• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Which is Better to Stack: OLAs or NLAs?

D

David bland

Member
I have had stacked Advents several times on this journey toward audio nirvana. The first time was in the late '70s, when I heard them in a stereo store in my hometown of Columbus, Ga. They were NLA utility cabinets and I was absolutely blown away by the sound. After being mesmerized by them for I don't know how long, I could not pay the 500.00 to the salesman fast enough. It was as if those were the only four and I had better get them before someone else heard them and beat me to it. I had those for about 4 years, before life interfered (I got married, started a family and two businesses, and bought a house). So my quest for audio perfection took a back seat even though I still had a few pretty good systems with decent receivers and even some really good AR speakers. I remember having the 18s and the 48b and the 58b but I was too busy to enjoy any real audio pursuit for years. And then the kids grew up and left home and my businesses were stable and the bug bit me again. I had time, and plenty of money and could have had just about any set up imaginable but I never forgot 'that sound' from the Advents. Then I got a contract to do some work for a guy who owned one of the largest pawn shops in Atlanta. When I walked into his shop I could not believe what I saw. ARs and Advents everywhere. Every model AR ever made, and, of course, the Large Advents. Long story short, I ended up with 8 beautifully matched NLA bullnose speakers in excellent condition and two Crown DC300A amps. That all was destroyed in a house fire and I got 4 OLAs and stacked those. I really don't know which really had the best sound, but I think something special happens with these speakers stacked. Which do you think sounds better stacked? The OLAs or the NLAs? And why?
 
Register to hide this ad
It is hard for me to remember. I recently stacked four Legacies and the 'stacked Advent sound's just wasn't there. The tweeters in the Legacy are Domes and supposedly better. I have read where the recessed tweeter in the NLAs is ferro-fluid cooled. Does anyone know if this is true?
 
I am looking at 4 NLAs stacked but not hooked up yet. Someone(s) had an issue with NLAs stacked either here or at classicspeakerpages.net. That is why I was hesitant-the hell with it I'm going to try it today!!!
 
I can't see where there would be an issue unless they are using an amplifier without 4 ohm capability (the speakers should be wired in parallel, which will bring the load down to 4 ohms). Or maybe an underpowered amp? Be sure to turn the top speakers upside down so the tweeters are together.
 
I have 4 stacked NLAs and I think they sound wonderful. It seems the standard is to have the top pair stacked upside down on the bottom pair.
I’ve had a pair of OLA, and can’t remember any specific sound difference to a pair of NLA.

enjoy!
 
Stacked my pairs of OLAs a few years ago during Covid lockdowns. They held their own against my ADS L1230’s and JBL L100ts. Ok they didn’t embarrass themselves. I was thoroughly surprised. Used a Yamaha M40 amp to drive them so plenty of oomph driving 4 ohms and below.
 
hornbostel said:
Stacked my pairs of OLAs a few years ago during Covid lockdowns. They held their own against my ADS L1230’s and JBL L100ts. Ok they didn’t embarrass themselves. I was thoroughly surprised. Used a Yamaha M40 amp to drive them so plenty of oomph driving 4 ohms and below.
Click to expand...
I am currently waiting on two pair, ordered on Ebay. Both NLA. One pair needs woofers refoamed but the other is supposed to be in good condition. I have already gotten the refoam kit and the pair that need them will be here on Monday. The other will be here Tuesday. Can't wait to here that sound again.
 
I have never heard New Advents stacked but I have four stacks of original Advents in my quad system and they sound fabulous.

The deal with some criticizing Advent stacks (they always say, "get better speakers" is supposed "comb filtering" which attenuates certain frequencies and accentuates others but I have never heard that with these stacks. BTW, I don't have mine set up with the tweeters together. Mine have both speakers upright.

Doug
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom