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December 14, 2005 - 11:37pm
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jdm56
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Joined: Sep 5 2005 - 2:03am
Excuse me, but I need to share!

ADS STILL SELLS SOME DARNED FINE LOUDSPEAKERS!

I know, everybody thinks their speakers are the best thing going, but...

If you want a killer little speaker that is built like the proverbial brick out-house, is extremely neutral, quite affordable AND is not just another little mdf box, then you simply must check out these offerings from ADS. In particular, their "HT" line of small speakers and subs.

I have a trio of HT400LCR's with a pair of HT300's for surround duty, and must say, I am thrilled with these little jewels! The 300 is a very compact two-way acoustic suspension design with a 5 1/4" woofer and a 1" soft dome tweeter. The larger 400 is basically the same, but uses two woofers with the same tweeter in a "D'Appolito" array. (see avatar) Both speakers use enclosures made of high density extruded aluminum, with the sides being curved to add strength and reduce internal standing waves. The 300 weighs in at a substantial 20 pounds, while the 400 tips the scales at about thirty pounds. Both speakers are only about 7 1/2" wide by 9 1/2" deep. The 400 is less than 16" tall, while the 300 is about 10".

OK, I know this sounds like ad copy (and lame ad copy at that) but I just wanted to share the joy. Besides, I think ADS may need all the good exposure they can get, judging by their extremely low profile of late.

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December 15, 2005 - 7:34am
Jim Tavegia
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Re: Excuse me, but I need to share!

ADS was a very fine speaker company in the 1970's and made some very find bookshelf and larger models that competed well with the likes of AR, KLH, Advent, JBL, and others. They made a small metal enclosure 2-way system that was a big hit in the automotive upscale market that sounded very, very good. You just needed a good amp to drive them, which they also made. It helped eliminate the resonances that occur in door mounted auto speakers.

I'm not sure if their dome tweeters were propriety, but they were excellent performers. I always liked their products and thought they were a first class company.

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December 17, 2005 - 2:24am
jdm56
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Re: Excuse me, but I need to share!

Yes, their dome tweeters are ADS's own design. I don't know if they are manufactured here in the states or not, though. The speakers came in boxes saying "made in Taiwan", so I'm assuming everything was made there, but maybe not.

I don't know the "ADS story" really, but would be interested to. My first knowledge of them was from back in the 70's also. I used to have major lusties for a pair of 810's but could not afford them at the time. I did audition a pair of 710's and I still remember how smooth, balanced and articulate they were.

I know they recently were sold to Directed Electronics and seem to be focusing more on the custom install market now. I do hope they survive as a brand and perhaps will "rise again" to greater success and visibility in the high performance audio sector. (I hate the term "high end"!)

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