Further impressions with more break-in: all of the benefits I noted earlier remain, but in addition there is better integration & authority in the upper bass/lower mids - the new mid horn drivers are obviously more responsive at the bottom of their range. I ended up lowering the crossover point on the SUB 225s a couple clicks. The speakers sing with a more unified, integrated voice and are warmer...yet provide more detail. This is definitely "having one's cake and eating it, too" territory.
Herman: in my system, the $7K was well-spent, but I may have differing sonic/financial priorities than others...have recently spent quite a bit upgrading my amps and other items, to the point where the overall system is a significant investment indeed...in a more modest system, the funds might yield just as much benefit elsewhere. Also, keep in mind that the upgrade price is equal to the price increment for the Omegas over the standard Duos, so we early adopters have not been penalized.
Fineito: I had an experienced service tech (unfamiliar with Avantgardes, however) help with the soldering and assembly...took the two of us about 3 1/2 hours, proceeding carefully and following the very thorough instructions to the letter. I would definitely recommend a second set of hands, even if you're an experienced solder slinger. As to pricing, I ordered mine a few months ago and just got around to installing it...was told that price was increasing due to freight issues from Germany, so it may well be higher now.
Herman: in my system, the $7K was well-spent, but I may have differing sonic/financial priorities than others...have recently spent quite a bit upgrading my amps and other items, to the point where the overall system is a significant investment indeed...in a more modest system, the funds might yield just as much benefit elsewhere. Also, keep in mind that the upgrade price is equal to the price increment for the Omegas over the standard Duos, so we early adopters have not been penalized.
Fineito: I had an experienced service tech (unfamiliar with Avantgardes, however) help with the soldering and assembly...took the two of us about 3 1/2 hours, proceeding carefully and following the very thorough instructions to the letter. I would definitely recommend a second set of hands, even if you're an experienced solder slinger. As to pricing, I ordered mine a few months ago and just got around to installing it...was told that price was increasing due to freight issues from Germany, so it may well be higher now.