Mods for Avantgarde speakers

Triode,
What did you find the improvements were using the Apex footers.

My Trios Mods,

I used similar to Duomike, Car stereo damping inside the cans. Costed about $250 to do all six completely.

The tube frames. Taken completely apart first. I used liquid urethane rubber. It was an 8 on the 10 scale for density. To do this I had to plug all the holes. I used soap at the threaded ends, cleaned up easy. I used new bolts and washers for the other holes. For the speaker wire holes I used sticky felt for under furniture, this covered nicely and was easily removed. I will add that there was some spill over. It was no problem, it didn't stick and just rubbed off. The can and frame damping I did at the same time. My results were a result of both. The Trios were also taken apart for one month. The before and after listen was distant. My thoughts were that it did make an decent improvement. An example would be, loud percussive piano sometimes could have a ringing sound. This is very cleaned up now. Overall I think they sound better though the whole frequency range. It is difficult to describe exactly after so much time passing. Maybe similar results to Chadeffect when he decoupled the tweeters.

I replaced the jumper wire with Cardas Golden Reference. I haven't done the inside wiring yet.

The subs I use TG audio power cords into a Sound application line conditioner with my power amps. This really helped clean up the bass and seemed to be better integrated.

I tried Aurios under subs. Aurios are for decoupling. I didn't like this.

I have used Aurios under the Trios. I can't comment on this yet.

Duomike,
I'll try the solder. I never did think the way the wire was fastened was adequate. Did you find moving the tweeter back you were able to sit closer. What is your seating distance. How did you support the tweeter.

I recommend reading "Get Better Sound" by Jim Smith. I just finishing reading this book and very much enjoyed it. Jim Smith was the original distributor for Avantgarde USA. He has probably set up more Avantgarde speakers than anyone. His would be another good opinion on proper time alignment of the tweeter.

Hornsguys,
How much further back would you recommend the Trios tweeter. I had thought about maybe building a welded stand to support each. Also in a 12.5' wide room should I move the mid/bass horns in and have the tweeter on the outside or keep the tweeters inside. I would be moving the tweeter away to clear reflections off the other horns. Maybe also fasten something like wool to the back of the horns to absorb reflections. Ideas?

Hornguys,
I was thinking about a separate stand for the tweeter. The vertical array is an idea. I thought that it wouldn't work though, too close and the reflection off the backs of the other horns. I thought moving the tweeter further away, to the inside, would avoid this reflection. Also this would allow better toe in, that is not possible with the Trios frame.

Duomike,
Do you know of a way to pre break-in caps. Teflon caps take on long time.

Check out this system. User name Herman. He's using a digital x-over tri-amping his duos that look far from factory. It sounds like he's getting the results that he likes.

Chadeffect, can you borrow the gear without putting out the money. If so, definitely give it a try. I'd like to hear about your results.

Personally, I'm stuck on vinyl kept in analog only passing through tube amplification. If digital source was more important to me, then converting back to digital to manipulate the signal might be a good option. It's worth a try, let us know.

Duomike,
It sounds like you've done your homework. I think Chadeffect needs to hear it for himself. Maybe be will come accross something that works the way that is good for him. I also heard the Tact many years ago. I thought it was amazing for about 10 minutes. I have come to learn for me that less digital anything is always better. I have enjoyed a digital source very much, but always wished it sounded more like my TT. I am still open to any insight to what digital offers to be beneficial. From my experience digitals benefits from cheaper costs of storage and playback equipment, and convenience. I assume digital x-overs to be the same, from hearing your opinion about this.

The tweeter stand and v-cap? I haven't had time yet. I will let you know. Thanks for the tips.