Advent ADVENT/2 (1979)

Name: Advent ADVENT/2
Brand: Advent

The Advent ADVENT/2 is a pair of bookshelf loudspeakers introduced in the late 1970s by Advent Corporation, a company founded by audio pioneer Henry Kloss. While not as historically celebrated as the original Advent Loudspeaker of 1967, the ADVENT/2 represents a significant evolution in the company’s speaker design philosophy, incorporating updated materials, improved crossover components, and a more modern cabinet aesthetic. Released in 1979, the ADVENT/2 was positioned as a high-value, high-fidelity speaker for audiophiles seeking accurate sound reproduction without the premium price tag of exotic European imports.

Design and Construction

The ADVENT/2 features a two-way driver configuration, consisting of an 8-inch treated paper cone woofer and a 3/4-inch soft-dome tweeter. The woofer is designed with a butyl rubber surround for improved durability and long-term flexibility, reducing the risk of deterioration common in foam surrounds of earlier speaker models. The cone material was carefully selected for optimal stiffness-to-mass ratio, allowing for tight bass response and reduced distortion in the midrange. Advent employed a vented (bass reflex) cabinet design, with a rear-firing port to enhance low-frequency extension without requiring a larger enclosure.

The tweeter uses a ferrofluid-cooled dome for improved thermal management, enabling higher power handling and reduced high-frequency compression during extended listening sessions. It is mounted in a small waveguide that helps control dispersion, promoting a smoother off-axis response and a more stable stereo image. The crossover network, located internally, operates at a nominal 2,500 Hz, using high-quality capacitors and air-core inductors to minimize signal loss and phase distortion. Advent emphasized component matching and hand-tuning during assembly to ensure consistency across pairs.

The cabinet of the ADVENT/2 is constructed from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a departure from the particleboard used in some earlier Advent models. This provided better internal damping and reduced cabinet resonance, contributing to a cleaner sonic signature. The enclosure is internally braced and lined with acoustic damping material to minimize standing waves. Externally, the speaker is finished in a textured vinyl wrap available in walnut or black ash woodgrain, with a removable black cloth grille covering the drivers.

Performance and Sound Characteristics

With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 88 dB (1W/1m), the ADVENT/2 is relatively easy to drive and compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, from vintage tube receivers to solid-state integrated amps of the era. Its frequency response spans from 55 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB, making it suitable for full-range music reproduction in small to medium-sized rooms. The bass reflex tuning delivers punchy, articulate low end that belies the speaker’s compact dimensions—approximately 16 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 9.5 inches deep.

In practice, the ADVENT/2 delivers a balanced, neutral tonal balance with a slight warmth in the lower midrange—characteristic of well-designed paper-cone drivers. The midrange is clear and natural, making it particularly well-suited for vocal and acoustic recordings. The tweeter provides smooth, non-fatiguing highs, avoiding the harshness that plagued some contemporary designs with metal domes. Imaging is precise, with a well-defined soundstage that extends beyond the speaker boundaries when properly positioned.

Advent recommended placement away from walls to optimize bass response and stereo imaging, though the rear port requires careful consideration of room layout. The speakers perform best when toed in slightly toward the listening position, aligning the tweeter axis with the listener’s ears.

Historical Context and Legacy

The ADVENT/2 arrived during a transitional period for Advent Corporation. By the late 1970s, Henry Kloss had left the company (he would later found KLH and then Tivoli Audio), and Advent was shifting focus from high-end audio to consumer electronics, including cassette decks, projection TVs, and later, VCRs. While the original Advent Loudspeaker of 1967 was a groundbreaking product—bringing time-aligned, quasi-ribbon tweeter technology to the mass market at an affordable price—the ADVENT/2 reflected a more conventional, commercially driven approach.

Despite this, the ADVENT/2 maintained Advent’s reputation for value-oriented performance. It competed with other popular bookshelf models of the era, such as the AR-3a, KLH Model Eleven, and JBL Century 150. While it lacked the cult status of its predecessor, the ADVENT/2 was well-reviewed in contemporary audio magazines for its articulate sound, solid build, and attractive price point.

Technical Specifications

Model: ADVENT/2
Type: 2-way, bass reflex bookshelf speaker
Woofer: 8-inch treated paper cone with butyl rubber surround
Tweeter: 3/4-inch ferrofluid-cooled soft dome
Crossover Frequency: 2,500 Hz
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 88 dB (1W/1m)
Recommended Amplifier Power: 20–100 watts
Cabinet Material: MDF with internal bracing and damping
Cabinet Finish: Walnut or black ash vinyl wrap
Dimensions (H×W×D): 16" × 9" × 9.5" (40.6 × 22.9 × 24.1 cm)
Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) per speaker
Grille: Removable cloth
Terminal Type: Single binding posts (accepts bare wire, pins, or spades)

Collector and Restoration Notes

Today, the Advent ADVENT/2 is considered a solid example of late-1970s American speaker design. While not as actively sought after as the original Advent Loudspeaker, it remains a favorite among vintage audio enthusiasts for its musicality and reliability. Finding a working pair may require some restoration, particularly if the original foam damping material inside the cabinet has degraded or if the crossover components have aged.

Common restoration steps include refoaming the woofer (though some opt for butyl rubber reconing for longer life), replacing dried-out crossover capacitors, and cleaning the terminal posts. The soft-dome tweeters are generally robust, but exposure to high power levels or amplifier clipping can damage the delicate dome.

Original Advent-branded stands are rare, but the speakers are compatible with standard 24-inch high stands for optimal listening height. Due to their 8-ohm rating and moderate sensitivity, they pair well with vintage receivers from brands like Pioneer, Sony, Sansui, and Yamaha from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Conclusion

The Advent ADVENT/2 may not have revolutionized the audio world like its legendary predecessor, but it stands as a testament to Advent’s enduring commitment to accessible high fidelity. With thoughtful engineering, quality materials, and a balanced sonic character, it remains a compelling choice for listeners building a vintage stereo system. Whether used as part of a classic setup or integrated into a modern high-resolution audio chain, the ADVENT/2 delivers a warm, engaging sound that continues to resonate with audiophiles decades after its release.