Best AMP for Avalon Eidolon, ARC, CAT, VAC..?

Eidolon's are not at all 'cool and lean'. You've got issues somewhere else in your system. Avalon suggests that there are many quality amplifiers that will partner well with Eidolons. It's been my very limited experience that lots O watts ain't got nothin' to do with it. Current maybe. I'm sure the Eidolons have the ability to reveal all that the amplifiers you're considering have to offer. Still you should check this out. http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/nuforce9se.htm

Unfortunately for all the class D skeptics out there this man speaks the truth. Another unfortunate item is that these little blocks take a while to run in and once done provide an almost sinister amount of resolution. I honestly can't recommend these to a recent tubeophile convert as there is absolutely no warm fuzz, humm, or colored lushness down this pedestrian priced path. You will hear your Eidolons though, along with every mistake that lies before the amplifiers inputs.

If you wanna hear Eidolon's and tubes get on down to the Analog Room in San Jose, California were their being powered by a pair of Wavestream Kinetics.

That's my opinion, I could be wrong.

BOOO

I agree with Vicdamone above, having heard the above combo while they were being reviewed. Just as long as you don't listen to FM radio, they are great.
He has since moved on to some EAR mono's which sound even better (especially on FM ) although they do cost more.
Best bang for your $$$ though are the 9se's.

FWIW our customers report that the MA-2s are a nice combination with the Eidelons. In fact something like 95% of all the MA-2s built are running either Sound Labs or Eidelons.

Based on this my feeling is that the Avalons are a tube friendly load and I would be more concerned about what sounds right on them rather than getting the so-called 'universal' amplifier (which in reality does not exist if you want the best sound...).

Above all have fun!

I use the Atma-Sphere MA-2 Mk.III OTL amps with my Eidolons and I love the combination. The MA-2 makes for an incredible match driving the Eidolons: superb speed and resolution; exceptional recreation of correct timbre and harmonic overtones; deep, tight, agile and articulate bass; holographic soundstaging; dynamic range capacity that just won't quit, and delightfully natural, relaxed and musical throughout (never in the least lean, etched or analytical).

I've spoken with some Eidolon owners who use the Atma-Sphere MA-1 and report good success, but I play a lot of large orchestral music so the added power and control of the MA-2 made most sense to me, and the MA-2 is completely versatile in being able to drive almost any speaker out there. Don't let the fact that it is an OTL fool you; this is one OTL that will drive virtually ANY load.

Also, Ralph Karsten is one of the best designer/ manufacturers in the business for taking care of his customers and supporting his product. The MA-2 has been in production for well over 15 years with continuing improvements, and every MA-2 in the field today can be updated to full current factory specification. And I don't know of another manufacturer who will give you a complete "as new" warranty upon upgrade to current factory spec as I received upon upgrading my MA-2 from MkII to MkIII status this past year.
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"...deep, tight, agile and articulate bass..."

Rushton that is quite a compliment coming from a tube amp. If my memeory serves correct you do not use a subwoofer. Every amp I use get's the benefit of not having to reproduce the low frequencies, which can be a strain on the amp and speaker.
I was considering atma-spheres but the electrical sysytem of my apartment will not support the heavy current draw. Nor was the the ML/CLS an ideal match.

Back to the point try Rowland if you want solid state. They are very sweet.