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Description: The Ascendant is one of the cheapest Avalon models. Despite being built around three drivers, we deal with a two-way whose two 7" Nomex/Kevlar woofers work almost in parallel (Nomex/Kevlar refers to woven Kevlar fiber covered with Nomex). According to Neil Patel, the signal reaching them is processed to correct for phase differences in their physically different vertical locations. The drivers have very solid cast baskets bolted to the cabinet with six bolts.
The diaphragm is mounted on a rubber suspension and instead of the usual central dust cap or phase corrector, a metal cone works as heat sink for the voice coil. The treble is handled by a 1" metal dome tweeter covered by a ceramic skin as we have seen it from Revel or Infinity. Here the large neodymium motor was taken from elsewhere however. The Ascendant reviewed was the second iteration of this model, the first having utilized a 25mm titanium dome. The cabinet is twin vented out the bottom to make 89dB efficiency at 4Ω. Powerful amps are preferred.
The faceted cabinet is trademark Avalon with internal braces and natural veneers. I received a pair in the basic color. One must decide whether to listen with or without grilles as this veneer quickly bleaches in the sun to make it clearly visible whether the grilles were on or not. Upgraded veneers cost a significant premium.
The loudspeakers are very solid. Positioning them almost tore my hands from their weight. The loudspeakers are equipped with a black plinth placed on spikes. That plinth is mandatory or you sacrifice everything Avalon has to offer. There are three spikes, one in the front, two in the back. They are not screwed into the plinth but merely placed beneath it. We must thus find the right position first, then place the spikes below. The front baffle slants backward for time coherence.
The rear baffle slants too but merely for cosmetics. The loudspeakers look ‘lighter’ than with a straight back. There’s a small plaque and beautiful Cardas terminals allowing for all types of spades but not bananas. The Ascendant are beautiful and will ornament any room.
Technical data (according to manufacturer): Frequency response: 28-25 000Hz (+/- 1.5dB)
Nominal impedance: 4Ω (min. 3.6Ω)
Efficiency: 89dB
Recommended amplifier power: 50-200W
Dimensions: 254 x 940 x 330mm WxHxD
Weight: 32kg/ea.
