The belated arrival of the Mezzo (that is its proper name, not Duo Mezzo as for the previous model) has allowed it to benefit from the developmental experience of the other G3 models. The shorter moniker indicates a shift in perception, recognition that its fully horn-loaded nature places its performance far closer to the Trio than the Duo, despite the obvious, twin trumpet visual identity. It suggests a step-change in performance and initial indications are that this expectation is well founded.
Unpacking the new arrivals, the elegance of the packaging and installation solutions are readily apparent. The bass cabinets are surprisingly weighty, but mounted on sturdy casters that make them easy to roll and place. The tweeter module is sunk inside the main cabinet, with each midrange horn assembly, including its space-frame mounting, packed separately. Assembly is a case of placing a thin, supplied mat on the front of the bass cabinet’s top-plate, in front of the rebated section machined into the top surface. Lift the 25kg midrange module onto that mat (perfectly possible with one but easy with two) where it will rest, unsupported while the ribbon cable that connects the two is attached. The midrange drivers ‘cradle’ is then moved back, lifting it over the protruding threaded stud and into the rectangular rebate. Fixed in place with four allen bolts, it creates a perfectly flush top surface. The large diameter knurled knob that controls the adjustment/forward extension of the tweeter module can then be screwed on and fixed in place. This beautifully damped and smooth, rotary control with its continuous, repeatable adjustment is a huge step forward over the sliding interface used on the Trio, perhaps the biggest single indication of the range’s developmental arc. Further evidence, if needed, comes in the shape of the small gauge that’s been developed to ease precise adjustment of the tweeter, giving utterly unambiguous readings from the engraved scale on the side of the tweeter housing, despite the angle of view.
Once placed, the wheels need to be removed, fixed studs in the baseplate accepting large aluminium cones with separate, threaded and sharply spiked tips. The broad footprint of the cabinet means that the Mezzo can get away without the outriggers used on the Uno and Duos, thus sidestepping a potentially awkward aesthetic challenge. Thankfully, the Mezzo is fitted with four feet, although the narrow placement of the rear cones does make precise independent adjustment of azimuth and yaw a tricky prospect. This is one speaker where a really accurate level pays significant dividends.
The review pair arrived in the house livery of black cabinetwork with bright orange trumpets, but owners can customize the finish: the cabinets can be painted in black or white lacquer, or you can choose from four wood veneers; trumpets can be painted in any of three high gloss, six metallic or three ultra-matte finishes; the bass horn flares can be polished silver or black and you can specify black or copper trim rings on the drivers. If that isn’t enough, there are various custom options too. There’s even a configurator on the Avantgarde website, (https://avantgarde-acoustic.de/en/products/mezzo/) so that you can drive yourself crazy with all the choices and combinations.
