Best power amp for Avalon Opus Ceramique

Frankpiet: I hope you can take the time to give us your detailed impression of the differences between the V-1xe and the 850's. I have a buyer for your used V-1xe if you choose not to list it, drop me an email.

Vicdamone - thanks for your question. The V-1xe is going to a friend. The 850 are more detailed, more 3-dimensional and have much better bass control. Nevertheless: the V-1xe is a killer product in its own right. I like Ayre a lot and as far as I can say: Charles Hansen is a very honest person who builds the products with the best price-performance ratio I know.

Mu6: you should give audio aero a try. The new Capitole Reference SE rests among the very best cd-players on the planet - regardless of price. Nagra - own sound ??? NO, never ever. A bit weak in the base line: YES.

I would try a used Gryphon amp (Dm100 or Anthileon)
worked excellent for me, best match for both my Avatars and Eclipses.

Elberoth2 and Jttn are off the mark. My H2O Signature monos, with their
upgraded ICE modules in place, have mids and highs to die for. I do not have
Avalons. My amps are running a much more difficult load.

I don't compare my system with other systems. It has to sound right
compared with real performances. Matched with the same maker's Fire
preamp, and an Audio Note DAC, I am at end game.

>> Elberoth2 and Jttn are off the mark.
Muralman1,

I agree with your assessment above.

There's no reason why a digital amplifier would be good in
the bass, but not in midrange and treble.

As you have demonstrated, the H2Os can drive a load as
difficult as your ribbons, and still sound nice.

I would also disagree with the remarks about the EMM Labs
gear. The best system I've heard is one in which the
EMM Labs gear fronts for a system featuring the Wilson X-2
Alexandrias.

Dr. Gregory Greenman