Rockport Aquila vs Altair


Good morning everyone.
Can you explain the difference between these two speakers?
There are nearly 50k difference musically speaking.
Thanks Cyrus
ciro71
Ciro...i remember reading that Jeff Fritz (editor/reviewer at Ultra Audio) used the Vitus SS-101 when he reviewed the Altairs to good effect. I just checked the review (http://www.ultraaudio.com/twbas/twbas_20071001.htm) so maybe there is no issue with the Vitus driving the Altairs (or the Aquilas I guess) so maybe my point before is not an issue for you to worry about.
I own (and reviewed) the Aquilas and the suggestions and opinions on this thread are all correct. If your room is larger, then you will likely be much more able to justify the price difference and take advantage of what the Altair can do than if you have a much smaller room. That said, Andy has informed me that even in my smaller room (14' x 18' x 8') that the Altair will still work well.

Cmalak pretty much sume up my opinion of the Aquilas.

One thing I would note though - in my opinion you need enough power to drive the Aquilas if you listen at any reasonably loud volumes. I have Lamm 1.2 Reference monos (which are, like the Vitus, solid state amps that are conservatively rated at 115 watts per channel Class A) and they are fine driving the Aquilas. I am not so sure though if the Vitus at 50 watts would do as well. The Altair is more efficient and a bit easier to drive.

Good luck in your search and, if you do end up with Rockports, I'll bet good money you'll be happy no matter which one you choose. You rarely see these speakers up for sale for good reason.
Thank you all for your answers.
My listening room is about 48 sqm, in your answers or heard about Several times the size of the room in just 48 rms for the Altair?
Personally, I'd be reluctant to put the Altair in a room less than 65-70 sq meters, unless I got to hear it in my room first.