AVI or ? to match Michell Orbe (Ashley pls advice?)

[hybridauth_facebook_1361961955]

The starting point for a new hifi setup is my turntable: a Michell Orbe SE with a SME 309 tonearm and ZYX RS-30-02H cartridge.

When picking up the Orbe at the guy who built and adjusted it for me, the Orbe was hooked up to an AVI S2000 pre/2xmono power and I just fell in love... So I searched the web for info (AVI is a real dark horse over here in the Netherlands) and I'm starting to get puzzled now.

I'm on a ltd budget, however I could afford to get that pre/power set, considering trade in of my Cyrus 8 integrated amp. I'd then have about £500 left for a decent pair of speakers.

However, I keep on 'stumbling' across the alleged brilliance of the ADM9 - although a subwoofer is an absolute no go for me so will the bass be enough for me?

As I play mainly dub and other 'bass-music' - productions with many 'layers of sound', imaging, detail and a tight (not boomy but natural and well present) low end are key for my system. Speakers should not be very demanding in terms of placement. My room is 5 metres wide x 3 metres deep.

Any suggestions on where I should go from here? Is the pre/2x mono power the way to go and which speakers should I addition? Or should I choose another solution, maybe the ADM9 anyway? Or... or... or...

Many thanks in advance for sharing your findings.

Patrick

 

[relocated]

The pre-power you heard is some years old and no longer made as AVI only produces active speakers now.

Latest AVI ADM 9RS are £1250 still I think, but for that you get the speakers with pre and power amps, remote controlled with connecting cabling. They are stand-mounts with one analogue and 2 optical inputs so you would need a head amp for the vinyl. Bass could be enough in your room because the quality is so good, nothing flabby going on with them at all.

AVI have their own forum that could point you in the direction of a demo as owners are often happy to demo, but Audio Tec may still demo/sell in the Netherlands. As you will see from my sig, I have AVI and their products seriously out-perform the competition up to serious amounts of Euros.

Good luck and welcome to the forum, perhaps we will have the pleasure of your company at AVI forum?

 

[CnoEvil]

What is your total budget for Amp and Speakers (including what you would get for the Cyrus).

In terms of a system, I'm thinking Bel Canto C5i + Kef LS50s as giving you the sound you are after (even has a good built-in DAC)....provided it falls within budget, of course.

 

[hybridauth_facebook_1361961955]

My total budget would be around €1500.

 

[hybridauth_facebook_1361961955]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Age is no problem for me. Good sound is good sound and the set was checked by renowned Dutch hifi specialists. My gut feeling says pre/2x mono plus a decent pair of speakers would always outperform 'all in one box', hence the confusion while reading so many good things on the ADM9.

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

 

[davedotco]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

 

[Jota180]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Age is no problem for me. Good sound is good sound and the set was checked by renowned Dutch hifi specialists. My gut feeling says pre/2x mono plus a decent pair of speakers would always outperform 'all in one box', hence the confusion while reading so many good things on the ADM9.

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

"Latest amplifiers with 4th order active crossovers

None of the above would be possible were it not tremendous headroom from our powerful amplifiers, far more than most have in their legacy system and because we use 4th order active crossovers. Believe it or not going active gives 2-300 times better driver control and an active crossover can have at least one hundredth of the distortion of a passive one.

Passive speakers simply cannot prevent the tweeter producing out of time sound because of the inability to reduce the output quickly enough. Active speakers solve this with a steeper crossover that also prevents boomy bass sounds."

From their website.

 

[plastic penguin]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

 

[CnoEvil]

My total budget would be around €1500.

You won't get good speakers with authority, scale and impact from very small compact speakers.....what about keeping the Cyrus and getting some R300s (which have serious scale for a Standmount)....or is that still outside budget?

 

[davedotco]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

 

[hybridauth_facebook_1361961955]

R300 are within the budget, yeah - guess I got some more auditioning to do?

 

[plastic penguin]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

 

[davedotco]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

You really can not compare used with new, it makes no sense.

A new amp/speaker combo of equivilent quality to your setup is going to cost £2.5k plus.

 

[chebby]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

You really can not compare used with new, it makes no sense.

A new amp/speaker combo of equivilent quality to your setup is going to cost £2.5k plus.

PP ignores the fact that ADM9s can also be acquired s/hand ...

Example.

(Latest version, immaculate, 100 +ve feedback.)

 

[davedotco]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

You really can not compare used with new, it makes no sense.

A new amp/speaker combo of equivilent quality to your setup is going to cost £2.5k plus.

PP ignores the fact that ADM9s can also be acquired s/hand ...

Example.

