Floorstanding loudspeakers — Avantgarde Acoustic MEZZO

The MEZZO is a distinctive horn-loaded floorstanding loudspeaker from Avantgarde Acoustic, a German manufacturer known for uncompromising horn-loaded driver engineering, built with an extraordinary sensitivity and staggering internal amplification. The MEZZO brings Avantgarde's meticulous engineering to a hybrid passive-active floorstanding format.

Key specs that matter

Rated response is a restricted 170Hz to 28,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB for the horn section, reflecting the horn-loaded driver's characteristic frequency focus, supplemented by internal amplification. Sensitivity is a staggering 107dB into a distinctive 18 ohm load - an extraordinary figure among the highest efficiency figures available in any commercial loudspeaker, characteristic of Avantgarde's horn-loaded philosophy. Recommended amplifier power spans 10-100W for the horn section. Internal amplification uses a sophisticated three-way configuration totalling 100W plus 100W plus 1,000W. At 67.0 x 171.4 x 72.0cm and 135.5kg, the MEZZO represents a serious floorstanding commitment reflecting Avantgarde's uncompromising horn-loaded engineering ambition.

Sound and use context

Expect the immediate, dynamically alive character Avantgarde's distinctive horn-loaded driver technology is broadly celebrated for, with the staggering 107dB sensitivity meaning this speaker reaches satisfying volumes readily from the most minimal amplification for the horn section, combined with the substantial built-in bass amplification.

Pairing

The staggering 107dB sensitivity makes the MEZZO's horn section compatible with virtually any amplifier, including the most minimal single-ended triode designs, while the built-in amplification handles the bass section independently.

Alternatives

Avantgarde's own TRIO G3 offers a related model within the same broader hybrid horn-loaded catalogue at even higher sensitivity.