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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
markxiii
109 posts
 
I heard the Duos with many different amps and to my ears the Audiopax Model 88 offered the most lifelike sound: gorgeous, rich tonality, tons of refined detail and very natural transients. These amps are amazingly fast.
My second choice would be the Viva Aurora monos followed by the Lamm ML 2.1.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I ave tried quite a few with my UNOs - and have found the Audio Note Meishu w/WE300B and Cunninham rectifiers as one of the best options for my ears.

Curious about Eistein thou....
olaps OP
17 posts
 
Thanks a lot all of you.
I have ended up with Star Chief 45 monos (2 Watt) from Welborne Labs, far more powerful than I expected. And the EML tubes lifted them to another level than what the TJ mesh plates could.

So far they play together with my BAT VK-51SE. These are two pieces of audio equipment representing two entirely differnt levels of design complexity.
But a very musical combination :-)
gordonb
1 posts
 
I have the A-V Duos driven by Lamm ML2.1s and the preamp
LL2 as well. Bass is phenomenal. A bit shrill and
bright in the upper range so I get fatiqued. Am about to
try a passive pre-amp like Creek or Placette. Will report.
douglikesaudio
118 posts
 
Olpas, I have the Audio Note Kits Ccore output and interstage monos. They are fantastic amps, and I'd very much like to hear them on Duos but I have not. On my Cain Single Ben horns (98dB) they are quiet at idle. Astonishing control and deeply textured and expressive true to the AN sound, if you will.

Sounds like you've chosen your amps, but if you decide on the diy route, I'd strongly suggest you check out the AN gear and let us us know what you find.
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