Amplifier for Avantgarde Duos

Thank you for these excellent suggestions. I now have the Avantgarde integrated model 3 amplifier which sound fantastic for these speakers. The shrillness has disappeared and now I have music. I'm still looking for the equivalent in an amp pre combo which more readily suits my setup configuration. Are there any thoughts on Pass amps? The other consideration is amp/pre impedence matching. How much does this affect the sonic outcome?

I owned the Duos for about 3 years and I thought they far and away sounded best with the Audiopax 88 mono amps. I owned the BAT VK150SEs and used them on the Duos which to my ear was not a great combo, but I guess others disagree since they did show with them on the Trios a few years back, but then I didn't like the sound of that system either. One nice thing about the Audiopax amps is that the tubes are cheap and the sound warms up really quick.

What cables do you have? It's possible a change in cabling may be a cheaper alternative. A warmer cable such as Cardas,Purist,Audience,Transparent,MIT would do the trick.

I have a pair of Unos which sound excellent with a Art Audio Diavolo.The amp is also dead silent.
Mike

Hi Chris- Since I know you are at least contemplating a switch to a 300B based amp- Here is a link to a review of 11 different iterations/brands. You may find the observations/info helpful: (http://www.stereophile.com/features/229/index.html)

I've owned the Duos before and 300b amps work wonderfully with them. I suggest the Sophia 300b as first choice for best value. The Wavac is excellent. The Cary SE Signature did a nice job too. The ceramic base Sophia Electric 300b tubes I'd recommend with all listed....I like them better then WE's! I'd avoid the Wavelength models though.
GREAT speakers! Good luck and Good Listening!

As Cmo says, Art Audio PX25 is a great choice...also Audiopax 88s, and the best I've heard with Duos: Lamm ML-2.

Search the treads there are a lot of answers to your questions....... With regard to the Carrissa; I would stay away from 845 valves with the AVG's. If you can find an Art Audio PX-25 that would be a great match- it is by far the best I have heard in my system (they even make a low voltage AVG model). You might also look at some of their 300b amps......

Chris

Hello, we have found the BAT VK55, VK75SE or 150SE monos to be a nice combo (with 150s - award winning combo - "best sound CES 2004").

The VK55 sounds great but the 75/150 is a bit quieter.

Cheers Dan