AVI ADM9s: breakthrough or too much hype?
It's a bit like Macs. I've been using them for about 20 years, since when only about 3%, I believe, of computer users used them. Then you felt a little as if you were part of a savvy, stylish in-group, rejecting the coporate main. Now every grommet has one they're far less appealing.
Ah and now I point and laugh knowingly at your spelling mistake and use it as a reason to believe I'm more intelligent than you are, rather than simply being a typo due to the "e", "r" and "d" being so close together?
No no, you are confusing internet rules with hipster rules. You could criticise the forums font choice if you like, but realistically you would prattle on about how everything was better before said band got its second fan.
Oh right,
Like this you mean?
Stay on target, stay on target!
I thought I'd try to launch a more definitive discussion.
Good luck with that!
FWIW, I have heard the ADM9 - think it was the version just before the new Red Dots (Spots?). I don't think anyone who has heard them would in all seriousness tell you that they are not fantastic speakers, and more besides, and amazing value for money.
However, the sound was not for me - they just seemed to lack something, I might call it warmth or colour. I realise that for many, that's exactly what they are trying to eliminate, but for me that meant a lack of feeling or involvement. Or something. Very subjective.
Further, I think you can do better for the money if you go second hand - and I feel that I have.
If you want to buy new, and you want a simple solution with low (no?) box count then you wouldn't go far wrong.
Don't be fooled into thinking that they are an end to upgraditis though - the new models that come out have existing owners slavering. And anyhows, I quite like a bit of tinkering and dabbling on the second hand market.
Assertions that they would trounce the all-Rega system might be somewhat wide of the mark too. A friend has an all-Rega set up and it provides exactly the sort of sound I, and others, prefer over the ADMs.
If it was me, I would go down the seperates route, I think you will get better VFM IMO and IME.
Sorry but I really doubt that. But to be fair there is no tinkering once you buy the AVIs.
Clinical they are not, and I think it's a lazy way of describing them.
They are just so honest. You'll be thinking more of the music and you won't question the equipment. They are a huge bargain.
Do some lurking on the AVI Forum to get some ideas of other users thoughts.
Do some lurking on the AVI Forum to get some ideas of other users thoughts.
Do you mean the AVI forum on What Hi Fi? Or on the AVI site? I keep being referred to this mysterious place. As for the no-tinkering, there is a certain appeal to tinkering with expensive, well made things. Which leads me to ask: is everyone on this forum male?
Do some lurking on the AVI Forum to get some ideas of other users thoughts.
Yes i'd imagine after all the trimming that goes on that would be no brainer!
Do you mean the AVI forum on What Hi Fi? Or on the AVI site?
Which leads me to ask: is everyone on this forum male?
Almost certainly! Most women have too much sense I'd say.
Stay on target, stay on target!
I thought I'd try to launch a more definitive discussion.
the sound was not for me - they just seemed to lack something, I might call it warmth or colour. I realise that for many, that's exactly what they are trying to eliminate, but for me that meant a lack of feeling or involvement. Or something.
Thanks for this throughtful reply. This is a very common theme. I like warmth and colour in my music -- big time -- but not if it's "fake".
SB
Stay on target, stay on target!
I thought I'd try to launch a more definitive discussion.
the sound was not for me - they just seemed to lack something, I might call it warmth or colour. I realise that for many, that's exactly what they are trying to eliminate, but for me that meant a lack of feeling or involvement. Or something.
Thanks for this throughtful reply. This is a very common theme. I like warmth and colour in my music -- big time -- but not if it's "fake".
SB
To be honest rather than the subjective debate that will ensue I would advise trying to listen to the ADM's before you make your decision. If you look on the AVI forum you will find a plethora of owners willing to give a demo in there own home or failing that find a dealer who stocks them and go for a listen.
Thanks for this throughtful reply. This is a very common theme. I like warmth and colour in my music -- big time -- but not if it's "fake".
SB
Well, the ADM9 are undoubtedly a fine speaker/solution, and I'm sure the newer models, with the optional ScanSpeak tweeters (no tinkering, right!?!?) are even better than the ones I have heard. And admittedly I didn't hear them with the sub.
I just think that once you get the latest model, and add in the sub, that you are getting into an area of some pretty serious second hand kit (maybe even new/ex-demo).
Also not sure that trawling the AVI forum where most are owners and/or accolytes is the best way to get an objective view.
To be honest rather than the subjective debate that will ensue I would advise trying to listen to the ADM's before you make your decision. If you look on the AVI forum you will find a plethora of owners willing to give a demo in there own home or failing that find a dealer who stocks them and go for a listen.
Agreed, absolutely.
If it was me, I would go down the seperates route, I think you will get better VFM IMO and IME.
Sorry but I really doubt that. But to be fair there is no tinkering once you buy the AVIs.
Clinical they are not, and I think it's a lazy way of describing them.
They are just so honest. You'll be thinking more of the music and you won't question the equipment. They are a huge bargain.
Do some lurking on the AVI Forum to get some ideas of other users thoughts.
Did you miss the IMO and IME?
Its my opinion, based on hearing the origninal model and what I have heard.
Oh and the 'honest' description really annoys me, same with people describing ATC speakers, which I like BTW.
"Flat and Honest, Low Distortion etc etc" its all about nothing.
The AVI and ATC speakers are no less coloured than most speakers.
No doubt, if you want an all in one, they are great VFM, for a hifi, no IMO and IME.
Only heard the original model, and they sounded fine, nothing bad but nothing special.
I would demo both the Rega system and the AVI's and make a decision on that.
If it was me, I would go down the seperates route, I think you will get better VFM IMO and IME.
For the price (£1250) I would personally go and demo something like ATC SCM7 and Onkyo A907, maybe helped with some ex-demo SCM7's.
But the point is there is a lot more choice, and you could go S/H which means it would be even easier to get a great VFM alternative. Something like some Quad 57's, a 303 and a suitable DAC would probably wee all over both sytems to be honest.
My opinion will be of limited use because I've only heard the 9.1T model. Having said that I rate the 9.1T as the biggest bargain in hifi, I would expect them to trounce the Rega setup. Fwiw, the 9.1Ts easily kept pace with the £7k system I had at the time. Add the sub at a later date, and you'd have a system that imo would hold its own with more or less anything.
What was the "£7k system" if you dont mind me asking?
QBD76 ATC SIA 2-150 ATC SCM 19. Being very honest, the ADMs were better.
That would be an interesting demo, I would expect to hear a big difference in bass depth and control.
Stay on target, stay on target!
I thought I'd try to launch a more definitive discussion.
the sound was not for me - they just seemed to lack something, I might call it warmth or colour. I realise that for many, that's exactly what they are trying to eliminate, but for me that meant a lack of feeling or involvement. Or something.
Thanks for this throughtful reply. This is a very common theme. I like warmth and colour in my music -- big time -- but not if it's "fake".
SB
As for warmth? I own ADM9Ts (not red spots) and find them as warm as the recording. Since I bought them I've stopped analysing the music, I just enjoy it.
Ah and now I point and laugh knowingly at your spelling mistake and use it as a reason to believe I'm more intelligent than you are, rather than simply being a typo due to the "e", "r" and "d" being so close together?
No no, you are confusing internet rules with hipster rules. You could criticise the forums font choice if you like, but realistically you would prattle on about how everything was better before said band got its second fan.
Paul's BR/805 system thread
(where the photos live) Paul's Flickr page