Best Amp for Eidolon

It is well known that Spectral and MIT have a high regard for the Eidolons. They very often use modified Eidolons at CES with spectacular results. For me the Eidolons are at their best (at CES and a friend's house) with the Spectral DMA-360, but in my own system the DMA-180 has to suffice because of $$$. Having heard the Jeff Rowland DG Model 12 in my system recently, I would serve that up as another great, though expensive, option. The DMA-180 (and not Series II) is a great consideration since it is by far the most cost effective. DMA-180s go for about 3K used. And I can't emphasize enough that the MIT Oracle speaker cables are a must consideration as well. Lastly, be careful not to underpower this great speaker - I would never go less than 150 wpc. When all is said and done about amps, pay attention to speaker placement and positioning. Not only is it free, but the results can bring you magic that far exceeds any amp change. Also look at room treatment and power conditioning, the two very neglected items in high end audio. Carefully set up speakers driven by a good amp will always best, by far, poorly placed speakers with a great amp.

What preamp were you using when auditioning these two amps with the Eidolons? Thanks

As with most "best of" threads, the variables of ancillary components, room, musical tastes, etc. need be noted. With that it mind, my bias is towards tube amplification. I have heard the Eidelons driven by solid state in an audio shop with less than stellar results. Neither the Spectral/MIT, Rowland or Audio Research fared as well as some Eidelon systems I have heard. May well have been the store setting.
Lamms, Convergent Audio JL-1, and Atma-spheres have all brought beautiful music to these speakers. Atma-spheres may have the best bottom end with a touch less lower mid-range refinement; compared to the CATs. I have heard the Eidelons with and without preamps in line and have found myself leaning towards the open, detailed, and extended presentation of the Atma-spheres with preamp(much needed for love of analog). Close in second are the glorious CATs. I wish I could comment on other solid state, but have unfortunately not been exposed to personal play. It's hard to hear even a small percentage of what's out there, especially in a small market, so.....good luck. The speakers are just great, and revealing. Mating can be daunting, but oh so satisfying.

Has any one tried Halcro amps with Eidolon's? I think that would be a good mate, though I have never heard either component for more then a few minutes, and not together.

tireguy, i have heard the Eidolons and the Halcro, but not together. of the amps i have heard, i would agree with Rushton, that the Atmasphere MA2 MKII.2 would be the best overall amps for "my" tastes. of the SS amps that have been mentioned, the Halcro might be best, but it is so resolving and neutral (like the Eidolon) it might too much of a good thing. you would need to hear them together.

i had the Halcro DM-58 in my room for 3 days with my previous speakers, the Watt/Puppy 6. the Halcro was a great match for the WP6 and in my system, the best ss amp i have heard.

the Atmasphere would give you most of the strengths of the Halcro, but with the "breadth of life" only tubes will give you. the Atmasphere will give you better speed and clarity than any other tube amp that could drive the Eidolons properly.