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Avalon's "Symbol": Good As "Other" $3500 Spks??

Need input about Avalon Acoustics "Symbol" speaker and how it compares to other speakers in the $3500 price range, like Revel F-30, Audio Physic Tempo3i, Totem's "Forest". How deep and tight is the bass, considering it uses only two 5.5 inch drivers for the mids and lows. Is the "soundstaging" and "imaging" as good as the more expensive Avalon speakers. Or, is this just a Home Theater product which does not qualify as "hi-end" sound?? The Symbols look cool, but seem fairly expensive for what they offer. Are they really worth their retail price??
sunnyjim
hpshps
66 posts
 
The Symbols take quite some time to break in. Before they are broken in, they do not sound too pleasing and certainly not involving. And yes, they do not have a lot of bass. I have heard them with several different amps and CDPs. These make a big difference, properly matched the Symbols are excellent for their size and, to some degree, price. They make excellent HT speakers, though. I heard the Symbols used as front and rear channels augmented with the Avalon sub and center. Spooky. Very realistic. I personally would probably not buy them because I like more bass but if looks and small amount of space required matter more than the bottom-most octave, I'd go for it. I own a pair of Avalons Eidolons and I have every intention of keeping them for very long time.
carlman
21 posts
 
I have the Revel F30's but, I've moved to a smaller room so, I'm selling them. I have an ad for them here. My room is only 11x12'. The Revel's are too big for the room. However, when they were in a larger room, they provided great detail, transparency, and impact. These speakers are very convincing on most music. The only thing I think it misses on is acoustic guitar. It's not bad but, not as convincing as it recreates piano and all other instruments. That's my biggest nit-picking.

The bass on the Revel's is much more than just another octave... it's a detailed layer of bass that is seamlessly integrated with the rest of the sound. The bass, mids and highs are very detailed.

The Avalon's I heard which were about 7,k on sale at a dealer sounded more mellow, relaxed, etc. The Revel's are more forward and have greater impact but, do not image quite as well.

So, that's what I know.
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
I owned a pair for a short time. I felt they were way over priced. (bought demos) Avalon's other more expensive speakers are great and maybe worth the money but the symbols are not built to the same quality and the drivers they use in the symbols would never be considered in their other models. After about a month in my system I could not stand their thin & bright sound. I replaced with Tyler Acoustics Lynbrook Signatures and my system came alive. Alot of people believe that Avalon's are all over priced but their other models do sound outstanding. With the symbols you are paying more for their name and I would look at other brand in the $3500 range.
carlman
21 posts
 
I replaced the Revel's with a pair of Von Schweikert VR-1's. Lots of detail, good punch and excellent midrange. I thought the M20's highs were a little harsh. The VR-1's have an equally forward sound but, with a more natural timbre.

I'll be demo'ing a pair of GR-Research Criterions as well. I've heard the Diluceo's and they are incredible.
carlman
21 posts
 
FYI.. just another update... the VR1's are out... they do have a natural timbre but, not as accurate in the details as I'd like. Also, in my small room, they were a little glaring. I'm working very hard to treat the room...

I've recently bought Green Mountain Europa's.. so far, these are the best speakers I've heard for my tastes. They're neutral and full of detail... inner detail is stunning. I can hear the body of the guitar and the highs are not the least bit harsh... but, rich in detail.

They need a sub, which I have...

The Criterion's are still on their way... this will be the final 'shootout' to determine which speaker I'll keep.

-C
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