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Amp for Eidolon again

I know this has been somewhat covered before, but I was wondering if anyone with hands on experience with the Eidolons could advise. They are currently being driven by a pair of BEL amps rated at 200w at 8 ohms.The spec sheet for the amps does not give output into 4 ohms, but it gives a spec of 400w into 1 ohm which leads me to believe that the output into the Eidolon's 4 ohm load is considerably less. Don't get me wrong, the speakers sound very good and are extremely detailed and resolving, but I can't help wondering if I need more power to properly open up these speakers and bring out the best in them. Do you think its worthwhile to upgrade to a more powerful amp? The new Parasound JC1 is intriguing. I've also read that the Ayre V1x has enough power and mates well with the Eidolons. The Spectral 360 and Accuphase 50v are too expensive. Then there is the option to go with a cheaper high power amp like the Sunfire. Thanks.

bobbob
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kennyb
117 posts
 
I was VERY impressed with Eidolons being driven by a pair of Spectral DMA-360s. Being that the 360 was out of my price range, I asked the dealer to switch to the Spectral DMA-150 Mk2 stereo amp.

I honestly could not detect a difference in the sound between the two amps. Either way the sound was fantastic! Both amps seemed equal in their ability to "open up" the speakers.

I should point out that I listened only at my "normal" levels (or just slightly above). I did not try to crank up the volume in order to see if the amp would run out of juice.

You should definitely try to demo a more powerful amp with your speakers before giving up on your BEL amps. You may not need the extra power.

It's also important to keep in mind that the power rating of an amp doesn't tell the whole story. The 150 wpc Spectral amp gets my Aerial 10Ts to open up as good as -- or possibly even better than -- the 300 wpc Krell FPB-300 that it replaced.

Ken
shubertmaniac
348 posts
 
The BEL amps are about as good as it gets!! Only the
Spectral DMA360s are better!!!! Though I would try the
Spectral DMA200 which I find is a steal of amp for less
than $2000. Beats the CAM350 by a mile.
flex
292 posts
 
I have Eidolons, and had a Spectral DMA 150 amp before buying a pair of 360 mono's. The 360's are superior to the 150 in having noticeably better channel separation, lower noise, better dynamics, and better bass. The sound is similar enough that, without experience with the system, you may not notice the differences at first audition. The price on a used DMA 150 is far better than for a new pair of 360's. If you choose Spectral, I'd recommend checking out MIT's Oracle speaker cables; MIT's newer lines are some of their best yet and work well with Spectral/Eidolon.
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Have heard thru the grapevine that Avalon DOES use Spectral to voice speakers -- so maybe DMA200 is a good choice (I heard the speakers w/ 360). BUT I didn't know that they retailed for $2k -- which makes them unbeatable.

Another amp that spoke to my heart with Eidolons was a Kraft 250 (Symphonic Line). When I heard it, it was partnered with a CAT Ultimate pre. Pls note that I like the sound of both Kraft & Eidolon, so my opinion is VERY subjective!
shubertmaniac
348 posts
 
DMA200 is used; not new!!!!! 1986 to 1990 was production.
The cost new was $5500 to $6000. They along with their original DMA100 were pure class A brutes; much better low
end than the DMA180; about the same as DMA150 or DMA360.
Slightly more veiled than latter models, but resolution,
dynamics are excellent, actually they measured better
rise/settling times than either the DMA180 or DMA150, not sure about the DMA360. Crosstalk was 5dB better in latter
models but at 90DB+ who can hear that difference??? Weigh
about 85 lbs. DMA200: greased lightning, they can handle
about any load over 2 ohms. Drive my very low efficient
Acoustats to roof raising levels without sweat, though
idle power is 800 watts!!! The best amp new or used under
$2K bar none!!!! I think Detlof thinks along the same lines.
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