the 8 times greater dynamic range and 90% less distortion than conventional designs, as approved by the University of Aachen/Germany), achieved by new proprietary OMEGA technology drivers, patent pending CPC crossovers, 1000 watt XD subwoofer amplification, and 10-band parametric DSP bass control throughout the line.
The XD series will feature:
- newly developed 1000 watts Class-D amplifiers (delivering very clean instantaneous power)
- redesigned input stage with DSP, allowing to program multiple EQ curves (for fine adaptions according to placement or room acoustics)
- on-board 2-line display for easy access to basic parameters
- Ethernet and USB connection to apply graphic EQ software (for easy and precise adjustments)
- microphone kit for room adaption measurements (coming in Q4-'15/Q1-'16)
*** Suncoast Audio is partnering with the North American Avantgarde Distributor and Avantgarde Acoustics from Germany to present the Global Debut of the Avantgarde Duo Mezzo XD's at RMAF 2015. We will be in rooms 578 and 8004 ***
DEQX:
As I survey the landscape of high end audio, I see amps, preamps, tube, solid state, DAC's, lots of DAC's, turntables and many other exciting things. We see small, incremental changes in the advancements in these areas. So, when I asked myself, "what is the next great frontier for high end audio?" - the answer was clear - DSP - both on with speaker and room calibration.
Those who know me will probably chuckle as they would expect me to be the last person to adopt DSP. Well, thanks to the Devialet's SAM technology (which just corrects the speaker), I'm sold.
I heard the DEQX demos at past shows and they manage to make Radio Shack PA speakers sound bloody good!
http://www.stereophile.com/content/gob-smacked-deqx
http://www.stereophile.com/content/deqx-premate-da-processordigital-equalizer
DEQX has just rolled out some exciting new products, including the PreMate+ (which I will have available for demo). This device sits between your preamp and amp. DEQX also offers Preamp/DAC's in a single box. But for those audiophiles wishing to retain their existing Preamp/DAC, the PreMate and PreMate+ products are perfect.
Unless you're wanting to measure your room, and plaster it with a lot of room treatments, DSP is the answer to any annoying speaker/room issues you may have - and DEQX is the leader.
Quadraspire
Quite simply, I needed a rack brand that was A. flexible, B. good quality and C. offered products in many different price points. I've owned Quadraspire racks personally, and have always been impressed with their build quality for the money.
I especially like their amp stands with wheels! Much easier for moving heavy amps around.
Quadraspire offers three different product ranges: Q4 Evo, SVT and X Reference. Custom options are also available.
Avantgarde Acoustics
I was able to extensively listen to a pair of early (circa 2000) Avantgarde Uno's. I listened on multiple occasions and couldn't believe how incredible these speakers were. Dynamic, immediate, laser like imaging, life sized imaging and simply, in a word, "LIVE!" I thought to myself, "if these are the generation one, entry level speakers from Avantgarde, I can only imagine what the Duo's from generation 3 (or is it 4?) must sound like!"
I felt the timing was right for me to jump in, especially with the introduction of the new XD series from Avantgarde Acoustics. The XD technology will be added to all speakers in the Avantgarde lineup, which will include: Zero XD, Uno XD, Duo XD, Duo Mezzo XD, Primo XD and Trio XD.
The XD versions will feature Avantgarde's latest and most advanced developments and technologies, which will advance the speakers to a new level of quality and flexibility.
The new DUO range (available August 2015) will comprise the DUO XD and MEZZO XD speakers (PRIMO XD available on special request), featuring technologies that will further outline the unique virtues of our horn speakers (such as the 8 times greater dynamic range and 90% less distortion than conventional designs, as approved by the University of Aachen/Germany), achieved by new proprietary OMEGA technology drivers, patent pending CPC crossovers, 1000 watt XD subwoofer amplification, and 10-band parametric DSP bass control throughout the line.
The XD series will feature:
- newly developed 1000 watts Class-D amplifiers (delivering very clean instantaneous power)
- redesigned input stage with DSP, allowing to program multiple EQ curves (for fine adaptions according to placement or room acoustics)
- on-board 2-line display for easy access to basic parameters
- Ethernet and USB connection to apply graphic EQ software (for easy and precise adjustments)
- microphone kit for room adaption measurements (coming in Q4-'15/Q1-'16)
*** Suncoast Audio is partnering with the North American Avantgarde Distributor and Avantgarde Acoustics from Germany to present the Global Debut of the Avantgarde Duo Mezzo XD's at RMAF 2015. We will be in rooms 578 and 8004 ***
DEQX:
As I survey the landscape of high end audio, I see amps, preamps, tube, solid state, DAC's, lots of DAC's, turntables and many other exciting things. We see small, incremental changes in the advancements in these areas. So, when I asked myself, "what is the next great frontier for high end audio?" - the answer was clear - DSP - both on with speaker and room calibration.
Those who know me will probably chuckle as they would expect me to be the last person to adopt DSP. Well, thanks to the Devialet's SAM technology (which just corrects the speaker), I'm sold.
I heard the DEQX demos at past shows and they manage to make Radio Shack PA speakers sound bloody good!
http://www.stereophile.com/content/gob-smacked-deqx
http://www.stereophile.com/content/deqx-premate-da-processordigital-equalizer
DEQX has just rolled out some exciting new products, including the PreMate+ (which I will have available for demo). This device sits between your preamp and amp. DEQX also offers Preamp/DAC's in a single box. But for those audiophiles wishing to retain their existing Preamp/DAC, the PreMate and PreMate+ products are perfect.
Unless you're wanting to measure your room, and plaster it with a lot of room treatments, DSP is the answer to any annoying speaker/room issues you may have - and DEQX is the leader.
Quadraspire
Quite simply, I needed a rack brand that was A. flexible, B. good quality and C. offered products in many different price points. I've owned Quadraspire racks personally, and have always been impressed with their build quality for the money.
I especially like their amp stands with wheels! Much easier for moving heavy amps around.
Quadraspire offers three different product ranges: Q4 Evo, SVT and X Reference. Custom options are also available.
