Budget Amp for Avalon Eidolon


I noticed here a few conversations already about Avalon Eidolon and best matching amp. It appeared Eidolon sounds best with CAT and Jadis. But I can't afford to buy Eidolon and recommended amp electronics.

Could you please let me know if you had a good experience with 'down to earth' amps with Avalon Eidolon.

My current system is

Meridian 508.24,ARC LS15 Preamp,ARC VT100 MkII, Proac2.5, interconnect(XLR)\speaker cable - NBS Master III, Svetlana valves.

I was considering
1) change only speakers
2) change ARC VT100 for more powerful Mcintosh (don't know which one yet. I found suggestion to bridge MC275 and get 150W per channel.
3)change ARC VT100 for Electrocompaniet AW120 ( Nice SS amp can produce 200W into 4oms)
4)change VT100 for Gamut D200 MkIII ?
5)change VT100 for Ayre V-1xe ?

What are your suggestions?

Please write only if you had an experience with Avalon Eidolon and 'down to earth amps' (under US$10000)
eavr11

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

My buddy uses the Lamm M2.2s (220 wpc) with his Eidolons, and they sound incredible. They have tight, authoritative bass response; great treble extension and treble decay that is unbelievable; and just a touch of that tube magic in the mid-range. (Vocals sound especially impressive!)

(They sound better than any other amps he has owned, including the VTL MB-450s, Manley Neoclassic 250s, Classe CA-401 and the Rowland 501s. Yeah, he was searching for a long time for the right amps. He says he is done searching now.)

You "might" be able to find a used pair of M2.2s for around $10K, but they are really new, so the price might still be up a little above that. However, you should be able to find their predecessors, the M2.1s (200 wpc) for around $7K. These sound very, very similar to the M2.2s.

I use the M2.1s with my Revel Studios, and they have really opened my eyes as to what a fine set of amps can do.

Good Luck in your search!