Best ICE-powered amps ?

FrankPiet, it is worth remembering that the top of the line Rowland amps, the 302 stereo and 301 monoblocks are also ICE powered. You may want to look at them as well. The 302 used in particular may not be terribly more expensive than a pair of new Red Dragons.

I have the Bel Canto Ref1000's and I can say they are a step up from the Evo series run mono offering more transparency, authority and soudstage depth while being a little more laid back as well. They are a big step up from the Evo 200.2 mentioned above regardless of being run stereo or mono.

I have only heard the JRDG 501's once, and not in my system so take this with a grain of salt. I thought they sounded good, but they didn't blow me away, and the Bel Canto's are far cheaper.

About a year ago, I downsized my rig. I went from a Rowland 302 to H2O's Signature Mono 250 amps.

The H2O amps certainly are not as pretty as Rowland's eye candy. However, they absolutely are as musically satisfying (to my ears) as the JRDG 302 was.

I honestly cannot say that I took a sonic step backwards with this amp change.

Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately H2O is not a common brand in Germany as well as NuForce. Try to get a pair of 501´s and BelCanto Ref. 1000´s for an audition.
The 302 is too big for my rack - unfortunately as I like the looks and the build quality of JRDG gear a lot - whereas customer service at least in germany is just average.

Chris - forget all those ICE powered amps. I have tried them on my Eidolons, and they don't make a synergistic match at all. You will get a flat and sterile sound from this combination. All ceramic based Avalons need someting warmer sounding since they already have a slightly cooler rendition. That is why they sound best with tubes. The best SS amp I have found so far was Plinius SA-102. Probably also Cary MB-500 would work, too.