Budget Amp for Avalon Eidolon

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My buddy uses the Lamm M2.2s (220 wpc) with his Eidolons, and they sound incredible. They have tight, authoritative bass response; great treble extension and treble decay that is unbelievable; and just a touch of that tube magic in the mid-range. (Vocals sound especially impressive!)

(They sound better than any other amps he has owned, including the VTL MB-450s, Manley Neoclassic 250s, Classe CA-401 and the Rowland 501s. Yeah, he was searching for a long time for the right amps. He says he is done searching now.)

You "might" be able to find a used pair of M2.2s for around $10K, but they are really new, so the price might still be up a little above that. However, you should be able to find their predecessors, the M2.1s (200 wpc) for around $7K. These sound very, very similar to the M2.2s.

I use the M2.1s with my Revel Studios, and they have really opened my eyes as to what a fine set of amps can do.

Good Luck in your search!

You have really good speakers currently, and for 10K I'd look at replacing your ARC front end with Ayre before going up to the Eidolons. Of the amps you've listed, the Ayre V-1 is far and away the most musical and best sounding IMO. Next, unless you are really happy with your LS15, the Ayre K-5x is much better sounding to my ears. You should be able to sell your ARC equipment for a little over $3K, and buy the V-1 and K-5 for around $7K, costing you $4K total.

And you will hear a noticeable improvement. I'm not sure what type of music you listen to, or if you require a phono stage, but you'd be amazed with how good your speakers sounded if you went that route.

The Rowland 302, which can be had used for under $9000 is a great match as well.

I enjoyed the Classe CAM 200, which only occassionally lacked the neccessary juice. The Ca-301 was not a bad match, giving these power hungry speakers more of what they desire. Classe amps in this power range and incarnation are well within your price point. Much may be dependent upon room size and ancillary equipment. The front end of this Classe driven system was a Jadis preamp, noted for it's musicalness and a Koetsu/Clearaudio analog rig. This introducing of tubes added body, shimmer and image density.

A friend with Eidelons has had succes with Lamm's and Atma-Sphere. Both of these may be in your price range on the used market.

I presently use Joule Rite of Passage amps, purchased for $10,000 used...and I cannot overstate how well they play together.