Just heard the Avanti III for the first time at the NY hifi show. They were driven by Hovland amp/preamp and in my opinion offered some of the best sound at the show.
Others I have heard that rivalled the Avantis were: Coincident Tech. Total Eclipse, Gershmann RX-20 and their big egg-shaped speaker(forget model), Von Schweikert VR-5 or 7, Silverline Sonata or Sonatina, Joseph Audio RM33, Soliloquy 6.5 or 6.3.
Sorry for so many recommendations, but I have heard all of these and they are all impressive in their own way and competitive with the Avantis--and most of them cost several thousand $ less than the Avantis, which may be a consideration as well. At this level, however, it comes down mainly to personal tastes, associated equipment, and your room. If it were me and it were possible I wouldn't make my choice until hearing as many of the above speakers as possible, otherwise you'll never know. But hey, that's half the fun of this right? Best of luck.
Tim
Others I have heard that rivalled the Avantis were: Coincident Tech. Total Eclipse, Gershmann RX-20 and their big egg-shaped speaker(forget model), Von Schweikert VR-5 or 7, Silverline Sonata or Sonatina, Joseph Audio RM33, Soliloquy 6.5 or 6.3.
Sorry for so many recommendations, but I have heard all of these and they are all impressive in their own way and competitive with the Avantis--and most of them cost several thousand $ less than the Avantis, which may be a consideration as well. At this level, however, it comes down mainly to personal tastes, associated equipment, and your room. If it were me and it were possible I wouldn't make my choice until hearing as many of the above speakers as possible, otherwise you'll never know. But hey, that's half the fun of this right? Best of luck.
Tim