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Power amp s for Avantgarde Duos?

Hi, I'm looking for new amps for my Avantgarde DUOs.
I have had different tube amps, and prefer 300B/845/805..
Now I have Cayin/Spark 9084D, 845 monoblocks; but I have some problems with hum, and they are not the best with respect to resolution.
Noise is of course a challenge with these speakers.
I have recently tested a BAT VK-75SE, and were impressed by the dynamics and the fantastic bass slam together with excellent resolution and imaging. But the midrange (vocals) seem a bit "too neutral" (analytical?) to me........
I have a BAT VK-51SE pre amp, and Acoustic Zen Silver Ref IC's, Audience Au24 speaker cables (might be replaced with AZ Double Barrel.....).
Source: Pink Triangle Anniversary TT + Wheaton TriPlanar MkVII tonearm + Lyra Titan PU, and a Pass Labs X-ONO phono stage.
Room size 3.5 m (w) x 5.5 m (l).
Price range (new or used): up to $4000.
I prefer monoblocks, but no must........

Best regards Ola
olaps
triode
263 posts
 
Top choice IMO is the Lamm ML2, but in your range look for used Audiopax 88s or Art Audio PX-25, you might get lucky and find some near that $$ level. Happy hunting!
dejanm
72 posts
 
I believe that 845 SET is not a logical choice for Avantegarde DUO's ... I would rather think in direction of good SET with 300B or 2A3. There are a lot of producers of quality SETs with these tubes. Look for example in direction Japan ... Shindo, Yamamoto, ...

Another possibility is to try Pass Labs XA 30.5. Excellent MOS-Fet A-class design.

Third possibility is to try Avantgarde mono's of 50 W in A-class. I heard them with Avantgarde Trio's and they sing together. Very expencive though ...
amfibius
282 posts
 
Hi Ola, your speakers are very sensitive towards quality amplification. I heard a pair of AVG's hooked up to Audio Note Oto SE's. The sound was simply unacceptable - not transparent enough, poor imaging, and a LOT of horn coloration. I was about to walk away, when the dealer suggested Graaf OTL. The sound was MUCH more acceptable - more neutral, detailed, and with better rhythm. I have also heard the Duo's with my old Cary 805-AE SET's. Very nice, but I preferred the sound of the Graafs.

I have not heard sound from the Avantgardes which have really impressed me, but that might be because they need better amplification than what I have heard them with. Best of luck with your quest.
majicjazz
66 posts
 
I have a pair of Avantgarde Unos, powered by an Art Audio Diavalo, pure magic.
jeffreybowman2k
216 posts
 
I believe that your dream amps are still available in an Agon classified right now: Audiopax 88s. I used the Audiopax 88s with the Duos and the combination was stunning. I have heard that the Lamms are an improvement, but I went in another direction before making that upgrade.

Don't let the Duo's efficiency fool you, though. The Duos sound best with something more than flea-power. The Audiopax is around 35W, I believe, and I found that optimal. I tried the Duos with a Wavac 300b and found that dynamics suffered noticeably.
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