avantgarde UNO nano seeking a matching amp

I would go with either the Avant Garde Model 5 or Lavardin IS Reference or a Leben cs-600 or a Mactone XM-IIA - The Mactone would be far superior to the rest.

If you can swing them high output SET like Cary 805's or and 845 based set up.I liked Bel Canto 845 amp.If you want more power and 30 isn't' enough still check out review at www.6moons.com about battery operated Class T type (much less efficient and more expensive than Class D) Redwine Signature 30 amp's.They make a 30 watt with gain control for $1500 and a pair of 70 watt Mono's for $3K.They compared them to really nice (pricey) SET.Battery operated they are supposed to have all the tonal qualities of SET but of course no tube "bloom" as they are solid state.Was only non tube unit to make the 6moons best of 2006 of 6 products chosen.Worth a read and maybe trial if you can get from Vinny the owner.
Cheers
Chazz

I heard Avantgarde speakers on numerous occasions at different shows, dealers, and in owners' homes. Two of the best three setups were using the Audiopax Model 88 monoblocks and the third was based on the Lamm ML2's. The stereo Audiopax amp doesn't quite have the headroom of the big monos and the Timbre Lock function works a little differently, but still the overall character should be pretty close to the monos.

I have heard the Avantgarde Uno's paired with Audio Note Oto SE, and Graaf OTL. I have also heard the Duo's paired with Cary CAD-805AE.

Proper amp matching with these speakers is absolutely critical. I heard the Uno's with AN Oto and Graaf. The sound was simply unacceptable with Audio Note amplification - honky, flat, top rolled off, no detail. The dealer then changed the amp to a Graaf OTL amp - MUCH better. The speakers now started to make music but it still wasn't good enough. We could have experimented with more amps but we were running short of time.

The Duo's with the Cary did much better, probably because the Cary is exceptionally pure sounding in the first place. There was a problem with that demo as well but it was due to speaker setup not amplification. I agree with Chazzbo - the Cary 805's seem to be a good match.

Bottom line: on some equipment you can take an educated punt and buy with minimal auditioning. With your speakers, you MUST listen to how the amplifier performs. Good luck with your search :)

I have Duo Omegas which I formerly drove with Cary 300SEs, but now use Lamm ML2s - this is the best combo I've heard.

I've also heard standard Duos with Audiopax 88 monos - superb.

Other amps reputed to work well with Unos & Duos are Art Audio PX25s and the Pass/Aleph/First Watt 30 WPC solid-stae amps.

Happy hunting - the effort will be greatly rewarded!