(Latest version, immaculate, 100 +ve feedback.)

Exactly.

My friends ADM9.1 cost him less than £500 a few years back. great deal which is why comparing new with used is pointless.

 

[plastic penguin]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

You really can not compare used with new, it makes no sense.

A new amp/speaker combo of equivilent quality to your setup is going to cost £2.5k plus.

PP ignores the fact that ADM9s can also be acquired s/hand ...

Example.

(Latest version, immaculate, 100 +ve feedback.)

Exactly.

My friends ADM9.1 cost him less than £500 a few years back. great deal which is why comparing new with used is pointless.

Anything can be picked up s/hand. The OP said AVI or...??? in his original gambit. So I'm giving an "or" as an alternative to AVI. I'd be very surprised... actually I wouldn't... if you'd find a passive set-up around the same price as the AVIs, and give as much VFM.

I can understand why Dave has a bias towards actives, although can't suss why Chebby feels the same way when he has a mediocre Marantz all-in-one.

Nothing new, though. Any suggestion and immeditely it gets knocked. Same old, same old...

Let's slaughter PP for any resonable alternatives. Nothing ever changes.

less of the potty mouth please - Mods

 

[chebby]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

You really can not compare used with new, it makes no sense.

A new amp/speaker combo of equivilent quality to your setup is going to cost £2.5k plus.

PP ignores the fact that ADM9s can also be acquired s/hand ...

Example.

(Latest version, immaculate, 100 +ve feedback.)

Exactly.

My friends ADM9.1 cost him less than £500 a few years back. great deal which is why comparing new with used is pointless.

Anything can be picked up s/hand. The OP said AVI or...??? in his original gambit. So I'm giving an "or" as an alternative to AVI. I'd be very surprised... actually I wouldn't... if you'd find a passive set-up around the same price as the AVIs, and give as much VFM.

I can understand why Dave has a bias towards actives, although can't suss why Chebby feels the same way when he has a mediocre Marantz all-in-one.

Nothing new, though. Any suggestion and immeditely it gets knocked. Same old, same old...

Let's slaughter PP for any resonable alternatives. Nothing ever changes.

My point was purely that you aren't comparing like-for-like. The same point Dave made.

It doesn't justify being insulting and using offensive language on a moderated forum.

 

[Overdose]

I'm not entirely sure how that got through the filter anyway, but I put it down to the recent forum downgrade.

 

[plastic penguin]

Thx . First I registered to the AVI forum but it would not let me open a new thread, that's how I got in here

Would be a good idea to get a demo @ Audio Tec - however transporting the Orbe might not the best of ideas...

I got a head amp (AVI s2000pp), so that's sorted.

OK.

Sit down in a quiet room, think long and hard about all the possible alternatives......*drinks*

Then order a pair of ADM9RS......*dirol*

I know it'll bash all old arty-farty passives into the ground, except possibly one...

Now I've not heard any actives, but from the countless posts I've read about their ability, sonic signature, the closest I've heard is my set-up.

Yes, Leema Pulse MKI and PMC speakers. The bass is as controlled and taut as a very taut thing, the top-end is crisp and the midrange is immensely expressive. From what I've read, the only thing a AVI owner would miss is the outright clarity (there's honesty for you), but again this is going purely on all comments written about the fabled AVIs.

Add into the Leema equation is a shed-load of analogue inputs and a fabulous double-sided phono stage for turntables. No need to faff with buying extra boxes and gizmos.

That said, it could be b#####ks and I look the idiot.

It's a price thing PP.

I am sure your system is everything you say it is but you are not going to buy it new for €1500, double that, maybe.

The OP has heard AVI legacy product and liked it, he already has an AVI phono stage, really looks like a 'no brainer' for me.

The only possible area of doubt might be the low end given the music choice, I like a bit of dub and have no problem with older 9.1s so I am sure the latest version will be fine for me. Can not really say how someone else would react though.

Psst... they haven't made the Pulse MK1 since 2010. Pick-up s/hand examples for around £400, and that includes all the inputs, which also includes (forgot to mention) headphone socket and MP3 input on the facia. Or even better, the MKIII, although a bit of a minger, can be picked up for around £600 -- it has the dac. So just add speakers to taste.

You really can not compare used with new, it makes no sense.

A new amp/speaker combo of equivilent quality to your setup is going to cost £2.5k plus.

PP ignores the fact that ADM9s can also be acquired s/hand ...

Example.

(Latest version, immaculate, 100 +ve feedback.)

Exactly.

My friends ADM9.1 cost him less than £500 a few years back. great deal which is why comparing new with used is pointless.

