Hi All!
Very recently I had the chance to audition the Mordaunt-Short Avant series loud speakers. First, I must admit that I had the preconceived notion that most low dollar speaker systems are not good performers. I know it sounds snobbish and elitist, but I was not expecting much from the Mordaunt-Short Avant. However, my preconceived notion got shot down very quickly during the listening session.
The system consists of (2) Avant 906 front mains, (1) Avant 905 center (2) MS903 Dipole surrounds and (1) 909 12” subwoofer. These speakers are absolutely mind blowing. I simply could not believe that I was listening to a system that was priced so aggressively. Here are some key things I remember about the listening experience, and yes it truly was an experience.
#1 These speakers are very dynamic. They have the ability to rock your world when needed and will
play even the most demanding multi-channel sound tracks in large rooms with little effort.
#2 The system is a tonal marvel. The front speakers, center speaker and the surrounds are a seamless
match and pans from left to right; front to rear; or all speakers playing at once in multi channel DVD-A or SACD blend perfectly and harmoniously.
#3 These speakers are articulate and revealing without sounding too forward or screechy. The bottom end is robust and tight without sounding boomy or sloppy. The 906’s in particular remind me of a speaker that I currently have that costs roughly three times more than the 906’s.
#4 These speakers are a fairly easy load. The 906’s are rated at 90dB. A good robust receiver like the Denon 3805 or Yamaha 2500 can drive these with no problem. I know this because I auditioned these on an RXV2400 receiver.
#5 The Avant speakers offer a very high level of build quality that you generally don't see in speakers at this price point.
#6 This is the most important part of my listening experience. After many many years of installing, selling, designing and demoing systems for people, it is very difficult for me to evaluate products and not be overly critical. I am very serious when I listen to speakers. I sit in an upright position and gaze straightforward. I am in an emotionless state. After the listening session, I usually pick them to pieces. Even the very good ones, including the ones I have, I am critical of. Listening to the Avant I found myself doing something I usually don't do. I was actually tapping my toes and bobbing my head to the music. I caught myself doing this several times during the listening experience. As you can tell, I like the Avant speakers very much. I truly think they are a high bang for the buck speaker. Do they have flaws? Sure, but no more than any other speaker costing three times the money. Check these out! You will be glad you did. I can, at this writing, think of no other speaker that I have auditioned recently including all those at CES and the Show that outperform the Avant at or above there perspective price points.
Ray
906 msrp $400 each
905 msrp $300 each
903 msrp $350 each
902 msrp $400 pair
909 msrp $900 each
