These were a fairly early model (1998 or so) from EW, being a modified spin-off of the top section of the famed original Andras. They listed for $5400, but now sell for a fraction of that.
EW went into bankruptcy a bit after they were introduced, and then re-organized. The replacement Fontaine 2 was similar, but with some changes such as making them one piece and the dropping the granite side panels.
In a nutshell, these are wonderful, musically rich and full bodied speakers. They are uncommon, yet are great high end speaker values considering their quality and bargain used price. Eggleston focused on midrange quality, and these have a superb one, matched to an astonishing top end.
As I mentioned earlier, they are basically the upper part of the original Andras, without the compound woofers, with the same amazing build quality.
The cabinets are 4-5 layers thick- the sides are 2 layers of 5/8" MDF with a layer of vibration absorbent material between. The L-R sides are then coated with another layer of sound absorbent, then 3/8" of beautiful speckled black granite. Fronts, backs and tops are laminated with 1/8" thick mirror finish deep black acrylic resin. It is beautiful and unlike lacquer or wood veneers, this resin is pretty tough and resists scratching and chipping well. Mine look nearly new after 20 years.
The 2 6" Morel midwoofers, same as Merlin used in TSMs, are loaded for minimal back pressure and reflections. These drivers have no crossovers but roll off naturally, but I hear no sign of breakup on the top end of the mids, a rare trait the Morels are well known for. Very smooth and clean, with midrange tone and body that is a joy to hear.
Tweeters are the massive (3.5 lbs.!) $1300/pair Dynaudio T330D, famously used in Merlin VSMs, Sonus Faber Amator Electa and Extrema and Dynaudio's own top line speakers and which had the reputation for many years as the best dome tweeter available. They are extremely clean and detailed, yet natural and easy. They project a gorgeous top end image, truly fine. The tweeter crossover is only one high quality cap and 1 resistor.
The speakers themselves are 22" tall, and weigh a hefty 70 lbs. The 15" bolt on black lacquered bases add another 10 lbs or so, plus at least 20 more if filled, making them very heavy for pretty compact floor standers. My pair weighs 98 lbs. ea.
As to sound, they are lovely to listen to- fundamentally accurate and smooth, perfectly integrated, and with a slightly warm, full sound with a nice evenly spread soundstage. Very easy on the ears, more so than most audiophile speakers. No bass below 45 hz. or so. They are sensitive to listening position as are the Andras, sounding best with ear level above the tweeter axes. At this position there is still a slight lack of energy in the presence range, which adds to their perceived sweetness.
Compared to my 3x more expensive Avalon Opus (w/ Accuton ceramic mids and tweeters) they are not ultimately as transparent, dynamic or chiseled, but more relaxed, and with no deep bass. The soundstage draws you into the image very naturally.
That said, the easy, natural presentation of the Fontaines is very seductive, and I find myself listening to them a lot for the sheer pleasure of it. Fabulous for movies!
The Fontaines would be easy to live with long term in a fine main system, particularly with a really clean subwoofer in a larger room. They present a very clean musical picture on their own terms. I consider them a real score for their great looks, wonderful construction and enjoyable, non-fatiguing sound.
I've seen original used Andras going for $4500 and up, and with their 20 hz. capable compound woofer system they would be a great deal too, if their 210 lb. weight wasn't a problem.
EW later issued the 2, the Fontaine Signature, and Signature SE with successive changes at progressively higher prices reaching $8500/pr., and now has a similar but less expensive speaker called the Emma.
There is also a very similar single woofer standmount from the same era called the Isabel, which also seem to sell very cheaply considering the quality.
The Rosa and 9 are larger models from that era sharing the same mids and tweeters but more drivers in larger configurations but the same construction methods and concept. These models may well be worth a listen.
Anyway, these Fontaines are most welcome additions to my herd.
For the price of a new pair of B or C grade standmounts, these are a real find, if the tweeters are working well. The T330Ds are now un-obtanium, but are ruggedly made if not abused.
