Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Duo GT

reviews

[{"title":"Fully Active & Integrated Powered Horn Speaker...","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fully-active-integrated-streaming-horn-speaker-avantgardes-duo-gt","source":"theabsolutesound.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency range satellite: 170-28,000 Hz
  • Frequency range Subwoofer: 18-350 Hz
  • Power handling: 100 Watt
  • Sensitivity (1 Watt/1 m): > 107 dB
  • Crossover frequencies: 170/3,500 Hz
  • Nominal impedance: 18 Ohm
  • Recommended amplifier power: > 10 Watt
  • Recommended room size: > 20 sqm
  • Horn diameter midrange: 670 mm
  • Horn diameter tweeter: 200 mm
  • Driver size: 300 mm / 12 inches
  • Voice coil diameter: 153 mm
  • Flux density: 1.15 Tesla / 480 mm
  • Bass amplifier output power (RMS): 1x 1000 Watt
  • Dimensions width: 670 mm
  • Dimensions depth: 696 mm
  • Dimensions height (+/- 15 mm): 1,732 mm
  • Weight: 108.5 kg
The DUO GT "Grande Twin" is the third evolutionary stage of a horn system that has been in Avantgarde Acoustic's portfolio since 1993. The proven innovative spherical horn architecture combined with the improved XM2 midrange driver, the new XT3 Supertweeter from the TRIO and the XB12 bass drivers with huge voice coil from the SpaceHorn.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Avantgarde Acoustic distinguishes itself by using horn-loaded drivers across the frequency spectrum in many of their designs, prioritizing efficiency and dynamic range over traditional driver configurations.
  • They offer a modular upgrade path with their speakers, allowing users to transition from passive crossovers and traditional amplification to fully active systems utilizing Avantgarde's proprietary iTRON current-drive technology.
  • A core design principle is achieving seamless integration between drivers, particularly between the horn-loaded components and powered subwoofers, using DSP and careful design to create a cohesive soundstage.
  • Avantgarde allows extensive aesthetic customization options, including a wide array of colors for the horns and finishes for the cabinets, enabling customers to tailor their speakers to suit individual tastes and room décor.

Zero Itron:

  • Positioning: The entry-level active speaker in Avantgarde Acoustic's lineup.
  • Description: Features a compact design and iTRON amplifier technology, providing seamless integration and ease of use. Unlike the larger models like the Uno SD, it is ideal for smaller spaces and offers a more budget-friendly option while still delivering the signature Avantgarde sound. Its full-active design with a 3-way system and integrated Class D bass amplifier makes it a versatile choice for those seeking high performance without the need for additional amplifiers.

Uno SD:

  • Positioning: A compact version of the Duo series, designed for smaller rooms while maintaining high performance.
  • Description: Features a compact size and high sensitivity, making it suitable for smaller spaces without compromising on sound quality. It includes a 500mm midrange horn and a newly developed tweeter, offering a natural and clear sound. Compared to the larger Duo GT, the Uno SD is more accessible in terms of space and budget, yet it still provides a rich audio experience with its advanced driver technology and integrated bass amplifier.

Duo GT:

  • Positioning: The most advanced model in the Duo series, offering superior performance and features.
  • Description: Features dual 12-inch bass drivers and 670mm horn, providing exceptional dynamic range and bass response. It incorporates the same tweeter as the Trio G3, ensuring top-tier sound quality. Compared to the Duo SD, the GT offers enhanced bass performance and a more powerful amplifier.

Mezzo:

  • Positioning: A high-end model designed for those who desire top-tier performance without the space requirements of the Trio with SpaceHorn.
  • Description: Inspired by classic designs and offers a full-range horn system with a unique bass reflex configuration. It features dual 12-inch drivers and a 670mm horn, providing a rich and immersive sound. While it approaches the performance of the Trio G3, it is more compact and suitable for those who cannot accommodate the larger Trio setup. Its advanced bass system and modular design make it a standout choice.

Trio G3:

  • Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Avantgarde Acoustic's speaker technology.
  • Description: Features a groundbreaking 3-way horn system with a 109 dB sensitivity. It includes the innovative SpaceHorn for bass, offering an expansive and distortion-free sound. Compared to other models like the Mezzo, the Trio G3 provides the most comprehensive audio experience. Its modular design allows for future upgrades, ensuring long-term value and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
2
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
387
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
7
Founding Year
1993

Our take on the brand

Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

Firstly: Most prominently, our spherical horn technology with its precisely calculated wave-launch accounts for a unique appearance, outstanding (typically 104+ dBs/W/m) efficiency, and a favorably controlled sound dispersion in any room and environment. This gives our speakers an objet d'art character and makes amplifier choice a straightforward task: it’s all about sound quality, not about wattage.

