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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
siddh
342 posts
 
Bo1972...it appears that the word Avalon causes a trigger response in you. Previous threads regarding Avalon speakers have brought about your redundant criticism of the speaker's unrealistic, bloated presentation...even when the subject of performance is not in question. My experience with a number of Avalon speakers, when well powered, have not met your description. Far from it. Depending on the source material, the instrument represented may sound small and flat. Other times large and full-bodied.

So...I wish to ask...please...have you a reason to continuously castigate this speaker line? Also, have you heard this speaker in a truly well designed synergistic system?
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.
gocubs999
154 posts
 
I have the Avalon Indras and use Rowland M312 Amp and the Synergy lli Pre Amp with very good results. Have heard the Avalon Indras and Eidelon Diamonds with Pass 100.5's, Chord SPM1200MKll, Hovland Radia and Accuphase A50 at Quintessence Audio in Chicago.

If I was going to try a new amp it would be the Pass Labs x series. Very different from Rowland. Rowland was a tad warmer in the mid range, both exhibited sparkling treble with excellent timbre, slightly less prominent bass then Pass 100.5's, but; still tight and accurate. I found the overall coherence and soundstaging crazy good with the Rowland Amp. Both are great compliments with the Avalons.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,626 posts
 
When you read back I will read that I love how it is build. They are different compared to others. I like brands who dare to be different. I sold it for over 6 years of time. I also sold it to friends as well.

It is personally not my speaker. We are talking about a personal taste. I can create a superior phycical stage with instruments and voices which are more apparent and realistic in proportion. Even those who own Avalon I have shown them that I have a much more touchable image than they have. Don't forget this is my job and world. As a perfectionist it never stops. It always needs to be better.

I prefer magico over Avalon. Again it is a personal thing. Nothing more, nothing less!
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,626 posts
 
I also think the .8 series of Pass Labs whill be a great choice. I will buy a X350.8 this year. But for Avalon I would go for the XA series. Because Avalon needs a warmer mid freq.

I think Avalon will work great with XA100.8 and a tube pre amp. I owned the XP-20. It is a good pre amp, but it is not perfect.
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