Advent Large (1970–1981)
The original Advent Loudspeaker, a two-way acoustic suspension design that delivered high-fidelity sound at a fraction of competitor prices.
Overview
The Advent Loudspeaker, later known as the "Large Advent" or "OLA," was the flagship model introduced by Advent Corporation and produced from 1970 to 1981. Designed as a cost-effective alternative to high-end speakers like the Acoustic Research AR-3a, it offered comparable performance for less than half the price. It was positioned above the Smaller Advent and below the Advent/3 in the product lineup. The speaker was developed in part to fund research into low-cost projection television. After the introduction of the Smaller Advent, the original model was retroactively renamed the "Large Advent."
Specifications
| Woofer | 10-inch (25 cm) paper cone with foam surround |
| Tweeter | 3-inch paper cone "domed" midrange-tweeter ("fried egg") |
| Crossover Frequency | 1 kHz |
| Crossover Type | First-order (6 dB/octave) |
| Balance Control | Tweeter level switch: flat, +3 dB, –3 dB |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W program |
| Enclosure Type | Acoustic suspension (sealed) |
| Box Resonance (with woofer) | Approximately 43 Hz |
| Driver Configuration | Dual driver, 2-way |
Design
The cabinet is constructed from 1/2" MDF and was offered in walnut veneer or vinyl-covered utility versions, both acoustically identical. The grille is a thin wood panel with cutouts for the drivers, not a framed fabric cover. The 10-inch woofer uses a unique 'not-round-not-square' frame; early versions incorporated a masonite ring to mount the cone, while later "New" Large Advent models used a revised basket without it. The crossover is a simple first-order design using a single capacitor on the tweeter and inductor on the woofer, originally built with electrolytic capacitors and sandcast resistors.
Context
The Large Advent competed with models from Acoustic Research, KLH, Pioneer, Sony, and Yamaha. It was succeeded by the "New Large Advent" in the late 1970s. Its acoustic suspension design and dual-driver configuration placed it at the forefront of affordable high-fidelity speakers during its production run.
Market
Original pricing was $116 each for walnut veneer and $102 each for unfinished units in 1971. Today, restored pairs sell for $150–$400, while unrestored examples typically fetch $100–$200. Common issues include deteriorated woofer foam surrounds, failing "fried egg" tweeters, and aged crossover components. Refoaming is standard, and recapping the crossover is recommended for critical listening.
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