Wilson Maxx3 vs Avalon Isis

The three mono amp sets I have tried that worked exceptionally with the MAXX 3's are the Luxman 800A bridged to mono,the ARC 210's and the Berning 200w Quadrature Z's --currently. I would also recommend trying the more powerful VTL amps based on my listening at shows.

As usual with poll's like this you will get polarizing opinions from people that do not mention context or specifics. I am sure the Isis are exceptional speakers, and if they are on your short list I would find a way to listen with them. They will likely be harder to find for demo than the MAXX 3's, which are at a number of dealers.

There is a thread on amps for the Isis.

For tubes, I think you got CAT and VTL to consider. BAT may not have enough power in your room, but it may be worth a try. I am not sure if you could hook-up 4 BAT monoblocks together, but that will certainly be warm.

For SS, I would be afraid that Dartzeel and Lamm would not get the lower half of the speaker to work properly. You need something with power and a full/warm midrange. I am currently working with Karan amps and a BAT preamp. Gold cables also help.

Hi,the Isis sound better with high quality tube amps,finding one to drive them is another question.The Cat has the sonics and the guts to drive the Isis better than any tube amp I know of,even higher powered ones.The Maxx3 is a fine speaker but Wilson does have a family sound and if you like it that is the speaker for you,the Isis is transparent,detailed and throws a huge soundstage and just sounds like real music.I have owned them for 3 years and could buy any speaker I want but have no intention of changing.

Honestly if you want music get the Isis if you want Demo or shock Hi-Fi get the MAXXIII. It really is as simple as that.

I have heard both Maxx3 and Isis in dealer room recently, both driven by SS amps....Goldmund Telos 200 and Pass labs 350.5 for former, and Ayre MX-R for later. With the amps used, Maxx3 had more slam and weight and scale, Isis was more refined and holographic and sweeter treble extension.
I would guess both should sound better with tubes. But for Isis, the need for big, powerful tube amps and the heat and all that would be something to consider.