Avantgarde Opus 1: High-End Active Horn Speakers with Iconic Design

Explore the Avantgarde Opus 1, a compact active horn speaker system blending signature horn sound and sleek design for audiophiles.

A Compact Entrance to the World of Horn Speakers

If you’ve ever been enchanted by the mighty presence of horn speakers but felt intimidated by their size and price, the Avantgarde Opus 1 provides a refreshing middle ground. This German marvel brings the legendary horn sound into a more approachable package without sacrificing the brand’s iconic aesthetic or sonic signature. Hand-assembled in the scenic Odenwald region, these speakers invite listeners who crave the speed, scale, and immediacy of horn acoustics but prefer a system that fits comfortably in home settings.

This system is no mere entry-level device; it’s a bona fide High-End audio solution, marrying compact craftsmanship with the boldness of horn-driven audio. For those of us who have reveled in the spine-tingling clarity and expansive soundstage of larger horn models, the Opus 1 promises a similar experience, just more manageable in size.

The Heart of the System: A Spherical Horn Driver

At the core of the Avantgarde Opus 1 lies a spherical horn—13.8 inches in diameter—that handles frequencies from 700 Hz to a soaring 20 kHz. This horn is paired with a 1-inch compression driver featuring a ring diaphragm, a detail that ensures the main musical information is channeled flawlessly through a single path. This clever design sidesteps the crossover issues that often plague multi-driver setups in the critical mid-to-high frequency range.

Bass duties fall to a 10-inch paper cone driver, labeled OBM10, housed in a bass-reflex enclosure with a generous rear port. This low-frequency section enjoys dedicated amplification via a 350-watt amplifier. Meanwhile, the mid-to-high frequencies are powered by a 10-watt Class A/B amplifier that operates purely in Class A mode up to about 1 watt, preserving the warmth and detail audiophiles cherish.

DSP Brings Modern Precision to Horn Sound

Taking a modern twist on classic horn architecture, the Opus 1 integrates digital signal processing (DSP) to control the crossover and fine-tune the bass response. This digital intelligence makes the system more cohesive and consistent than traditional passive speakers, where external factors often complicate the sound balance. The DSP ensures that every note lands exactly as intended, delivering a finely orchestrated listening experience.

The frequency response impressively spans from a deep 35 Hz up to 22 kHz, with the crossover point fixed at 700 Hz. The horn’s efficiency reaches a remarkable 103 dB per watt at 1 meter, making these speakers incredibly sensitive and dynamic. Impedance is rated at 8 ohms, and the speakers measure approximately 110 × 35 × 36 cm, a size that comfortably fits most dedicated listening rooms. Connectivity comes in the form of a balanced XLR line input, and intriguingly, a rear antenna hints at potential wireless upgrades down the road.

Positioning Avantgarde Opus 1 in the Market

The Opus 1 is poised to broaden Avantgarde Acoustic’s audience by offering a more accessible price point while maintaining the company’s signature traits: potent horn efficiency and fully active design. Customers can choose between sophisticated white/silver or classic black/black finishes, with additional horn color options slated to arrive soon.

The retail price in Europe starts at around €10,500 per pair, making it a serious contender for those wanting premium horn sound without stepping into the stratospheric price territory of larger models.

Whether you're a seasoned horn speaker enthusiast or dipping your toes into high-end audio, the Avantgarde Opus 1 offers a compelling blend of tradition and innovation. It’s the kind of system that invites you to listen closely and fall in love with music all over again.

FAQ

• What makes the Avantgarde Opus 1’s horn design special?
  The spherical 13.8-inch horn driver uses a single compression driver to deliver clear, crossover-free mid-to-high frequencies, enhancing coherence and detail.
• How is bass managed in the Opus 1 speakers?
  A 10-inch paper cone driver housed in a bass-reflex enclosure handles low frequencies, powered by a dedicated 350-watt amplifier for deep, controlled bass.
• Does the Opus 1 feature any digital enhancements?
  Yes, it incorporates DSP to manage crossover and bass tuning, ensuring a more cohesive and balanced sound than typical passive speakers.
• What are the connectivity options?
  The system offers a balanced XLR line input and a rear antenna for future wireless upgrade potential.
• What finishes are available for the Avantgarde Opus 1?
  The speakers come in white/silver and black/black finishes, with more horn color options expected soon.

Immerse yourself in iconic sound and design—shop your favorite Avantgarde album cover poster at our store for a stylish touch that complements your audio passion: Architeg Prints.