Marty, I just ran across this thread, and thought I would respond. I also have Avanti III's, with a listening configuration similar to yours. I use a Berning ZH270 amp with Audio Magic Sorcerer cables. This is a really wonderful combination with the Avanti's. The Berning, although a tube amp, almost functions like a hybrid because of its design. I get great ss like bass and speed, with that magic tube midrange. Having said that, if cost were no object, I would choose the new Tenor Hybrid amplifier to drive the Avanti's. I had the opportunity to compare the Berning with the Tenor 75 OTL tube amp on efficent 8 ohm Kharma speakers, and the Tenor was hands down the winner - in fact it is the best sounding amplifier I have ever heard (which should be the case, given it costs 4x as much as the Berning). My only concern using the Tenor 75's on the Avanti's would be the relative inefficiency of the Avanti's compared to the Kharma's. But it appears Glide3 has direct experience in driving the Avanti's with the Tenor's, so hopefully you have been in touch with him. However, now with the Tenor Hybrid, that concern about efficiency is gone, since the Hybrid 150 would give you 300W into 4 ohms, more than enough power given your listening configuration. And reports are that the Hybrids are even better than the pure tube Tenors. The Tenor Hybrid 150 or 300 would have to be at the top of my audition list if I were looking for a new amp regardless of price. On the other hand, I am quite happy with the sound I get from the Berning, which is really an amazing little amplifier for the money (about $4700 list)and matches very well with the Avanti's.
Cheers,
David
Cheers,
David