Secondly: With launching the G3 series speakers, the range is optionally available in fully active versions, with the horn section powered by a breakthrough innovation regarding the membranes' displacement control: the proprietary iTRON current-drive amplifier technology. Executed in single-ended push-pull, fully Class-A, and zero-feedback topology, iTRON is the ideal and logical choice for offering not just conveniently connectable powered speakers but to consequently provide a musical experience beyond what is possible with customary voltage amplifier technology.

What's your approach to customer support?

Our customer support consists of a network of stipulated regional service providers and a central coordinating office at the factory for prompting the most effective procedures. Standardly, our local instances will be the recommended and most effective support channel (e.g., because of a time zone offset to Germany), while in specific cases, e.g., with "vintage support," our own team of experienced specialists may of course be addressed for appropriate advice and servicing.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

Showcasing the famous Allman Brothers Band in an astonishingly intimate frame, on stage in a rather small club (while filling stadiums, usually), is the track "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" from the record An Evening With The Allman Brothers Band – 2nd Set, recorded live in LA around 1992. Listened to by a dynamically capable and highly resolving speaker like from our range, the skillful, fun-driven playing, the vibrant atmosphere, and the cheering public make a "be there" experience par excellence. Ten minutes and fifteen seconds that fly.

Leopold Stokowski's famous Rhapsodies collection from 1960 (on Living Stereo, recorded at Manhattan Center) still holds surprises! While considered to be a "nice recording" anyway by many, especially true for the Liszt "Hungarian Rhapsody No.2," listeners who become exposed to the recording through our speakers realize far greater "ebb and flow" contrast in the orchestra's fantastic playing. At realistic concert level? As you please!

Meraki's "La Fong" track has driven people to tears (of joy…) where one would never think that this is the kind of music they'd fancy. Powerhouse electronic music that combines thrilling dynamics with a wonderful sense of space that does not merely scatter sounds into thin air but makes them glitter. A special, almost limitless trip when listened to by the right set of speakers.

What other products pair best with yours?

Especially in combination with our iTRON amplifiers, the co-branding question does not need an "exclusive" answer. Rather, it deserves an "inclusive" answer, as the high degree of control over the musical result ensured by horns and current-drive has generated feedback from our network that attests many excellent (no matter if praised for a specific strength or for an overall sound balance) source components to make a truly "shining" contribution.

From our interview with
Armin Krauss
.
Brand Page

Used

Avantgarde

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Avantgarde
Trio G3
91000
91000
/
3
Reviews
Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Impressive midbass solidity
  • Remarkable fidelity at lower volumes due to the alacrity of its drivers
  • Comprehensive and dynamic sound signature with plenty of detail and clarity
  • The newly developed tweeter allows for faster response and a frequency range that easily extends to 28,000Hz
  • Features a modular design, offering flexibility with passive, iTron active, and all-in-one wireless streaming versions

Product Considerations

  • Integrating the Spacehorn subwoofers requires careful alignment
  • High-quality source components are needed to match its performance level
  • Some reviewers found that the iTron amplification did not produce the requisite bloom and musicality for classical and jazz music

Takeaway: The Avantgarde Trio G3 speaker is a top-tier audio system known for its exceptional sound reproduction and flexibility with different configurations. If you appreciate high-quality audio performance and aesthetics and want a sound system that sounds exciting and sophisticated, it is an excellent option.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Avantgarde Acoustic is known for its spherical horn speakers that deliver exceptional sound uniformity and can produce high volume levels with minimal power input, thanks to their unusually high sensitivity of over 104dB. Their flagship products feature advanced digital processing that corrects time and phase issues, while their Zero 1 Pro model stands out for integrating amplifiers and digital crossovers directly into a compact horn speaker design.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Vandersteen
Model Seven XTRM
94000
94000
/
2
Reviews

IT'S ALL IN THE TIMING. The Model Seven XTRM continues a tradition of pushing time-and-phase correct audio reproduction to the ultimate extreme. With new pistonic side-firing drivers matched to the patented mid-range and tweeter, the XTRM brings further clarity and harmonic accuracy in a way that surprised the designers and the expert listening board. Give yourself a treat and take a listen soon. Full XTRM updates are available to the original owner within the USA, and the cost is $30,051 to $45,633, depending on the vintage of your Model Seven.

