looking for an amp ???

Tireguy, the Bat is a fine amplifier but please do not take our word for it. You mention the "real" sound of tubes; let you ears decide what is real. Everyones ears are different. Listen to both type of amps and then make your decision. Do not get caught up in the tubes vs solid state arguments or the "tubes is the best way to go" or "solid state is the best way to go" opinions that some of us have posted. Opinions are good. I enjoy reading a post by someone who feels their amp, preamp or what have you, is the best there possibly is. It shows they are passionate about the music and their choice in audio equipment. But you need to make your own choice. Enter into your search for an amp with an open mind, do blind auditions, then make up your mind. Remember, 99% of the fun is in the journey. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your new amp whatever is may turn out to be.

If you like warm, lush sound, try the BAT VK200 (100 wpc), but it should be run balanced to get the best out of it (you need single-ended adaptors to run single-ended). It also has amazing bass slam.

Check out the Mark Levinson 331 (100 Watt) or the newer version 334 (150 Watt). These amplifiers represent the best of both worlds and are tremendously musical. After messing around w/ some tube gear I am now satisfied with these highly refined amplifiers. Listen for yourself and good luck...

I agree with Gmkowal, don't seperate amps into ss or tube. Find the amps you are interested in and audition them (in your home if possible). I was all set to switch from a Bryston amp to a tube amp and I ended up buying a Audio Research 100.2 which is a ss amp. It sounded best to my ears and thats all that matters to me. Advice on which amp to try is all well and fine, but trust your own ears on which amp to buy. Have FUN.

I have had Levinson, Pass Labs, Viva, ARC, etc., and now have the BAT VK150SE monoblocks. They are by far the best amps I have ever heard. Obviously speaker matching is very important and unfortunatley I cannot tell you how the BAT will match up with the Avalon because I have not heard that combination. I have Watt Puppy 6's and have listened very carefully to the ARC VTM200s and the BAT VK150SE very recently and feel there is no comparison. The BAT is as quiet as any SS amp I have heard (super low noise floor), it gives you the mids of the best SET amps and the dynamics and bass of the best SS.

Those who like solid state amps over tubes are, IMO, missing out on the "soul" in the music. I have owned SS and just do not get it. It is easier to own but when listening to music there is much less emotional involvement.

If the BAT amp has enough power for your speakers, you will not lack dynamics and punch. They are truly incredible in terms of build quality, sound quality and a great company to back them up.

Get an in-home audition and I am sure you will not give them back!