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Please help - 3 top-of-mind choices for Avantgarde

Hi - I have just bought a pair of Avantgarde UNOs speakers and need to rebuild all my system around it (sounda familiar???).

I have a pair of QUAD amps (vintage - loan from a friend) and having great results, some say SET is NOT the way to go with the UNOs, but I may relay on the vast experience here - please advise of the best amps you think I need to consider.

PS: Manufacturer recommends a minimum of 10 watts per channel amp, I would rather prefer monoblocks.

Fernando
flg2001
acresverde
402 posts
 
I have been running Duos since 2000 paired to Atma M60s. I assure you there is no reason to "...stay away...". Quite the contrary, in fact. I don't know the basis for Tubes 108's commentary, especially in light of his Joule rec., but I doubt it's based on six years continuous listening experience. FWIW.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001 OP
543 posts
 
Thanks all for sharing your knowledge here - looks like I might need to try SET amplification (I have some options to loan from friends) and decide.

Looks like the best proce/performance ratio is at Welbourne Labs and Yamamura, I will post my findings.

I am currently using an old QUAD II amp (great sound - better than the Premier8´s) in this particular setup, I will try an Audio Prism Mantissa (EL38), a custom-built SET (45) and a Dared 300B SET integrated.

Regards,

Fernando
flg2001's avatar
flg2001 OP
543 posts
 
UPDATE ++

I finnaly reached to a conclusion and will get a Welborne amp (Thanks Tom), 300B based and very promising. I will post my findings once I install it.

Currently the QUADs are makig beautifull music, might keep them as well!!! goshhhh what a hobby!

Fernando
jsadurni
210 posts
 
I say the Quads will beat the Welbornes...

Anyone familiar with the Melquiades amp?

http://www.goodsoundclub.com/Melquiades.aspx

Best
yagbol2
66 posts
 
I had the opportunity to try the Welborne 300B with my Duos and it is a gross mismatch. I have tried everything from 45,2A3,50,300B, and found the 300B based amp using WE tubes. The Chinese TJ, Valve Art is not worth it.

I then read further that the best match for the AG is the Audiopax 88. Right now I am using the Hovland Sapphire as my main amp with great success. It brought bigger dynamics than the lesser powered SETs but my heart still tells me to go SET.

In this respect has anyone ever tried the BAT VK60 or 75???
I am very curious as I have a gut feel this is the perfect amp for the Duos.

Please share!
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