Vandersteen Audio is distinguished by its time and phase coherence in speaker design, where all drivers move in unison through their first-order crossover design and Perfect-Piston drivers made of carbon-fiber and balsa wood. The brand's speakers feature a minimum baffle approach to reduce reflections, while focusing on high-quality internal components over elaborate cabinet designs, with models like the Seven XTRM offering precise bass response customization through adjustable trim pots.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Upgradable from older Model 7 versions, representing long-term value for owners
  • Features a 'CounterForce Bass' system with opposing woofers to minimize cabinet movement and improve clarity
  • Offers extensive bass adjustments for room integration, including 11 trim pots for precise frequency adjustments
  • Time-and-phase coherent design ensures that all drivers move in unison
  • Provides a relaxed ease and warmth that fosters musical engagement

Product Considerations

  • Sensitivity is relatively low at 85dB, requiring a powerful amplifier to achieve its full potential
  • Requires careful rake angle adjustment for optimal performance
  • Bi-wire capable, the mandatory HP-7 filter costs extra

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF KC-62 subwoofer: Both use counter-opposing force woofers to stop cabinet movement

Takeaway: The Model Seven XTRM is a technologically innovative speaker designed for music lovers. It offers powerful bass, harmonic beauty, and exceptional tonal realism, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-fidelity audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Vandersteen Audio is distinguished by its time and phase coherence in speaker design, where all drivers move in unison through their first-order crossover design and Perfect-Piston drivers made of carbon-fiber and balsa wood. The brand's speakers feature a minimum baffle approach to reduce reflections, while focusing on high-quality internal components over elaborate cabinet designs, with models like the Seven XTRM offering precise bass response customization through adjustable trim pots.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Meridian
DSP9
85000
85000
/
2
Reviews
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Superb resolution, incredible mid/low synchronicity, and uncanny bass extension
  • Phenomenal, tight, and fast bass, playing below 15Hz
  • Great balance, detail, and articulation at every volume level
  • Amazing imaging and natural space in the soundstage
  • DSP9 is easy to install and place in a room, due to the DSP controls available

Product Considerations

  • At £60,000 per pair, the DSP9 is still expensive
  • Fairly generous footprint
  • Finishes other than piano gloss black are available at a premium depending on cost and complexity

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Meridian DSP8000 XE: DSP9 is smaller, lighter and more svelte, but aims to offer equally top-line performance

Takeaway: The Meridian Audio DSP9 is a sensational loudspeaker with amazing imaging, natural space, and incredibly tight bass, suitable for various music genres and volume levels. The active configuration, design, and range of finishes make it a strong proposition for premium installations.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Meridian
Special Edition DSP7200
52000
/
Released
The Special Edition DSP7200 offers reference-level performance from its classic design format of four forward-firing drive-units. The DSP7200SE's two DSP processors and drive-unit clamp rings, combined with extreme cabinet resonance control, guarantee the listener hears the finest details. Its beryllium tweeter delivers breathtaking clarity and detail that can be enjoyed effortlessly for long periods of time. This optimum fidelity is supported by punch and control, making the DSP7200SE the perfect solution for authentic audio in small to medium sized rooms (20-50m2).
Check Amazon
Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • DSP use smooths out frequency responses in rooms with non-standard shapes
  • Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) technology delivers deep and fast bass
  • Built-in DSP and DACs
  • Finished in high-gloss piano lacquer
  • The new tweeter has a 1' beryllium dome for high power handling and superior transients, increasing dynamic range and contrast

Product Considerations

  • Requires a digital streamer to feed it source files
  • Requires AC cables and an Ethernet cable between speakers
  • The balance is dark, with recessed midrange and treble
  • Placement may require more distance to walls than usual

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Kii THREE speakers can sit on a desktop

Takeaway: The Meridian DSP7200SE loudspeaker is a technologically advanced speaker with great sound quality and a sleek design that simplifies a home audio system. The built-in technology helps the speaker sound good in different kinds of rooms.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
YG Acoustics
Vantage 3 Live
66297
/
Released
2023
Vantage 3 Live is a unique product: a complete system delivering stunning audio quality combined with exceptional convenience and flexibility. Vantage 3 Live will have you re-listening to all your favorite recordings, enjoying its unrivaled dynamics and scale, breathtaking detail and delicacy. Most of all, it has a musical, natural sound with all types of music, whether recreating an intimate acoustic recording or the spine-tingling, electric atmosphere of a rock concert.
Check Amazon
YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Three 700W amplifiers are included, one for each driver; each has been optimized for its particular driver
  • 25' ST optical fiber cables are included, which attach to the control module
  • YG Acoustics developments include a new lattice tweeter, and an enclosure made from an "aerospace alloy"

Product Considerations

  • The sound wasn't perfect, but it had some hard-to-describe arresting qualities that held many in the room in its spell

Takeaway: The Vantage 3 Live combines YG Acoustics' speaker design with Bel Canto's amplification and digital processing in an all-in-one system. The speaker system aims to deliver high-quality sound through optimized components and innovative materials.

Video review

Our take on the brand

YG Acoustics makes speakers with unique DualCoherent crossover technology that ensures both perfect frequency response and phase coherence, while their BilletCore drivers are machined from solid aluminum billets for enhanced precision. Their modular design allows users to upgrade and expand their systems over time, and they use proprietary software that optimizes both frequency and phase response, capabilities not commonly found in other hifi brands.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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