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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
rtn1 OP
535 posts
 
The Isis do benefit from good power, and lots of it. While amps like Soulution, Vitus, Dartzeel, FM Acoustic may have their merits, I think 100-200 watts is too little. I would look for something with a lot of class A, at least 300 watts into 4 ohms. Amp matching with the Isis is so crucial. Nothing else will come together until you get that part correct. The overall efficiency does not belie how much power it takes to get those woofers moving like they should.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Of course, I see where you're coming from. Still, if you ever get a chance to audition any big tube mono's I strongly suggest the experience would be well worth the effort.

I did see this post here a few weeks ago from a dartZeal owner which may be of interest.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1342041838&&&/Jeff-Rowland-tour-fascinates-

Regarding many of the Avalon products, I have read that they're somewhat easier to drive than their specifications would suggest. I hope you post your experiences, I'd be very interested in hearing your impressions and where this path take you.

Take care and happy shopping.
cpcorreia
5 posts
 
Many thanks, Rtn. My concern is the ability of the Soulution to control the woofers, but I may have to take the risk.
I see that you started with the big Karans, which are extremely powerful (1000 watts?) and then "downsized" to the Pass 200. Did you notice a big difference resulting from the less power of the Pass?
Again, thank you very much for your input and congratulations on your great system.
Audio
cpcorreia
5 posts
 
Thanks, Vic. I will keep you posted on the evolution of my system.
Audio
rtn1 OP
535 posts
 
Cpcorreia,

I agree it is a risk and it may be worth it, so perhaps you just have to try. However, I would be prepared to forgo the Soulution and try at least 1-2 other amps for direct comparison.

As I said, I've spoken to a number of Isis users who have moved-on because I believe they did not strike that synergy with equipment or room. What the Isis really do well is to convey the weight, scale, and perspective of large pieces, but it requires power. If you can play a large orchestral or choral piece, close your eyes, and have a fairly accurate representation of the orchestra and the hall, you are done. If you are not getting that, then the speakers are not doing what they can do.

Paradoxically, I found that Pass to sound more effortless and majestic than the Karan's. I attribute this to the pure class A power among other things. The Karan's put out over 2kW into 4 ohms, so they are a real force for power. There are not many amps on the market which require two power cords per chassis. I still remember ordering new fuses for those amps, and someone from the store called me to make sure I ordered the right ones because they were rated for an incredible amount of current.

If you must keep the Soulution and have no flexibility with the amp, I might recommend you look at other speakers. If you've decided on the speakers, can be flexible, and willing to experiment, you can be rewarded.
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