Help with Avalon Opuses

Sounds like an awesome setup, I would look into gettting the best Jeff Rowland you can afford or add a little bit and try tubes like BAT VK-120 mono's. I tried to get a rowland model 5 but ran into a lot of problems, and ended up getting a BAT VK-60(the stereo version of the VK-120) and it is amazing, I have avalon eclipse which are the little brothers to the Opuses. Where are ya Kelly I know you have more experience with avalons then anyone else I know, someone needs your help. Good luck Tim The Tire Guy

Tireguy, it's funny you mention the bat 'cuz i have a vk60 already. I was going to trade it on a ss amp because i heard the avalons need PoWer.

Hey Streetdaddy,
I've got a pair of Opus, which I love..no they're not for sale! I use a Spectral DMA-150 with a Spectral preamp and I think they're great together. The build quality of Spectral is second to none and the 150 has plenty of power to drive the Opus to any level you want and can stand. However, if you're planning to run your CD 50 straight into an amp,
Spectral doesn't recommend that it's my understanding. You might be able to run the CD 50 into a Mark Levinson, possibly a Rowland, and maybe a few others I'm sure. I play vinyl so I need a preamp. Make sure you get an amp that has enough power, because the Opus will need it to sound their best. There aren't a lot of used Opus around. I think I remember seeing only a pair or two here on Audiogon within the last six months. If you can find a pair, jump on them; I'm sure you'll be pleased with their performance and craftsmanship.

streetdaddy: the last commercial recording done by john hartford, of which i'm aware, is "big rock candy mountain," from the cd inspired by o brother, where art thou, "down from the mountain." if you don't already own it, buy it. listen to the "traditional" lyrics john sang. listen again. pretty soon, if you finally "get it," you'll be able to answer your own queries. -kelly