I am thinking of buying the Avalon Osiris.

Hugos,I'm happy for you.Don't get on the non stop buying and selling syndrome.You can never get great sound until you buy good stuff,and live with it awhile.As time goes on,you will find correct cable matching,etc!Best wishes.

Robetje--I have the two additional mods offered by Avalon,at the time.These were--updated, modified by Avalon tweeters.Much better than the stock.Incredible detail,and extension.Also--there was a woofer mod,which was a reinforcment,from behind the driver,of the driver "basket".This added more impact,but did not allow the system to go below about 40hz.The frequency limitation of these speakers (which really is NO big deal,as the midbass blows away any ported design,I've heard,in actual realism,as opposed to Hi Fi effect)is easily corrected with a really good sub,like one of the better REL's.Once this is implemented,you get a HUGE soundstage,but it took me a really long time to properly voice the sub,since the Ascents are so fast,and articulate,in the bottom octave.In a good sized room,the sub really deepens the bottom,but it must be used with discretion(not turned up alot,and very low crossover point).The combination is directly competitive with some of the Kharma/sub preferences,which are popular,but the Kharmas,though well regarded for soundstage,cannot approach the staging of the Ascent/REL Stentor combo,and really cannot match,IMO,the timbral accuracy,here.Not close,actually,AND obviously this set-up is NOT the latest product,from the latest line-up,but who cares!!Great performance is great performance.I doubt that STRAD owners,or Vintage Martin guitar owners are running out to get the latest replacement instruments.Not that new stuff is not great,but why dump something that performs to such an incredibly high standard.When I get a good answer to that one,I'll consider it!

Best to all.

Sirspeedy, we have GOT to get you into the NJ Audio Society so you can host a meeting!!!!

Reprince,I hope you are kidding!It's easy to come off,on the web,as a person of real tried and true experience.In actuality I'm just a typical hobbyist,but with some very good,and experienced audio pals.My own takes/experience IS to be taken with a grain of salt,as it is just my personal opinions.Nothing else!The only thing I've learned(after spending multiple thousands on this hobby,which can be like a drug habbit,for some)is that common sense,and good advice from friends,in the know,ALWAYS trumps a "hot product review",or marketing effort.

Best regards!

Sirspeedy:

I think that you are way too modest. I view you as a knowledgeable veteran audiophile who enjoys the journey in finding the holy grail of audio nirvana. In many ways our approaches are similar: tweaking and optimization of older components that have excellent fundamental design, and the belief that our ears and not “hype” are the final arbiters of good sound.

George,I'm really happily surprised as to your pleasant response to me.I've kind of felt that you were a very knowledgeable,but somewhat edgy(in a good way)audio buff.I do agree with much of your overall feelings pertaining to things audio,but not having your language command,have gotten myself into a bit of trouble.I have seen your component selections,and have mentioned it to a good amount of my little group.Your overall set-up has gone over very well with almost everyone.BTW-I'm NOT stroking you.You clearly know what you're doing.Believe me,when I state that I have been through a ton of stuff,and am really satisfied,beyond belief,with my current stuff.I simply have a specific sound that I aspire to.This has been really hard for me to achieve,and I'm not going to move on,in lieu of some new review/marketing pitch.Though alot of my set-up is really quite new,when you factor in the numerous updates/rebuilds,I've made.I simply feel that if there is a way to update a really good existing product,that has proven it's worth,that's the way to go.I used to replace stuff regularly,and was never happy,when actually listening to my music collection.I've simply taken a different approach,for me only.Some still love the latest buzz product.No laws broken there.Without rationalization,my group would be on me in a second,if there were any glaring problems in my set-up.BTW--I have a pal who has just upgraded from the 3.6 to the 20.1.Unfortunately he is having more than a few problems with his new Huricanes(not the weather).Thought you might be interested.

Best regards!!