Avalon Acoustics Eidolon Floorstanding Speakers

Avalon Acoustics Eidolon Floorstanding Speakers 

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 20  
[May 18, 2002]
Xam
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

You will get "trapped" by the beauty of the sound. Very elegantly styled loudspeaker.

Weakness:

None I would say.

When partner with Convergent Ultimate and Jadis JA-500, with high quality transport and D/A, the sonic performance is simply breathtaking. These loudspeakers give you full of details, yet very musical. No flaws from top to bottom. Great coherence; silky smooth presentation. I think these gems certainly need lot of power to make them sing. The midrange is very sweet, with very well defined, transparent bottom. One of the most neutral sounding floorstander which can throw a huge soundstage. Simply state-of-the art! I love it!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 14, 2001]
Dave
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Unequaled soundstage in width, depth and height. Accurate timbers and startling dynamic range.

Weakness:

Costs a lot.

I don't know if another review of this product is really necessary, in light of all the glowing reviews below. But I just have to tell you that, for me, this amazing speaker has changed everything about the way I listen to music and the way I perceive this hobby. I didn't really think, after 20 years of trying, that this sort of reproduction was possible in the home. I mean, these things don't just play music, they create musical joy, the likes of which I've only experienced before at live events. I power them with Spectral DMA 360's and, as a ten year tube nut, I can't believe the warm and enveloping midrange, the simple realism, I'm hearing from transistors. Let me just say it again, these speakers make reproduced music sound real! Its just that simple. In an industry so full of hype and nonsense, I have to say that, in my experience, the Eidolons stand above the crowd in doing exactly what they say they will do. And even at their high price, that makes these wonderful speakers a terrific value.

Similar Products Used:

Martin Logan Aerius, SL3, CLS IIZ, ReQuest, Prodigy; Wilson Cub, Watt/Puppy.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 21, 2000]
Steve
Audiophile

Strength:

Expediency, tonal accuracy, ability to evoke true involvement.

Weakness:

With my gear, it has a harshness (may also be due to need for break-in, or cable tuning). Slight, but evident.

Although,I have only had these speakers for two days, which truly challenges this jade report, I must share the remarkable openess and clarity I have experienced. Almost as if a veil has been removed. Fortunately, this purity of sound has not, like some other analytical speakers, affected the essence of the musical experience. Trying to put into words what these speakers do is not something I feel adept at doing. I must conclude, though, if and when I
play with electronics, i.e. amplification, I believe I will retrieve a reality in recorded music that I have never attained before. Out goes more cash.

My equipment is Classe CA301 amp. Jadis JP80MC preamp. Sony SACD for digital. Siltech interconnects. Purist,s Dominus speaker cable. Assorted, expensive power cables. I recently sold my analog gear, but wish to buy back into it.

Similar Products Used:

Avalon Ascents, Genesis 200, Genesis 500, Aerial 8 and 7B, Watt puppies.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 23, 2001]
Doug
Audiophile

Strength:

Imaging, soundstaging, bass response

Weakness:

see below

These speakers are absolutely the best I have heard (when partnered with the right gear). The wrap around effect of the soundstage is amazing. Imaging is also the best I have heard. The bass response was a very pleasant surprise. No need for a sub with these babies, which admittedly surprised me, considering most "audiophile" speakers IMO lack deep bass, or deep midbass. One thing I have learned over the years is that a system is not as important as the sum of its parts. Component compatibility is important in all high end systems, but with the Eidolon it is an absolute necessity. Any weakness in the audio chain with the Eidolon will be an extremely painful experience. Expect an additional investment in the high five figures if you want to experience audio nirvana with these, but if you can afford the Eidolons, that probably goes without saying. I'll reluctantly give it 5 stars for value. I have a hard time giving any component this expensive 5 stars for value, but will considering that it shames it's competition.

Similar Products Used:

Martin Logan, Dunlavy, Kharma, Revel, ProAc, Avantegarde, Wilson

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 04, 2000]
Jean Heijneman
Audiophile

Strength:

natural, phase behaviour.

Weakness:

rude price

This is an incredible good loudspeaker listen to, But the price in Europe? Don't buy it. there are products that give you olmost the same result for more than half the price!!!

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
1
[Sep 29, 2000]
Jim Partikafos
Audiophile

Strength:

You can touch the music, incredible

Weakness:

NONE!

I auditoned this incredible speaker with Spectral MITs and Audio Research. I was truely taken away by them. I have never heard a system with so much detail. YOu always hear systems that almost seem to diapear, almost. This one actually did! I kept looking at the gorgeous speakers infront of me but they looked lifeless. All I could concentrate on was the instruments in the music... I was there. Dynaudio are the best speakers all around. But this is THE BEST SPEAKER. They shouldn't even call it a speaker they should call it an element. Seemless must be heard to be believed!

Similar Products Used:

Dynaidio, JM labs, ProAcs

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 06, 2000]
Steve
Audiophile

Strength:

Truth of timbre, accuracy of tonality, realism in sounstage and imaging, continuity I have not heard in audio.

Weakness:

With proper electronics almost all anomily is eliminated, including ower registers.

Other than the Genesis, nearly all speakers I have owned or auditioned are in a lower price range. The Avantgardes, I was fortunate to auditon in a stereo shop, but spent limited time with. Dynamic, energetic, pinpoint imaging, but where is the music? Also, the smallest sweet spot I have experienced.

