Amp Recommendation for Vienna Acoustics

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, much appreciated.

I assume by the amps that have been suggested so far , that everyone is recommending a solid state amp for the Vienna Acoustics? That would seem to fall in line with what I have been researching. Would there be any options for a tube amp that would meet the same criteria?

I have been listening to tube amplifaction for the last 14 years , so part of me would be a little gun shy for the switch to solid state. Not against it though. Just think it would have to be a solid state on the warm side of the midrange and above.

It might be a good ideal to see if I can borrow a solid state amp/preamp ,or an integrated amp from one of my local audio dealers. That would give me an ideal what a relatively powerful amps delivering a highish damping factor would sound like with my speakers. Then I could start to fine tune what brand/model would fit into my system and please my ears.

Marqmike , Mean while I will check out the Belles Reference 150a version 2. and the Halo A21. Impressive looking amps!

Tjassoc , I will take a look at the Pass X-250.5 , thanks.

Guidocorona , I would probably be interested in used gear. My budget might vary depending on if I go the route of amp/preamp , or an integrated amp. If I buy an amp , them I will need a pre that would go well with the amp. $1,000 to 3,000 ( Give or Take) for amp and the same price range for the preamp.

I did also notice on other Audiogon forums related to amps for Vienna Acoutics , that some folks had recommended The Conrad Johnson MF 2500/2500A paired with a tube pre.

Thanks again for your input and any future advise!!!

Grannyring , just noticed your reply after I posted my comment. Thanks for your list of recommendations. I will check those out also.

I actually have a local dealer where I would probably be able to home audition the Bel Canto. That is a good start.

I will have to check out all the other brand/models given here also. Hopefully some of the suggested amps will be sold by some of the audio dealers in my area. That would give me a chance to hear first hand what hear what the amps sound like.

Thanks!

Thanks again for the suggestions. I am taking a look at all the suggestions mentioned.

Schubert , The Van Alstine has been mention a few times here. Checked there web page out and noticed they sell direct only. They have some good reviews about their amps.
What about the Alstine do you like and what preamp are you using with them?
This is from a review of the Van Alstine Synergy 450

"Music flowed forth with great balance across a wide range of the audio spectrum without any solid-state glare but rather more of a tube-like bravado. Everything had a relaxed feel to it without harshness or grain. Whether hard rock, acoustic guitar, small ensembles, large orchestral passages or vocals, the 450 had a forgiving quality that enhanced the enjoyment of all types of performances.
"
Would you agree with that?

Would there be any tube amps that would accomplish this also?

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I am going to try The Musical Fidelity M6si via a home audition from my local audio dealer. I just want to experience first hand the difference with using a high powered integrated SS amp will have with my speakers.

The Higher powered integrated MF M6si did open up the Vienna Acoustics.
The bass tightened up and became more defined and brought to life to the entire speaker from top to bottom. I still could hear some limitations in the bass of the Mozart Grand , but overall it was nice. I suppose a move up the line in the VA line of speakers might help with a more defined bass sound.
I am not sure if I am a solid state person though. I really like the Musical Fidelity , but I wished it had warmer sound in the upper midrange and above. I guess I am use to the tube sound.
Thanks again everyone for your input.

Marqmike , What you said below here on your last post is exactly where I am at now.

"I have found on the Mozart Grands the most difficult balance is what you are dealing with. Components, mostly the amp in this case, that control the lower midrange and below, and then do not have the spectrum above that get a little thinner, harder, brighter, or edgier compared to fuller sound of the lower frequencies."

The big question is which brand of amp/preamp or integrated combination?

I did really like what The Musical Fidelity M6si did for the Mozarts lower midrange and below. The upper midrange and above were a little brighter than I would have preferred , but it still sounded very musical.

I did recently talk to a dealer that sells Vienna Acoustics and he had said that VA themselves like Primare amps , specifically the Primare I32 Integrated.

I guess it is time to do some research and audition if possible , all the brand model amps that have been mentioned here so far in this thread.

Since the Musical Fidelity was the first solid state that I have tried , I think it might be a good reference point to start with. Anyone familiar with the Musical Fidelity M6si, or there line of products, that could recommend an amp/pre or integrated that would have the same qualities , but would be smoother-warmer sounding in the upper midrange and above?? Might just need to start a new thread on this matter.

Twoleftears ,

I will keep the Ayre in mind. I have heard the Arye with Vandersteen and it sounded good. I guess I would have to find a place where they had both products to know for sure the synergy between Ayre and the Mozarts. I do believe that it is recommended using balanced connections with the Ayre AX-7E to get the full potential out
of them. That would require more changes in my system. I have all single ended gear.

I am open to all suggestions , or possibilities though. Who knows , I might be happier moving up the line with The Vienna Acoustics and finding the right gear to match.