2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137953444

Amp advice for Avantegarde HELP

Hi guy's,

I am entering new and unchartered territory and need some real help. I had been running high powered tube amps into panels (see system) but have recently decided to try the high efficiency side of life. I had really good ideas about what worked well with my Logans but am quite a newbe on the horn thing.

At the moment I have a pair of Avantgarde Duo 2.2's upgraded with Cardas internal wiring in my room. I am using my Aesthetix Callisto signature (which seems to work very well) as a pre into a pair of Nagra VPA's. The Nagra's sound really good but are a little too noisy. I don't think I need 50 watts either. In addition, the gain structure of my system is messed up; I can only crack my preamp volume open about 3-4 notches (for full volume).

Help me with some good choices for amplifiers in the 3-4k used range? I am thinking low wattage SET is probably the way to go but don't really know the differing characteristics between 300B, 845, PX25, etc. I have always run my system balanced; are there any good sounding amps out there that fit the low power mold and are a balanced design? I obviously need something that is quiet. Also, I am not sure about what to look for to correct the gain structure (lower gain amps?, but what numbers?).

Some items on my radar right now are Wavelength Cardinal, Dehavilland 845, Art Audio Diavalo (sp?). Are these good choices? (BTW, I really like the looks/design of the Dehavilland).

Thanks for your help in advance everyone.

Chris
cmo

Showing 5 responses by cmo

cmo OP
471 posts
 
Thanks for all of the input so far. I am wondering, can anyone share experience on the sonic traits of various power tubes? 300B vs. 845 vs. 2a3 etc.? Or, is there more in the design of the amplifier than the tube per se?

Chris
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Has anyone heard the Dehavilland 845's? These amps seem like they might be a good match with the Avantgardes, but I'm unsure of the 845 tube's sonic signature. Would they be quiet enough?

As for the Atma-Sphere's; how might their sound compare to a single ended design?

Thanks for the feedback so far, it's very helpful.

Chris
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Hello everyone,

I want to thank all of you who answered my thread and have exchanged emails with me to further discuss my ampquest. It was really nice to have input from others who have more experience in SET thing provide some guidance. To make a long story short, I bit the bullet and ordered an Art Audio PX25 from Joe Fratus............. Man, what a nice guy to talk to and deal with.

The amp should be here (or should I say "hear") early in the week. I'll post thoughts on this thread for anyone interested.

Thanks again,

Chris
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Whart,

I had just purchased my Aesthetix Callisto signature when I heard the Duo's. I was a bit worried about the combination as I wasn't seeing too many people use this pre-amp in this kind of system........... to make a long story short; the Callisto has to be one of the quietest preamps there is. It is big (make that HUGE), vivid, and works very well in my system. I don't know if it's smaller siblings are in the same ballpark but I can't imagine they would be too far off. Maybe someone else with more experience in this context can provide additional guidance, but I myself cannot imagine using a different preamp. I don't know if your budget will allow but a Callisto is mighty fine indeed.

Chris
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Hello everyone (anyone) still tuned into this thread. It's been a couple of weeks now with the Art Audio PX25 and my Duos........... All I can say is WOW. I am loving it. The only drawback so far is I'm exhusted when I go to work from being up so late the night before listening to music.

I would still love to hear a nice 2A3 or 45 amp, just to hear what it is like. Things are a lot different from the Martin Logans and I do miss some aspects of their sound. I guess the trick would be able to afford both.

Thanks again everyone for the amp guidance

Chris
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