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Are They Worth It?

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neofuse

New Member
Hello all. I know there are many, many threads about Advent speakers on here (most of which I've read), but I have to make a quick decision, so I have a quick question.

I can pick up a pair of Original Large Advents for $90. I'll have to refoam them, but that's something I can do myself. So what do you think? Are they worth $90?

Thanks.
 
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Lots of questions to be asked - what condition, are they utility or bullnosed, etc. From what I've seen in my area (Seattle), $90 is probably a fair price if they are in otherwise reasonable condition. There always seems to be a pair or two available on our local CL typically ranging from $100 - $250. I can't speak the condition of those speakers, nor the actual selling price.

I bought a pair (NLA bullnose) at a garge sale about a year ago after hearing a pair in a vintage stereo shop, they sound remarkably good to my ear. But then, they were my first quality purchase back in college (late 70's) so nostalgia may influence my taste. Mine were a little rough and needed a refoam. They were cheap, as garage sales often are, and untested. But I lucked out and my son now enjoys them.
 
Thanks for the replies. JLange2010--they are the walnut cabinet original large Advents (so they aren't bullnosed or utility). As far as condition goes, all I know is that they are 100% original, have never been worked on, and need a refoam. Z0mb1e84--I actually did look at eBay prices, and the model I'm looking at tends to sell anywhere from $100-$400 (I'm looking at completed listings). Of course, that makes me wonder if there is something wrong with these speakers! The thing is that I'm about an hour drive away from the seller, and I don't really want to make the trip if it isn't worth it.

I'm not exactly new to the world of vintage speakers since I'm vintage myself (JLange2010--when I was in college, everyone I knew had a Pioneer receiver and a pair of Advents, so I definitely understand the nostalgia aspect), but I've only had one recent experience of buying vintage speakers. And that was a no-brainer--I found a pair of Wharfedale E-90s at a flea market for $10. So, could any of you give me a little advice on what to look and listen for if I do go down to look at these speakers? How do you know if the woofer is bad or the tweeter blown? How can I spot potential crossover issues? Any advice would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!
 
90.00 seems like it's decent enough. Crazy what the NLA's, AR's, KLH's are bringing these days on the auction site. Perhaps its the lack of acoustic suspension design in the modern speaker market? Another topic for another day!
 
I would also opt for a poly recap and clay pack the woofer frames to reduce their ringing!
DC
 
neofuse said:
I actually did look at eBay prices, and the model I'm looking at tends to sell anywhere from $100-$400 (I'm looking at completed listings). Of course, that makes me wonder if there is something wrong with these speakers!
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Packing and shipping speakers is a real hassle. Perhaps the seller wants a simple cash transaction without the potential drama of an ebay deal gone bad. Don't let a fair price scare you.
 
Yeah, donprice, I can see your point. I've corresponded a bit with the seller, and it isn't a private party. It's a retail outfit, and they don't have any way for me to actually listen to the speakers unless I bring my own equipment. That just seems fishy to me, so I think I'll pass on these. (I've gotten ripped off on eBay purchases enough times to trust my gut when something doesn't feel right to me.) Anyway, Advents aren't exactly rare, so I'm sure I'll come upon another set at some point in the future, probably at a better price.
 
Ebay is a worldwide venue and prices are premium as a result. You can't really compare ebay prices to local CL sales. You can use ebay as a benchmark, but it's doubtful that if these were refoamed and recapped that they would sell for $300 on Craigslist. Just something to keep in mind. I don't think the price on these indicates there is anything wrong with them.

Probably all the talk on AK over the years has helped increase their market value. That, and 'vintage audio is catching on'.
 
Seems high to me. That being said I think they are as common and gas stations here in Michigan. I see them on CL rotting for Months at $50. Someone just brought a pair that were roadside.

Your side of the world could be completely different? Not a crazy price by any means.

Either way hope your ears love em as much as mine. For all their faults they just blow the right way to me and will stay in my collection.
 
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