2. amps-preamps
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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 whart

whart's avatar
whart
2,967 posts
 
Chris: At this stage, I have 0 advice but instead, a question.
I am moving in a similar direction to you- from Crosby-Quads and ARC tube electronics to an Avantgarde Duo with Audiopax Monoblock tube amplifiers. (I understand that these are quite a good match for the Avantgardes). Here's my question:
I contemplate having to change preamps sooner if not later, because my trusty ARC SP-10 is likely to be too noisy over such an efficient system. I am seriously considering the Aesthetix Janus and would like your impressions, as well as those of others here, on the Aesthetix preamp in this type of system.
I recognize that the relationship between the preamp and amp may be a big variable here, so perhaps the question is not quite valid. But, I'd appreciate your insight, and that of others, on the 'sound' of this preamp with those speakers, and given what I have read about the tube sensitivity of the preamp, what experience you have had in that regard, as well.
(BTW, i like the look of your listening room- nice and airy). Regards, and congrats on your newest purchase.
whart's avatar
whart
2,967 posts
 
Just got my Duos set up this weekend, with the Audiopax 88's.
Right out of the box, even without all the proper cords and cables yet, the combo is amazing. Remember, I am used to Quads, so I also come from the electrostat school- but despite the ability of the Quads to famously render detail and nuance, the horn/amp combo does it quite well, and adds a bigger, much more dynamic stage, realistic listening levels for bigger musical pieces, and a certain 'aliveness' that must have to do with dynamics.
I'm also exhausted, because while the set up was a cinch, I'm now going through my thousands of LPs to listen to stuff I haven't heard in years, and those suckers are heavy!
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