Amps for Avalon Osiris CAT JL3, Boulder 2060, Dart


I recently purchased Avalon Osiris and am considering what amps to use with them. I purchased a pair of Levinson 436's as a stop gap just to have an amp that could drive them while I saved for a better amp. I am using Stealth cables throughout (Indra IC's, Dream PC's and Dream SC's).
My preamp is CAT Ultimate MK2 (line only) with NOS Amperex PQ's. My DAC is Audiologic 24MXL and CEC TL2 transport. I am open to other amps than the three listed above but am leaning toard solid state or hybrid. I am trying to avoid space heaters. Some other amp considerations are VTL Sigfreid, Tenor 300's ...
posbwp555
I too grew up in New York and spent many years living in Northern new Jersey. I have lived in Ca. since 1980. I also have Ascent Mk 2 speakers and they are driven by a Pass 350.5 and there is an REL Stadium II in the right hand corner. I do employ an Audio Research Ref 2 as a preamp and there are a pair of Amperex A Frames as the first amplification stage. I have owned many cominations through my 40+ years and an audio nerd and this is the first time I am not considering an upgrade.
Jeff
Essentialaudio, thank you for your insigts about the difference in sound between the Cat and an otl like Fourier. I have considered Sound Labs but they proved to be too big for my 4x8 meter European room. Until now I am not worried about the Fouriers, they are over 10 years old now and have always driven unkind loads including Avalon Eidolon's. The Atma-Sphere's I know well are extremely detailed amps but lacked power in the lower regions although this might have ben caused by the speaker used (Voce divine's if I remember them well). The main complaint I have aout the Fouriers is the noise level of the fans. The biggest mistake I have ever made has been the purchase of a pair of Mark Levinson 20.5. These together with ML 25+26 lacked dynamics. The big Cello's I had were in a totally different league but the otl's had a more life like midrange representation. You can't have it all. If my Fouriers fail I will try Atma-Sphere.
Hodelrecords, since you may consider Atma-Sphere amps, I thought I'd chime in. The Atma-Sphere MA-2s have no trouble here driving the bottom end of my Avalon Eidolons. They have proven to be a great combination with excellent control, speed and agility. Of course, I can't comment on how they might work with the Osiris, but the Eidolon's 4 ohm nominal (3.5 ohm minimum) impedance is simply not a problem for the MA-2, a superb combination all around.
.
Thank you Rushton for the advice, the previous owner of the Fouriers also had Eidolons. The sound had a very fine bloom and great transparency. Ascents do have a flat impedance with 5.5 ohm minimum, hence I concluded they would be a good match. As long as the Fouriers work well I stick to them. I hope they will because MA-2's are very expensive (here). Great review of the Walker turntable!
I also hear to classical lp's only, I spin them on a Platine Verdier + Naim Aro+ Vd Hull Grasshopper IV on a sand filled box. Even some DGG's (Kleibers Beethoven Sy #5) sound breathtaking.
I haven't checked this thread in a while. Hodelrecords,
the Avalon Osiris is pretty flat at 4 ohms with a minimum dip to 3.6. The CAT JL2 will drive any Avalons easily and do the bass very well. They have a OTL or SET like mid and you should give them a listen before you go to Atma-sphere. I think one of the advantages they have over other tubed based amplifiers is the use of 6DJ8, 12AU7 and 12AX7 signal tubes. This gives you a multitude of tuning options. Bart