Best Solid State for Avalon Isis


I would appreciate informed comments regarding best solid-state synergy with Avalon Isis. I’m looking for an amp that will maintain absolute control of deep bass, while maintaining a rich and dynamic mid-range, and clarity without sacrificing musicality. It should be transparent, and allow a vast and layered soundstage to appear. Although the Isis appear relatively efficient (90db at 4ohm), the paired 13” woofers are going to need an amp with muscle.

Source is a Wadia 9 series. It runs direct. It does not need a pre-amp.

I listen to big, loud, congested orchestral music (ie. Mahler, Bruckner, Wagner). I like to hear all the detail, including the musician's technique and subtle alterations in tempo. Orchestral sections need to have mass. I want to feel the bass at low in addition to high volumes.

My room is 20 x 30 ft, and has plaster walls/ceiling with wood floors and padded area rugs. Tubes are not an option. Because of the room and source, I am not looking for an amp that is artificially fast or tipped toward the higher frequencies.

A company which is solvent, established, reliable, and with good customer support is important, with preference for an American manufacturer. I plan on trying to home demo some of these, but need advice on where to concentrate and expend my efforts.

These are some I'm considering, and additional suggestions are welcome:
Pass Labs XA200.5
Boulder 1050 Monoblocks
Halcro DM78
Spectral DMA 360
Edge NL Sig One
Hovland Stratos

Thank you,
Rob
rtn1

Showing 4 responses by clavil

do the Isis come like the Sentinel with to monoblocks for the bass ?

I have only heard the Sentinel which is working marvelously with Pass electronic; either the big integrated !! (of course because the monoblocks are there) or the XA 200.5 ... extremly beautifull mid-high range, a dream!
I just heard Isis with the Stratos & Odin

beautifull but a little bit slow for my taste

source was dCS Scarlatti, preamp also Howland
I don't know ... but what is certain is that for Pop / Rock music even some Jazz, the bass was too slow ... they told me that with Boulder or VTL it was even slower ... a problem with electricity or powerchord?? ... Odin is fast, the room was a acoustically prepared room ...
I have heard the Viola preamp ... fantastic! never heard such a precise soundstage

for me the only "mistake" on the picture is the EMM Lab, dCS Pucini is quite better ... I am not dealer ;-)