Historically speaking, the two-way hybrid Avantgardes, whether Unos or the various Duos, always represented a left-field choice: A choice that offered some significant strengths (in terms of dynamics, efficiency and headroom) but also some equally obvious weaknesses (largely in terms of colouration and continuity). Living with those models was always something of a compromise, a case of working to maximise the benefits without allowing the flaws to become too intrusive. The G3 iterations have changed all that. After the conspicuously successful Duo SD, the Uno SD takes the step-change in performance even further – not because it’s better, but because it matches the overall character and mirrors the capabilities of the Duo, in a smaller package at a far more approachable price. Refinements in the driver horn interface, as well as the horns themselves, that superb, configurable bass and, of course, the iTron amplification and active topology have created not just a step-change in performance but a dramatically more balanced product. The Uno SD is a speaker that has come from left-field to stand firmly in the centre-circle, with traditional hi-fi qualities that are directly comparable to its price peers and performance benefits that take it onto another level entirely. The speaker’s overall balance and seamless integration place the Uno firmly in the mainstream: just as firmly as its looks and superior musical properties separate it from and lift it clear of the ‘me-too’ herd.
But what is the Uno’s competition? Looking at the active speaker, I can’t think of a single, conventional amplifier that’s going to challenge the performance of the iTron package and costs even close to the right side of €20K. You might find a tube amp that brings something you prefer, or leans the system sound in your preferred direction, but then try and find a €20K speaker that can live with the dynamic range, bandwidth and headroom of even a passive Uno. Any way you cut it, the Uno SD is an awful lot of speaker and amplifier, but even more music, for the money. If you are in the business of building speakers in the 20 to 30K price range, be afraid; be very afraid. If you are shopping for speakers in that price range (or even higher) beetle along to your nearest Avantgarde dealer. You could be in for a very pleasant surprise indeed!
Which brings me to something that seems almost intuitively obvious but still came as a wonderful surprise. Musically, I’ve left the best ‘til last. These speakers just love Miles! Anything from Birth of The Cool to Some Day My Prince Will Come, Workin’ through to TuTu, the injection of life and vitality, musical articulation and tonal brilliance triggers a renewed fascination in these familiar recordings. Of course, they love Dizzy and Cannonball and John too and I’ve already spoken about Art: but Miles – with Miles it’s something special. Over Christmas I found myself working my way right through my considerable collection of Davis discs – and enjoying them immensely. If you are going to listen to the Unos, take Miles along with you. You might just rediscover his music the same way I did. It’s kinda what the Unos do…
