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Looking for Amp suggestions or Avalon speakers

I am in the process of downsizing due to a smaller living space and think i have settled on Avalons (either the Ascendants or the Ideas) for my new speakers as their footprint is acceptable to my spouse and i like their sound.

My old amps are the Sonic Frontier Power 3 monoblocks but sadly probably have to give those up as well due to the amount of space they take up. I have also always liked the Conrad Johnson sound (haven't heard alot of other amps so wanted to give an idea of a sound that i have liked over the years).

I have always preferred tubes to solid state but i have heard some say they think the Avalon's sound better with solid state?

In either case, i'm looking for suggestions for an amp that would mate well with the Avalon's. I'm fine with buying used equipment. Looking for something in the under $5,000 range (though of course would love to get away with spending less if i can).

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
dkonstruction

Showing 2 responses by melbguy1

melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Firstly, to my ears the sweet spot in the Avalon range before you move up into the Eidolon Diamonds are the Indra and Transcendent. Of those, I liked the Transcendent the most which sounded very natural & had wonderful sound staging, imaging & coherence as is Avalon's signature.

I've heard the Avalons sound good with Bladelius, Rowland & Vitus. A couple of others as well, but the above group's combination of natural sound, control, smoothness & resolution were a winner imho.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Bol, that's an interesting perspective. I have to say I like the sound of the up end Avalon models, though up to Eidolon atleast they are a bit bass shy for my taste. I wonder if the Magico S3/S5 would give a more accurate portrayal of an intimate piano concerto? Certainly the Magico Q3 would be a champ on piano, but at a $10k+ price hike.
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