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Best Solid State for Avalon Isis

I would appreciate informed comments regarding best solid-state synergy with Avalon Isis. I’m looking for an amp that will maintain absolute control of deep bass, while maintaining a rich and dynamic mid-range, and clarity without sacrificing musicality. It should be transparent, and allow a vast and layered soundstage to appear. Although the Isis appear relatively efficient (90db at 4ohm), the paired 13” woofers are going to need an amp with muscle.

Source is a Wadia 9 series. It runs direct. It does not need a pre-amp.

I listen to big, loud, congested orchestral music (ie. Mahler, Bruckner, Wagner). I like to hear all the detail, including the musician's technique and subtle alterations in tempo. Orchestral sections need to have mass. I want to feel the bass at low in addition to high volumes.

My room is 20 x 30 ft, and has plaster walls/ceiling with wood floors and padded area rugs. Tubes are not an option. Because of the room and source, I am not looking for an amp that is artificially fast or tipped toward the higher frequencies.

A company which is solvent, established, reliable, and with good customer support is important, with preference for an American manufacturer. I plan on trying to home demo some of these, but need advice on where to concentrate and expend my efforts.

These are some I'm considering, and additional suggestions are welcome:
Pass Labs XA200.5
Boulder 1050 Monoblocks
Halcro DM78
Spectral DMA 360
Edge NL Sig One
Hovland Stratos

Thank you,
Rob
rtn1
cpcorreia
5 posts
 
Hi
I have a related question. I am thinking about buying the Avalon Isis but wonder if my SOulution 710 (ss 125 watts pc) will have power enough. My room is big (about 12 m x 4m). Currently the Soulution powers a pair of Eidolon Diamond without any problem.
Does anyone have experience with this particular combination?
Many thanks
Audio
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Cpcorreia,

FWIW, I have been speaking with someone else with SF Strads (4ohms but 2.7ohms across fairly wide amount of the bandwidth)...and he thinks he may need to go up in power from Soulution 710 to Goldmund Telos 600 monos. I think AValon Isis is also a difficult load to drive effortlessly...and you have a big room.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Cpcorreia, I think the Isis may a bit of an easier load than the Eidolons.

FWIW, I just began using a pair of Carver AT180Ms 180-230 watts with my Eidolons. The presentation is definitely not your typical tube amplifier. These things have a very good grip on my Eidolons with surprisingly good mid and low bass. They also offer a 305 watt version. If your interested call 770 667-5633 for a good price.

I became board of my solid state amps soon after I purchased the Eidolons but the speakers are so me, I endured. I did try some big tube amps but they still had their typical limitations especially with the load and heat. By contrast the Carvers just loaf along. They run cool and maintenance is simple.

On the solid state side I compared my Ayre V1xe with a Sanders Magtech on another system. The Magtech should be a serious consideration. The audition is absolutly free.

audiodiver
6 posts
 
Thanks, Lloydlee.
On paper the Isis is an easier load than the Eidolon Diamond and it has about 2 db more, which is good. But I am afraid the 710 may not be able to control those big 2 (make it 4)woofers. Roy Gregory, in his HiFi+ test said the Isis played well with the Hovland, which has less grunt than the Soulution. But his reference amp for the test seems to have been the huge Karan 1200.
Obviuously the safe bet would be to hear the speakers with my amp, but I leave in Europe and no retailer seems to have a pair of Isis for a test.
Many thanks for your help.
C.
audiodiver
6 posts
 
Thanks Vicdamone. Do you have the Eidolon Diamond? I have never had a tube amp big enough for the ED, but they seem to like valves. For the Isis they are not a real possibility, since we would be speaking about mono amplification and that is less practical. An then there is the heating factor.

Cheers

C.
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