Raidho speaker owners, what solid state amplifier do you use?


There seems to be consensus SS amps in general are better match for Raidho speakers than tube amps. I'm using 200 watt Bob Carver tube monoblock amps with my D2 to great effect, but I'm interested in getting a SS amp (less than 8k new or used).  The Soluution, Constellation, etc are way too overpriced IMO.  Any experiences with less costly offerings?  I am looking into the new Yamaha top of the line integrated, AS3000, which is 7k retail.  It's rated 100 watt at 8 ohm and 150 at 4 ohms and is built like a tank with substantial power supply (over 50 lbs).  This is the way Yamaha used to build their top amps decades ago before they went cheap mass market. 
dracule1

Showing 5 responses by chronoglidesky

Thanks xti16. I'm new to the Raidho family[*] and interested to read any opinions on how to extract the most from these beauties. MainzD8 would be a good step.
I heard the Aavik (at Axpona) and was very impressed indeed, especially when compared to the other "big box" amps that were littered throughout the show (often 4x larger in size). I look forward to seeing other members' comments on this amp, especially how the phono stage fares when compared to, say, a Sutherland or other such fine units.

[*] FYI: My mind was set on Wilson Alexia's - but I changed it after Axpona. The D1s, while smaller, "hit the spot" and it was obvious that the bigger D-series would just deliver - big time.
I have a Chord SPM600 (and Chord pre) with my D3s and it's a terrific match IMHO. The Chord drives the D3s with ease and clarity. However, I desperately need to upgrade the power and cabling, which is next on the "hit list". I hear good things about Mainz D so I might go for that. However I am skeptical about paying a large sum for a wall power cable as I have just installed a dedicated power circuit - but I'm open. While I have heard (and loved) the Aavik U300, my Chord should probably last for some time, I hope.
Thanks for the comment. It seems to be an interesting "leap" from tubes to Aavik. Would you say the Aavik is comparable to tubes (musicality) but with the response and timing of SS?
Yes, the cabling in Raidho's Axpona room was impressive - I would love to hear the same demos over again, but with lesser cabling.
I'm in Boston. Waited for 2 hours in TSA line at airport, nearly turned back but glad I stuck it out. I hope more reviewers write about Aavik / D3 etc. This forum is one few places where this range of products is covered reasonably well.
IMHO: On balance, a really well-matched SS is my preference because (and this opinion is liable to be wrong) ... because the "gap" between tube and SS seems to be narrowing.
The Aavik was as "musical" as most amps I have heard. Certainly "musical" enough for my tastes, but that doesn't count for much.
What surprises me a little is the lack of any comment on D'Agostino Momentum's here. I have heard these several times, but not with Raidho, I wonder what that combo would be like? While Momentums look terrific, I suspect I would put my hard-earned $'s on an Aavik or an upgrade on the Chord's, which currently do a terrific job for me, even a humble little SPM600 which I have.
I have just played Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" LP (quite loud). My little D3-Chord combo genuinely worked to me: the pace, the separation, the performance (especially the drumming), the staging and quality of everything shone out as never before. It was like listening to this classic for the first time :-) ... this is really what it's all about. Next stop: Beethoven quartets.