Avalon Acoustics Isis Initial Impressions (pics)

[audioguy3107]

Well, I just got them setup tonight, took 2 friends to get them out of the SUV this morning. I spent most of the evening moving them around just to get a feel for them. I started in the same place the Eidolons were with no measurements or anything. HOLY #$%^. Impressive to say the least. The soundstage is huge, wall to wall. Imaging is impressive but I'll wait to get them in their final positions to comment on that. Image depth (which is an Avalon trademark) is fantastic as well but the biggest difference so far is the diamond tweeter.....the Eidolon Vision used the standard ceramic tweeter which was nice but this is a whole new ballgame....smooth as silk. Ceramic tweeters can have a bit of an edge if you're sensitive to it, but not this. Smooth, extended, no grain whatsoever. Very impressive.

It took a couple of hours to get them focused but when I did, it was pinpoint. Very neutral and accurate, definitely one of the most neutral loudspeakers I've ever heard. Bass is much better although not as impressive as some flagships I've heard, but that's mainly my room. Jim Smith did measurements and unfortunately the placement of the seating is pretty much in the trough of the room node, but the RELs will take care of that. (I moved them out of the way to get the speakers started. Anyway, some pictures and more to come tomorrow night.

- Buck....oh, and by the way, classical (strings, concertos etc. is so far ridiculous...even my wife couldn't believe it. I played Bach's Brandenburg No.2, it was incredible)