The Eidelons, which I've now owned for several months, have through the employment of some remarkable electronics, metamorphasised into the most musical transducer my fortunate senses have been exposed to. As canned and full of crap that this may sound, I cannot exaggerate the realistic interpretation this system offers. I must emphasize the word system, as without the synergy, I would not be privy to this level of playback.

I expressed my opinion of these speakers earlier in the year after only three days of listening. My initial system consisted of a Classe 301 amp, Sony SACD, Jadis JP80 MC preamp, Purist Audio Dominus speaker cable, Siltech interconnects, and various power cords. Although this system was one of the finer I've owned, a sense of musicality was missing. This absence was further demonstrated when I spent an evening with my friend's Eidelon-Lamms-Wadia set-up. Exposed these speakers capabilities. After, what appeared to be excessive research and inquiry ( some listening with Audio Research 200 and Rowland amps), I learned of the heavenly match when the Eidelons are mated with the CAT JL1s. I discovered a used pair on the internet and dished out some huge cash, without hearing them, mind you.

The music that came from my system is to my ears non-pariel. Not from a home system. I added FIM power cords and the magic poured out. Yesterday, my buddy with the Lamms brought his front end over to gain a perspective of what these amps can do. A huge transformation. The depth of soundstage, the layering sans congestion, the openess, all of it was remarkable. It did vary form my system in an added coloration and greater tautness. We re-hooked my preamp and Sony to the CATs and re-discovered music as it nearly sounds in the live venue. This realism I am having difficulty translating into words, has to do with the replication of the size of the voice or instrument and the conveyance it exudes. With the Wadia up front the location of the musical source was more pin-pointed. More like a stereo system. With the Jadis-Sony, the instruments emanated from a portion of the back wall, reaching into the listening room with a truth much closer to life. The air and extension lifted all the way to the ceiling, and filled not only the area behind and between the speakers, but around and in front. Absolutely, no need for rear surrounds. This creation of such a full sound, so different from the pin-point, here-I-am performance of most excellent sound systems, has allowed me to enter into something fresh and almost too real. Listen to live music. You will see the individual instrumentalists, but the music will radiate in all directions. This is what I hear with this specific system. Something, novel to me.

I must iterate the importance of each piece making up this system. They all play a major part in making the Eidelon the most accurate and musical speaker I have ever been blessed to hear.

Similar Products Used:

Genesis 200, Ascents, Proac, Watt puppies, Aerial 8s and 7bs, Hales, Vandersteens, Avantgarde

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 29, 2000]
Peter
Audiophile

Strength:

Tremendous soundstage, highly detailed

Weakness:

None, although v. low end bass range could be a bit better defined

Ditto Scott's comments 100%. Just upgraded from Radian HCs and will never look back--while I like to Radian HC's physical stature (HC is taller and seems more "massive" and solid) the Eidolons sound more accurate (due to ceramics?) and certainly have more bass extension.

You can't find a better loudspeaker in every regards even at 3x the price. The next level for me will be the latest rev of the Genesis 1, which I trust will be at least 10 years or one divorce away, whichever comes first. ;)

Similar Products Used:

Avalon Radian HC

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 12, 2000]
Scott
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Neutrality, sound-staging, holographic presentation on some recordings, cabinet quality, moderate size and weight.

Weakness:

Bass, while excellent, is wanting a little in visceral impact (primarily with movies).

This is the best speaker I have owned. My previous favorite, the Artemis, made up in the bass what the Radian HC lacked. However, I feel that the Eidolon combines the best of both the Radian HC and Artemis. All three speakers did a tremedous job of imaging. The Eidolon, in comparison, imparts a soundstage which is jaw-dropping and goes beyond what the other two speakers did, which was excellent. Heard in a proper setup and with the right music, the Eidolon seems to envelop you in sound and fills the listening room from one corner to the next. The speaker is also neutral in its presentation, much like the finest hi-end components. I use this speaker as a part of my Spectral/MIT/Avalon system. In fact, the Eidolon has been called the "Spectral speaker" by some because it was co-designed by Spectral's Dr. Keith Johnson (I heard a rumor that Avalon's Neil Patel was only marginally involved in the design of this speaker. I don't know if that is fact or fiction, but I did hear it from a reliable source). Regardless of rumor, the Eidolon carries forth what Spectral and MIT have labored to create: a linear, accurate, fast and highly involving presentation. While inexpensive compared to some speakers, the Eidolon in my opinion bests speakers like the Wilson X-1 and Genesis speakers (though the Genesis do have that visceral bass going on). I imagine I will be holding on to these speakers for a long time. It has already been two years and I have been wanting for very little from these speakers.

Similar Products Used:

Vandersteen 3A, Avalon Radian HC, Artemis EOS Signature with bass modules.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 27, 2000]
Vincent
Audiophile

Strength:

Deep feeling into music
Soundstage
Coherence

Edilon with Jadis JA-500, Manley Reference Pre-amp coupled with Esoteric P-2 transport and VTL D/A. It is not the most expensive setup. It is not all the latest and most advanced Hifi gears. It gives the excitment of listening to music, just music with great musicality. Great control you can never find in other speakers.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-10 of 20  

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