Looking for Amp suggestions or Avalon speakers


I am in the process of downsizing due to a smaller living space and think i have settled on Avalons (either the Ascendants or the Ideas) for my new speakers as their footprint is acceptable to my spouse and i like their sound.

My old amps are the Sonic Frontier Power 3 monoblocks but sadly probably have to give those up as well due to the amount of space they take up. I have also always liked the Conrad Johnson sound (haven't heard alot of other amps so wanted to give an idea of a sound that i have liked over the years).

I have always preferred tubes to solid state but i have heard some say they think the Avalon's sound better with solid state?

In either case, i'm looking for suggestions for an amp that would mate well with the Avalon's. I'm fine with buying used equipment. Looking for something in the under $5,000 range (though of course would love to get away with spending less if i can).

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
dkonstruction

Showing 2 responses by siddh

A friend has Transcedents driven by Bat VK-75...happens to be one on Audiogon for asking price under $5000.00. I have heard Ascents coupled with early Rowland and Threshold amps. Both sounded very good to me. Front end, including preamp and cabling likely will contribute to the synergy.
Bo1972...it appears that the word Avalon causes a trigger response in you. Previous threads regarding Avalon speakers have brought about your redundant criticism of the speaker's unrealistic, bloated presentation...even when the subject of performance is not in question. My experience with a number of Avalon speakers, when well powered, have not met your description. Far from it. Depending on the source material, the instrument represented may sound small and flat. Other times large and full-bodied.

So...I wish to ask...please...have you a reason to continuously castigate this speaker line? Also, have you heard this speaker in a truly well designed synergistic system?