looking for an amp ???

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!

I also agree with Gmkowal. The BAT is a fine amp (currently own). Dynamics and "voice" are good, and if you are worried about power, you could run monoblocks. The best determining factor is your ears. Good luck and let us know the decision.

Thanks a lot everyone this is very helpful (and un-bias) so I guess all I have to do is go out and listen and see what I find and any more comments/opinions are very welcome. once again thank you all very much.

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!