Integrated amplifier for Fritz Speakers

With a budget of $1500 and a pairing with either of the Fritz speakers I would think the AVA 120 integrated would be hard to beat. The choice would then be between the Carbon7 or the Carrera BE speakers, depending on the upper frequency presentation preferred. 

Just wanted everyone to know I appreciated the discerning responses in this thread. I have reread  it a couple of times and something new sticks in my brain each time.

AVA has been mentioned by several of you. I had spoken with Frank in February and he suggested that I wait a couple of months as they were implementing a change to reduce noise. He was more descriptive than that, but I do not recall the exact terminology, sorry. He also confirmed that there are only silver face plates. Of course, when asked, my wife stated it needed to be a black faceplate. I forgot the "it is easier to beg forgiveness" rule!

I have a call into Fritz. I think I generally prefer as much detail as possible from a tweeter. My experience with soft domes is I feel like they are a bit laid back and I am missing something. We'll see what Fritz suggests.

Hi All, 

I spoke with Fritz and described my set-up and what speakers I have enjoyed listening to in the in the past. He suggested the Carbons versus the Carreras. 

A new pair of Carbons arrived today and have been playing for about four CD's worth of music. I simply placed them where a pair of Zu Audio Soul Sixes were running and have not fiddled with placement. About three feet from front wall, ten feet apart, and about eight and a half feet front my ears. In this setup, there is about twenty feet behind me. Using a First Watt F7 amp and Don Sachs preamp. PS Audio MWT and Mojo Audio B4B DAC.

Initial thoughts are quite positive. Very easy to listen to. Good bass and detail. They seem a bit fleshier than the Soul Sixes but not quite as warm. Fiddles sound sweet. There is good nuance to the mid range and power to the music. Soundstage is between and behind the speakers. The ten foot span between the speakers is full. I think the treble is a bit muddy at the furthest most extension, just a hint of sibilance. Break in time needed I am sure. This will help dynamics as well, I expect.

Their final location will be in a smaller room (20 X 15) and should be able to really fill that space.

Will be fun to hear them break in and play with my tube amps as well.

In the meantime, my initial opinion is that these are very good speakers.

Again, thanks for the advice.

If the speakers are 10’ apart I’m not sure why you’d sit only 8.5’ from the speakers — that’s even closer than would be considered nearfield listening (i.e. an equilateral triangle).  I’d experiment with moving the speakers closer together or your listening seat further back and see what happens.  Hey, it’s free so why not?

From owning Carrera's for over three years try 8' apart and around 9.5' back. 10' apart is a bit much in my opinion for book shelf speakers.  As to any harshness or sibilance give them a while as even soft dome tweeters need break in.