2. amps-preamps
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Amp advice for Avantegarde HELP

Hi guy's,

I am entering new and unchartered territory and need some real help. I had been running high powered tube amps into panels (see system) but have recently decided to try the high efficiency side of life. I had really good ideas about what worked well with my Logans but am quite a newbe on the horn thing.

At the moment I have a pair of Avantgarde Duo 2.2's upgraded with Cardas internal wiring in my room. I am using my Aesthetix Callisto signature (which seems to work very well) as a pre into a pair of Nagra VPA's. The Nagra's sound really good but are a little too noisy. I don't think I need 50 watts either. In addition, the gain structure of my system is messed up; I can only crack my preamp volume open about 3-4 notches (for full volume).

Help me with some good choices for amplifiers in the 3-4k used range? I am thinking low wattage SET is probably the way to go but don't really know the differing characteristics between 300B, 845, PX25, etc. I have always run my system balanced; are there any good sounding amps out there that fit the low power mold and are a balanced design? I obviously need something that is quiet. Also, I am not sure about what to look for to correct the gain structure (lower gain amps?, but what numbers?).

Some items on my radar right now are Wavelength Cardinal, Dehavilland 845, Art Audio Diavalo (sp?). Are these good choices? (BTW, I really like the looks/design of the Dehavilland).

Thanks for your help in advance everyone.

Chris
cmo
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Whart,

I had just purchased my Aesthetix Callisto signature when I heard the Duo's. I was a bit worried about the combination as I wasn't seeing too many people use this pre-amp in this kind of system........... to make a long story short; the Callisto has to be one of the quietest preamps there is. It is big (make that HUGE), vivid, and works very well in my system. I don't know if it's smaller siblings are in the same ballpark but I can't imagine they would be too far off. Maybe someone else with more experience in this context can provide additional guidance, but I myself cannot imagine using a different preamp. I don't know if your budget will allow but a Callisto is mighty fine indeed.

Chris
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Hello everyone (anyone) still tuned into this thread. It's been a couple of weeks now with the Art Audio PX25 and my Duos........... All I can say is WOW. I am loving it. The only drawback so far is I'm exhusted when I go to work from being up so late the night before listening to music.

I would still love to hear a nice 2A3 or 45 amp, just to hear what it is like. Things are a lot different from the Martin Logans and I do miss some aspects of their sound. I guess the trick would be able to afford both.

Thanks again everyone for the amp guidance

Chris
whart's avatar
whart
1,930 posts
 
Just got my Duos set up this weekend, with the Audiopax 88's.
Right out of the box, even without all the proper cords and cables yet, the combo is amazing. Remember, I am used to Quads, so I also come from the electrostat school- but despite the ability of the Quads to famously render detail and nuance, the horn/amp combo does it quite well, and adds a bigger, much more dynamic stage, realistic listening levels for bigger musical pieces, and a certain 'aliveness' that must have to do with dynamics.
I'm also exhausted, because while the set up was a cinch, I'm now going through my thousands of LPs to listen to stuff I haven't heard in years, and those suckers are heavy!
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