Hi,
I have heard the OBXs a number of times at a local dealer and own the Auditorium (both the Mk. I version). I have never heard the Avatar, but the OBXs are one of the finest speakers I've heard. I like the Auditorium a lot, but they are not nearly as transparent or detailed as the OBXs. The OBXs rival Quads (heard set up next to the OBXs) in openess and close in transparency when set up right, but with better dynamic punch. However, my listening w/ the OBX was in a fairly large room w/ taller than normal ceilings. Also, I heard the OBXs with fairly expensive electronics (VAC and Quad).
The Auditorium, by contrast, are not as transparent as the Reference 3A de Capos I owned before. However, they have better LF response, a larger soundstage (though not necessarily more realistic) and don't seem to get as congested when playing louder, as compared /w the 3As.
My impression of my speakers (the Auditorium) is that they need a fair amount of room both behind them and in front, to avoid sounding boxy. Its a struggle in my 12 X 14 ft. room to place them properly. I've never heard the Avatar, so I don't know how they would compare w/ the OBX. I have heard the D500s and 700s but in a different shop, with very different equipment and room, so can't make any comparisons.
TH
I have heard the OBXs a number of times at a local dealer and own the Auditorium (both the Mk. I version). I have never heard the Avatar, but the OBXs are one of the finest speakers I've heard. I like the Auditorium a lot, but they are not nearly as transparent or detailed as the OBXs. The OBXs rival Quads (heard set up next to the OBXs) in openess and close in transparency when set up right, but with better dynamic punch. However, my listening w/ the OBX was in a fairly large room w/ taller than normal ceilings. Also, I heard the OBXs with fairly expensive electronics (VAC and Quad).
The Auditorium, by contrast, are not as transparent as the Reference 3A de Capos I owned before. However, they have better LF response, a larger soundstage (though not necessarily more realistic) and don't seem to get as congested when playing louder, as compared /w the 3As.
My impression of my speakers (the Auditorium) is that they need a fair amount of room both behind them and in front, to avoid sounding boxy. Its a struggle in my 12 X 14 ft. room to place them properly. I've never heard the Avatar, so I don't know how they would compare w/ the OBX. I have heard the D500s and 700s but in a different shop, with very different equipment and room, so can't make any comparisons.
TH