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

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

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

I say the Quads will beat the Welbornes...

Anyone familiar with the Melquiades amp?

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

Best

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!

I received the Welborne 300B (Laurel) amps and sound great with my UNOS, the best option comapring in the same system with five different amps, some costing 5 times more.

Glad.

Fernando