Best Solid State for Avalon Isis


I would appreciate informed comments regarding best solid-state synergy with Avalon Isis. I’m looking for an amp that will maintain absolute control of deep bass, while maintaining a rich and dynamic mid-range, and clarity without sacrificing musicality. It should be transparent, and allow a vast and layered soundstage to appear. Although the Isis appear relatively efficient (90db at 4ohm), the paired 13” woofers are going to need an amp with muscle.

Source is a Wadia 9 series. It runs direct. It does not need a pre-amp.

I listen to big, loud, congested orchestral music (ie. Mahler, Bruckner, Wagner). I like to hear all the detail, including the musician's technique and subtle alterations in tempo. Orchestral sections need to have mass. I want to feel the bass at low in addition to high volumes.

My room is 20 x 30 ft, and has plaster walls/ceiling with wood floors and padded area rugs. Tubes are not an option. Because of the room and source, I am not looking for an amp that is artificially fast or tipped toward the higher frequencies.

A company which is solvent, established, reliable, and with good customer support is important, with preference for an American manufacturer. I plan on trying to home demo some of these, but need advice on where to concentrate and expend my efforts.

These are some I'm considering, and additional suggestions are welcome:
Pass Labs XA200.5
Boulder 1050 Monoblocks
Halcro DM78
Spectral DMA 360
Edge NL Sig One
Hovland Stratos

Thank you,
Rob
rtn1
Email user Branimir - he went through many solid state power amps with his Isis and may offer you a valuable advice.
Zdravo, here's an update: I've got the Karan Acoustics M 1200 monoblocks. More info to come...

For now:
1) Dual monoblock design with balanced circuit and power.
2) Over 2kw into 4 ohms.
3) First 75% of power is class A.
4) Each weighs 167 lbs.
5) Stays on 24/7 - at idle, consumes a few hundred watts and measures 91.8 F at the heat sinks.

Hvala for all the recommendations and help.
Rob
"A company which is solvent, established, reliable, and with good customer support is important, with preference for an American manufacturer."

I'm surprised Ayre MX-Rs were not on your short list. Sounds like you made your choice. Happy listening - I'd love to hear your system!
Hi Rob,

I own the ISIS and uses the David Berning Quadrature Z 200-watt monoblock ZOTL Power Amplifier. They are by fare the best I have ever used, and I have tried a LOT.

Plays the dCS Scarlatti and uses Edge 1.1 Sig SE preamp.

Hope this helps,

Br, JK
Although I have no experience with the ISIS I heard the Avalon Eidolon Diamond sounding excellent with the inexpensive cj Premier 350 and ART preamp.
The well known hifi critic Martin Colloms lived for a long time with cj premier 350 and and ACT2.