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Avalon Opus Ceramique vs B&W N802's

I have the N802's now and am looking to upgrade. I was originally considering a used pair of Avalon Eidelons after listening to them at an audio shop a few months back. I am also considering the Avalon Opus Ceramique, as the cost is less than the former and they are a more recent Avalon model. I have the Bryston 4BSST now, Rowland Synergy IIi Pre, Esoteric DV50S Universal Player, Transparent Reference cables(All), and Transparent Power Isolation devices. I am also looking to upgrade the Amp to the Rowland 312 in the near term. Has anyone had the opps to listen to both of these speakers?
gocubs999
4 responses Add your response
gregm
3,395 posts
 
I have, as have many others surely. My quick take is, as you are looking to upgrade, Avalon Eidolon would be more the ticket; otherwise just stick to your B&Ws... If you're itching for change, change the spkrs cable to a single-core for example.

The Av Opus are slightly drier & more accurate, the B&W more authoritative & liquid sounding. This is hardly an complete analysis, of course.

Of course they are slightly different sounding overall, the most obvious differences coming from the driver cone material used and the different treatment of the bass frequencies. Regards
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I have heard the Opus (at the time beeing Eidolon Vision owner) and was hugely disappointed. Go with the Eidolons.
glai's avatar
glai
446 posts
 
Opus ceramique has very little bass. It is a speaker designed for small room that trap bass energy. Unless room is tiny, look for eidelon or higher. I previously owned ceramique and Diamond. I have also owned the 312 which IMHO is poor match with ceramic midrange. Very dry lean sound. Look for high power tube amps or class A SS.
gocubs999 OP
156 posts
 
Thanks for the advice here. I heard the Eidolons paired with the Accuphase A-60 and the result was accurate and detailed with a wide sound stage. My only concern is how a Class A amp would match up with the Synergy IIi pre I have. I would prefer finding a good mate without having to revamp my entire system. Looks like I will be waitig for the right pair of Eidolons to come up for sale and then audition several alternatives to choose the right amp.
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