large advent gen 1 vs 2

[swend]

This weekend I have the opportunity to purchase a pair of large advent speakers to round out a vintage system I am putting together. I understand that around 1973 a generation 2 large advent speaker came out as an upgrade to the original advent.
Is the 2nd generation a big improvement in sound over the first?
If so is the difference such that I should I skip the original and search for the 2nd generation.
The speakers are all, original, nice walnut cabinets, in good shape.
I know this is subjective but I could use some help.
Thanks.

 

[Brian]

There was a series of changes including from the original tweeter to the tweeter with the grill and the masonite woofer was changed out for a metal framed woofer. The tweeter change was in place in '74, the date of my set. Not sure of the date of the woofer but after my set. As for better, not sure if there was enough change soundwise. The tweeter change was to stop them from blowing as easily but, otherwise they were the same tweeter. Later when the Smaller Advent came out, it had a tweeter that could handle more power and they were put into the original Advents.

 

[cubby01]

Also worth a few minutes browsing: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=126376
Some might not refer to gen1, gen2, etc, in the same way you do, not sure.

FWIW, I've had both the masonite ringed originals (OLA), and the later metal framed newer large advents (NLA utility version). Between those two groups I think it comes down to cosmetics as much as anything else.

 

[nickv41]

Either generation is a darn good speaker.

 

[chefde]

I have both NLA & OLA (both Walnut) IMO the NLA with the non-masonite woofers sound much better (tighter bass).

There are many who will disagree!

But....stacked sounds best!