Amp advice for Avantegarde HELP


Hi guy's,

I am entering new and unchartered territory and need some real help. I had been running high powered tube amps into panels (see system) but have recently decided to try the high efficiency side of life. I had really good ideas about what worked well with my Logans but am quite a newbe on the horn thing.

At the moment I have a pair of Avantgarde Duo 2.2's upgraded with Cardas internal wiring in my room. I am using my Aesthetix Callisto signature (which seems to work very well) as a pre into a pair of Nagra VPA's. The Nagra's sound really good but are a little too noisy. I don't think I need 50 watts either. In addition, the gain structure of my system is messed up; I can only crack my preamp volume open about 3-4 notches (for full volume).

Help me with some good choices for amplifiers in the 3-4k used range? I am thinking low wattage SET is probably the way to go but don't really know the differing characteristics between 300B, 845, PX25, etc. I have always run my system balanced; are there any good sounding amps out there that fit the low power mold and are a balanced design? I obviously need something that is quiet. Also, I am not sure about what to look for to correct the gain structure (lower gain amps?, but what numbers?).

Some items on my radar right now are Wavelength Cardinal, Dehavilland 845, Art Audio Diavalo (sp?). Are these good choices? (BTW, I really like the looks/design of the Dehavilland).

Thanks for your help in advance everyone.

Chris
cmo

Showing 2 responses by gliderguider

PX25 all the way. The original version of the Audion Silver Night PX25 was what convinced me to move away from 300B amps. I have no experience with 2A3 or 45 amps, but I know that I much prefer the Audion PX25 to my Wavelength Triton 300B amps driving Fab Model 1 speakers (97dB dynamics).

If you have the money down the road, though, consider a Tom Evans Linear A. Check out Jeff Day's review of the amp in the archives at 6moons. He has Duos, and my reaction to the amp on my Fabs was identical to his. This is one insanely good amp for SET lovers.
Congrats on a good choice, Chris. From what I've heard, I suspect you are going to love that amp. Let us know.