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Amp advice for Avantegarde HELP

Hi guy's,

I am entering new and unchartered territory and need some real help. I had been running high powered tube amps into panels (see system) but have recently decided to try the high efficiency side of life. I had really good ideas about what worked well with my Logans but am quite a newbe on the horn thing.

At the moment I have a pair of Avantgarde Duo 2.2's upgraded with Cardas internal wiring in my room. I am using my Aesthetix Callisto signature (which seems to work very well) as a pre into a pair of Nagra VPA's. The Nagra's sound really good but are a little too noisy. I don't think I need 50 watts either. In addition, the gain structure of my system is messed up; I can only crack my preamp volume open about 3-4 notches (for full volume).

Help me with some good choices for amplifiers in the 3-4k used range? I am thinking low wattage SET is probably the way to go but don't really know the differing characteristics between 300B, 845, PX25, etc. I have always run my system balanced; are there any good sounding amps out there that fit the low power mold and are a balanced design? I obviously need something that is quiet. Also, I am not sure about what to look for to correct the gain structure (lower gain amps?, but what numbers?).

Some items on my radar right now are Wavelength Cardinal, Dehavilland 845, Art Audio Diavalo (sp?). Are these good choices? (BTW, I really like the looks/design of the Dehavilland).

Thanks for your help in advance everyone.

Chris
cmo
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Has anyone heard the Dehavilland 845's? These amps seem like they might be a good match with the Avantgardes, but I'm unsure of the 845 tube's sonic signature. Would they be quiet enough?

As for the Atma-Sphere's; how might their sound compare to a single ended design?

Thanks for the feedback so far, it's very helpful.

Chris
chipman
54 posts
 
I heard a pair of Audionote Quest 8W 300B mono SETs with the Avantgarde duos sounding absolutely fabulous - who needs more watts?!
213cobra
885 posts
 
If you can find one, a used Audiopax Stereo 88 is ideal and a synergistic match to the Avantgardes. I've seen Stereo 88s used on Audiogon for $3500 - $4000. 15/15 watts per channel using a KT88 each side in an innovative circuit that models triode behavior from a commodity tube. You need a preamp or source with robust gain to drive it.

The deHavilland 845s are good amps and should be quiet enough for you. Sound is quite tunable depending on which 845 tube you choose to use. The Audion PX25 amp is exceptional, with the Art Audio PX25 close behind and recommended.

Phil
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
294 posts
 
PX25 all the way. The original version of the Audion Silver Night PX25 was what convinced me to move away from 300B amps. I have no experience with 2A3 or 45 amps, but I know that I much prefer the Audion PX25 to my Wavelength Triton 300B amps driving Fab Model 1 speakers (97dB dynamics).

If you have the money down the road, though, consider a Tom Evans Linear A. Check out Jeff Day's review of the amp in the archives at 6moons. He has Duos, and my reaction to the amp on my Fabs was identical to his. This is one insanely good amp for SET lovers.
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Hello everyone,

I want to thank all of you who answered my thread and have exchanged emails with me to further discuss my ampquest. It was really nice to have input from others who have more experience in SET thing provide some guidance. To make a long story short, I bit the bullet and ordered an Art Audio PX25 from Joe Fratus............. Man, what a nice guy to talk to and deal with.

The amp should be here (or should I say "hear") early in the week. I'll post thoughts on this thread for anyone interested.

Thanks again,

Chris
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