Anyone herad the Audio Physic Avanti 111's?

I have listened to the Avanti III twice at a dealer while I am shopping for speaker upgrade. Its overall sound is very smooth. First thing I notice is the bass. It is fast, very fast. The drummers seem having a sugar rush or have drunk too much coffee. But the bass does not go very deep. Organ lacks grandness. It does not sound thin, just not very deep. The mid and high are smooth, very easy to my ears. It is not as transparent or as detailed when comparing with the Martin Logan Prodigy, the Piega P-10, or the Magnapan 3.6R. Also, the height of the sound stage is limited and it does not have enough sound pressure for a large room.

I think you should listen to it for youself. I don't know if it is as good as the press thinks. It will not be my first choice because it does not touch my emotion.

I think you should listen to it for yourself. At this level, different speakers are just that - different. I don't like it does not mean it is not good.

They are pretty amazing with a great sense of depth and soundstaging although I did hear them half way into the room and about ten feet away from sidewalls. They were very three dimensional and open with my only criticism being that the bass was "lumpy" and lacked definition but that could have been room interaction.

I haven't personally heard them, but there is a full review in the August 2001 issue of STEREOPHILE (issue 24-8, page 77), which might be helpful to you. They were reviewed by Michael Fremer--he liked them a lot.

I would try the Virgos, you can get them new for about $4000, the Avantis will set you back $10,500. I have heard both and they are amazing in their 3D soundstaging magic and detail detail detail. Both are great for typical low level wife friendly listening volume. The avantis are more "pure" in the mid to highs, but in my view not that much different to warrant spending the cash. The Virgos are being replaced by an updated model, I hear it will run about $6000. If you can find some of the current Virgos around, I would get them, they are a fantastic value. I listened to 30-40 speakers, many in the 12-15,000 range, the Virgos were my favorite.

I have heard Virgo's on many occassions, they are good, but lack any bottom end. The Avanti 111's are supposed to be a big step up according to Framer et al. I cannot hear them anywhere near where I live, so I appreciate all feedback.