Anything can be picked up s/hand. The OP said AVI or...??? in his original gambit. So I'm giving an "or" as an alternative to AVI. I'd be very surprised... actually I wouldn't... if you'd find a passive set-up around the same price as the AVIs, and give as much VFM.

I can understand why Dave has a bias towards actives, although can't suss why Chebby feels the same way when he has a mediocre Marantz all-in-one.

Nothing new, though. Any suggestion and immeditely it gets knocked. Same old, same old...

Let's slaughter PP for any resonable alternatives. Nothing ever changes.

My point was purely that you aren't comparing like-for-like. The same point Dave made.

It doesn't justify being insulting and using offensive language on a moderated forum.

Wasn't comparing like-for-like. Let me reiterate: The OP asked: "AVI or?? for Michell Orbe Turntable"

Now given the Leema's sonic prowess and the masses of inputs, including fabulous phono stage for the Orbe, that makes better sense unless you just want a clutter-free house and a minimal set-up. But as mentioned before, by the time you add a phono stage of some sort to justify the unhuman SQ of the AVIs and add all the other stuff the Leema has....

I like proper hi-fi, not powered speakers.

BTW, who was I being offensive to? In the grand scheme of things the Marantz is great for the money, but mediocre compared to good quality seaparates. I used explicit words because I'm fed-up with this whole forum recently. Too many egoes, far too many 'I know better'...

 

[plastic penguin]

I'm not entirely sure how that got through the filter anyway, but I put it down to the recent forum downgrade.

Yup. Never usually use those words.

 

[chebby]

I'm not entirely sure how that got through the filter anyway, but I put it down to the recent forum downgrade.

I put it down to alcohol.

 

[Overdose]

Or should I choose another solution, maybe the ADM9 anyway? Or... or... or...

Many thanks in advance for sharing your findings.

Patrick

In your situation, whichever way you decide to go, try to go for well looked after used kit. If, after some time it is not for you, it can be moved on without much if any financial loss.

If you can get to listen to the various bits of equipment then so much the better, but I'd recommend the ADMs without hesitation, other options exist, but at this price level, the ADMs are going to be hard to beat.

 

[relocated]

Absolutely nothing wrong with Plastic giving a contrary opinion, especially given that the OP was after opinions of AVI and beyond.

The main thing to remember with 'Active'speakers is that other manufacturers will tell you that their ultimate product is or would be 'active'.

AVI had a huge reputation for all standard 'seperates' hifi but abandoned it all because going 'active', if done properly, just blows away other gear - certainly in VFM and IMO absolute terms.

 

[lindsayt]

Relocated, you've said that AVI actives are the best speakers you've ever auditioned.

For me, they are about the 16th best out 20 speakers that I can think of off the top of my head, that I've heard in a bake-off / comparative demo situation. There are also lots more I've heard in show conditions that would be good candidates for being active AVI beaters. But that was only show conditions which are unreliable for judging the true merits of any system. And there are lots and lots of speakers that I've never heard before that would be strong odds-on favourites to beat active AVI's.

You don't even need to spend a lot of money to get better sound quality than active AVI's. Of the 15 speakers (out of 20) from my list that beat them, 9 of them could be bought with suitable amplification for less than the price of the 2nd hand AVI's linked to earlier in this thread - some of them a lot less.

So why do you rank them so highly whilst I rank them so lowly?

It could be because I've tried a much wider range of genres of speakers than you.

It could be that you have some sort of emotional vested interest in active AVI speakers.

It could be that we have different priorities in what's important when it comes to sonic compromises in speakers.

Or it could be some combination of the above.

I could get my favourite speakers to sound somewhat like AVI ADM 9RS's by passing the signal through a compressor and graphic equaliser set in a dome shape so that some of the treble was filtered out and the bass from 100 hz downwards was progressively filtered out. I guess some people might even prefer this type of flat, uninvolving presentation as it allows them to concentrate on midrange detail more easily.

For the original posters taste in music, something like Goodmans Magisters would be far better than AVI ADM 9RS's. His existing amplification would be fine with easy to drive speakers like the Goodmans. Buying speakers for 200 Euros would leave him with enough cash to try a different arm to his SME. The Yamaha NS 1000 range would be a good choice too, but at more money than the Goodmans. Bass heavy music really deserves 3 way speakers. Well designed ones. Preferably in a sealed box. Minimimum of 12" / 30 cm diameter for the bass driver. With good quality drivers.

 

[Overdose]

Ha ha ha, you're consistent I'll give you that much. I believe someone mentioned luddite not too long ago, not too far off the mark I'd say.

I suspect that the OPs tastes are probably a little less left field.