Advent
Henry Kloss bet everything on one loudspeaker — and won
History
Advent Corporation was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1967 by Henry Kloss, the legendary audio engineer who had previously co-founded Acoustic Research (AR) and KLH. The company name "Advent" came from the description of Kloss's new venture as "the advent of a new principle in sound."
Kloss left AR in 1957 to found KLH with Malcolm Low and J. Anton Hofmann, but eventually sold his interest in that company as well. Advent represented his third major speaker company and his most commercially successful venture.
The Advent Loudspeaker (1968) was revolutionary: it offered genuine high-fidelity sound—including meaningful bass response to 40Hz—at a price of just $98 each (about $175 per pair, or roughly $1,400 in today's money). This was accomplished through careful engineering of acoustic suspension woofers, efficient manufacturing, and direct sales.
The original Advent used a 10" acoustic suspension woofer and a 3\/4" dome tweeter in a modest-sized cabinet. It achieved sound quality comparable to speakers costing three times as much, democratizing high-end audio.
The Advent\/2 (1970) and Advent\/3 (1972) provided smaller, more affordable options. The Large Advent (1970) improved upon the original with a 12" woofer and better crossover. The New Advent (1977) updated the design with improved drivers and a more refined cabinet.
Advent also made significant contributions to video technology, introducing one of the first large-screen projection televisions in 1972. The company was acquired by Jensen in 1979, and the brand has changed hands multiple times since.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967, Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Founder | Henry Kloss |
| First Product | Advent Loudspeaker (1968) |
| Price Breakthrough | Under $100 each |
| Key Technology | Acoustic suspension |
| Video Innovation | First large-screen projection TV (1972) |
Legendary Products
The Advent Loudspeaker (1968)
The speaker that changed the industry. By offering genuine high-fidelity sound—including bass to 40Hz—at an affordable price, the Advent made quality audio accessible to mainstream consumers. Used a 10" acoustic suspension woofer and 3\/4" dome tweeter.
Large Advent (1970)
An improved version with a 12" woofer, enhanced crossover, and larger cabinet. The Large Advent offered deeper bass and higher output capability while maintaining the affordable price point that made Advent famous.
New Advent (1977)
A complete redesign featuring improved drivers, a more sophisticated crossover network, and better cabinet construction. The New Advent represented the pinnacle of Advent's engineering and remains highly collectible.
Advent\/2 and Advent\/3 (1970s)
Smaller, more affordable speakers that brought Advent quality to compact spaces. The Advent\/2 used an 8" woofer, while the Advent\/3 was even more compact—perfect for dorm rooms and apartments.
Classic Models Reference
| Model | Year | Type | Drivers | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advent | 1968 | Bookshelf | 10" + 3\/4" | Original breakthrough |
| Large Advent | 1970 | Bookshelf | 12" + 3\/4" | Bigger, better bass |
| Advent\/2 | 1970 | Bookshelf | 8" + 3\/4" | Compact option |
| Advent\/3 | 1972 | Bookshelf | 6" + 3\/4" | Entry-level |
| New Advent | 1977 | Bookshelf | 10" + 1" | Refined design |
| Smaller Advent | 1972 | Bookshelf | 8" + 3\/4" | Mid-size option |
| The A\/1 | 1978 | Tower | Dual 10" + 1" | Floorstanding system |
| Maestro | 1980s | Bookshelf | 8" + 1" | Late-period design |
Sound Signature
Advent speakers are characterized by:
- Full, warm bass - Acoustic suspension tightness
- Smooth treble - Non-fatiguing presentation
- Value engineering - Maximum performance per dollar
- Musical enjoyment - Fun, engaging sound
- New England sound - Related to AR and KLH heritage
Collecting Advent
Vintage Advent speakers are valued for:
- Historical significance - Democratized hi-fi
- Affordable classics - Great entry point for vintage audio
- Original Large Advent - The iconic model
- New Advent - Refined and collectible
- Restoration potential - Simple, serviceable designs
Most collectible models:
- Original Advent - The game-changer
- Large Advent - Popular classic
- New Advent - Best sounding Advent
- Early production - Original drivers most desirable
Restoration Tips
Common Advent service items:
- Replace foam surrounds (most need this)
- Check crossover capacitors
- Verify tweeter operation
- Clean L-pads (level controls)
- Refinish cabinets (vinyl veneer)
- Replace grille pegs (often broken)
Competitors & Comparisons
Advent vs AR: Similar acoustic suspension; Advent more affordable
Advent vs KLH: Both Kloss designs; similar philosophies
Advent vs Large Advent: Latter has deeper bass, higher output
All Models in Archive (54)
Speakers
Amplifiers
Audio Equipment
Cassette Decks
Cassette Decks
- 201 with Built-in Dolby B - 1972
- Built-in Dolby B Noise Reduction in Model 201 - 1974
- MODEL 201 (1971, Improved Version with Dolby B) - 1971
- Model 201 (1971) - 1971
Receivers
Speakers
- advent-4002 - 1975
- advent-5002 - 1975
- advent-6003-(later-called-maestro) - 1975
- advent-baby-ii
- advent-heritage-center
- advent-heritage-h100 - 1980
- advent-heritage-h200 - 1980
- advent-heritage-h300 - 1989
- advent-heritage-h400 - 1980
- advent-heritage-h500 - 1980
- advent-laureate - 1974
- advent-legacy
- advent-mini
- advent-model-1 - 1975
- advent-model-4 - 1975
- advent-prodigy
- ADVENT/1 - 1970
- ADVENT/2 - 1979
- ADVENT/3 - 1970
- Maestro (A-1012, Top of the Line) - 1979
- MODEL-400-FM-RECEIVER-(MONO,-WITH-SPEAKER) - 1958
- New Advent
- The Advent Loudspeaker (Original/Larger Advent, 1969) - 1969
Tuners
- Model 400 FM Radio/Tuner - 1970