Audio Physic Virgo II vs Avanti III

My room size is 22'x 30' half the ceiling is 10' and half is 20', into a loft. I also have a room attached to the rear of the listing area that is 12'x14'...so lots of air to fill! I added 2 Rel Storm IIIs to give me the missing octive. I don't think I would sell my Virgos. But it would be great to listen to Avanti IIIs with out dishing out 6+ grand for a used pair!
Does anyone run there Avanti IIIs bi-amped? That would be interesting to hear!
I also sent an Email to Joachim Gerhard. I'm just curious to know if the Avanti III is his design.
Thanks for all your input, Greg

I'll chip in with Wendall and Philnyc - if you've got the room to do an AP nearfield setup, the Avanti's are indeed worth the dinero, imo. They'll ask you take care in their setup but when they are right they do disappear and yield the best soundstage my ears have heard. I've got the Avanti Centuries which I chose after going in to hear the Virgo - I've always like the Virgo, but frankly it was no contest. Linear response, vitality and drive, excellent at resolving inner harmonic detail, and revelatory of whatever is upstream. Never heard 'em with SS and know they respond well to good tube gear. Disinclined to lump speakers into music genres, I'll make an exception and say for me the Avanti works its magic best with classical music.

I'm told the latest iteration of the Avanti (billed as the 'new' Avanti 3 on the AP Web site) is not designed by Joachim Gerhard. Kindly post back if you get a response to your e-mail - I'd be interested in Joachim's comments.

I did get a response for Joachim Gerhard. He said he was the designer for Virgo I & II. On the Avanti III, he was one of the designers. Spending most of his time Marketing. Sold Audio Physic in 2004. Now it's Sonics by Joachim Gerhard Design.
..........I do have the room size. It's a sickness!
Greg

Greg,

In the June issue of Stereophile there was a review of A.P. Scorpio. In it, Michael Fremer stated: "The Avanti III, which I reviewed in the August 2001 issue, was far more capable in everyway than the Virgo II, it was my reference for a few years, and it's still a great speaker--but to my ears, the Virgo II's magic balance of strength eluded it."

I have not owned the Avanti III, had nothing against it, actually, I was thinking about getting it at one time, so I looked closely into it, and still pay attention to the whole A.P. line.

Contrary to Wendell's opinion, I was quite impressed by the new Sonics speakers. But I agree too with him, that it is very hard to tell the true nature of any equipment from a show room. I would love to hear from someone who has first hand experience on those Sonics speakers.

As an alternative, the Scorpio received a very good review from Michael Fremer. Maybe something to consider too. And I heard that there will be a new Virgo in the next CES.

Robert

Robert,
You made me understand why I started this thread. I'm looking for people with my same preference to musical reproduction.
I understand the Avanti III is a different beast. But should I replace my Virgos?. What are all the Virgo lovers upgrading too? I'm also pretty locked into at least a year with my Pass Labs X-350 amp, it's that good.... I read how much better the new X-350.5 is...and what Preamp works best with my Amp, my Speakers, my Wife, my budget... If I spend 20k will I be happy?.... I know I'll be single, but that, death and taxes are all I'll be able to count on...
So what are ex-Virgoers making the jump too?
The Scorpio seems like a re-make of the Virgo. I do respect the opionion of Michael Fremer. He is the reason I gave the Virgo a listen in the first place.But I need a more dramatic improvment in presence and sonic abilities with reasurance from my listening brothers and sisters!