AVI ADM9s: breakthrough or too much hype?
Breakthrough. I have a similar story to rgill90.
I bought 9.1s (pre 9Ts) as a 2nd system whilst my main system was in storage. I liked the 9.1s straight away and ending up selling my main system on eBay. As for curing upgraditis, not really, as I bought a sub for the 9s and now have ADM40s.
The ADM40s have currently cured upgraditis as there's nothing lacking to my ears, plus of course, there is no upgrade path.
I've told this story before and when I explained that the ADMs replaced a far more expensive system, a few people felt it necessary to prove that the only possible reason I could have for preferring the ADMs was that I didn't know how to choose, listen or buy hi-fi!
Clearly, ADM9s aren't for everyone, but I'd suggest enough people like them to make them worth the effort to hear.
Excellent news about the demo Simondb. Make sure you let us know how you get on.
no worries. would be really interested in what you think.
Thanks for this, Spot.
Bit wary of buying second-hand audio equipment, if second-hand computer equipment is any guide.
2nd hand computer equipment is no guide to 2nd hand audio equipment. Computers have improved a lot in the last 5, 10, 20, 30 years. Hi-fi equipment has gone backwards in some areas in the last 30 years.
Just looked at the Bartletts site. Not sure if they have the latest Red Spot models.
The 9.1T which is the previous model is £1k.
They also have one of the last AVI Neutron 2.1 sets for £1100 which might be worth listening to.
I have a 20 year old pair of Nu Neutrons which sound amazing but need a Subwoofer.
I'm going to listen tomorrow and will report back. What do you folks think of the argument that active speakers are more suited to movie soundtracks and games, rather than high quality music listening? That is the opinion of the audiophile friend I have been consulting (who listens to vinyl only and whose set-up, with lots of valves and things, looks like something from a Heath Robinson print).
I'd give my opinion on that but it would just look like EDITED EDITED EDITED EDITED EDITED EDITED. 
Basically you're audiophile friend would be better served sitting on it, rather than speaking through it.
I'm going to listen tomorrow and will report back. What do you folks think of the argument that active speakers are more suited to movie soundtracks and games, rather than high quality music listening? That is the opinion of the audiophile friend I have been consulting (who listens to vinyl only and whose set-up, with lots of valves and things, looks like something from a Heath Robinson print).
This is about taste.
People who love valves (especially with Vinyl) generally don't like Solid State, and especially not Class D amps and Active speakers. You need to hear for yourself the difference between Class A, AB, D, Hi-bred and Valves....you will find yourself naturally falling into one camp or the other.
I'm going to listen tomorrow and will report back. What do you folks think of the argument that active speakers are more suited to movie soundtracks and games, rather than high quality music listening? That is the opinion of the audiophile friend I have been consulting (who listens to vinyl only and whose set-up, with lots of valves and things, looks like something from a Heath Robinson print).
He's talking out his backside, or at best massively uninformed. Go listen to some Genelecs, or some Mackies. You'll soon find out how good these actives are at doing music.
Cno, I didn't realise class D amps and active speakers had any sort of relationship. People who like valves can't like actives? A new one on me...
I'm going to listen tomorrow and will report back. What do you folks think of the argument that active speakers are more suited to movie soundtracks and games, rather than high quality music listening? That is the opinion of the audiophile friend I have been consulting (who listens to vinyl only and whose set-up, with lots of valves and things, looks like something from a Heath Robinson print).
He's talking out his backside, or at best massively uninformed. Go listen to some Genelecs, or some Mackies. You'll soon find out how good these actives are at doing music.
+1
I agree that your audiophile friend doesn't know what he's talking about. Go and have a listen to some Genelec monitors if you want to know what good sound quality and high clarity is all about. They sound exceedingly good with both music and movies.
Cno, I didn't realise class D amps and active speakers had any sort of relationship. People who like valves can't like actives? A new one on me...
Sorry Craig, I obviously didn't make myself clear....by using the word "generally", I meant " a lot of the time" rather than "all of the time". The valve sound is the antithesis of the active one, so if you like one, you often don't get on with the other (imo).
It is also my opinion that (as a generalization) the very clean, detailed and ultra neutral sound of Class D, is closer to that of Active speakers, and thus further away from the emotive sound Valves.
Once again, this is just my opinion having heard a variety of Valve, Class D and Active speakers; as well as knowing the opinion of quite a few Valve aficionados.
Gang, there's surely no need to bookend your comments with "in my opinion". It's taken as read. Music is a profoundly emotional experience, so it's always going to be subjective. With that in mind, I'm not sure that these ideas of "musical objectivity", "clarity" or "romantic interpretation" and the like really mean very much.SB
Gang, there's surely no need to bookend your comments with "in my opinion". It's taken as read. Music is a profoundly emotional experience, so it's always going to be subjective. With that in mind, I'm not sure that these ideas of "musical objectivity", "clarity" or "romantic interpretation" and the like really mean very much.SB
You are right (IMO 
), but one gets pulled up very quickly if one doesn't...and even sometimes when one does! 
You are right about peoples' interpretation of what they hear. Your best hope is to listen carefully to your friend's system, and then compare that to some Class D or Active speakers.
I'd say when you're half cut, any old rubbish will sound good. Hopefully the op will take the only good advise in this thread, go listen for himself - the rest is just meaningless opinion.
I'm sober Craig, mine sounds great. And the good advice on this thread is surely more than just one that fits any one particular viewpoint, no?
It was meant as a joke, perhaps I should've included a smiley. I have some usb speakers in the kitchen, cost about 80 quid - they're not 'hifi' but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy listening to music on them. Not sure what the rest of your post means but I stand by what I said, the only opinion that counts is the op's, and to have a valid opinion he needs to listen to them.
Synology NAS + Audio Station - ATV2 - Benchmark DAC1 HDR - Event Opal
http://nwavguy.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/what-we-hear.html