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Help! Best amp for Rockport Aviors?

I recently purchased a pair of Rockport Aviors to replace my Dynaudio C2s. My system comprises of a Berkeley Reference DAC, Spectral DMC-30SS preamp, and Spectral DMA-260 stereo amp. My intial impression was disappointing - "hot" treble and a lack of low end slam. I assumed that my amp didn't have enough current to drive the Aviors properly so I auditioned the Spectral DMA-400 RS monos with the Aviors and that combo still didn't resonate in the way I first heard the Aviors (kicking myself for not noting the system). My current theory is that the Spectral gear (as much as I love it) isn't a good match for the Rockports; therefore, I have a bit of a quandary - ditch my Spectral system or the Aviors.

I know that Andrew uses a Gryphon stack to voice his speakers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't kmow of a USA Gryphon dealer and wouldn't purchase a Gryphon component without hearing it in person first.

So cut to the chase: Avior owners out there - what do you drive them with that results in the "softer" treble and bass slam that I know these speakers are capable of. My current guess is to audition Pass Labs.
jason_john_howes
cycles2
205 posts
 
Jason,

I've been reading reviews on your Spectral DMA-260 and the reviews say it has plenty of bass. That just means it had plenty of bass when the owner or reviewer used his speakers, not your Aviors. 

If you can remove your pre-amp from the system and go direct from your DAC as 'rvnye' suggests, this would start to isolate where the problem may be. That adds credence to auditioning the Devialet as it will remove both of your Spectral components from the audition.

Make sure your dealer configures the Devialet properly for you or shows you how to use the online configurator. They may have a specific configuration for their demo environment. 
rshad0000
268 posts
 
I've heard the Avior with the new Ayre Twenty electronics and thought they sounded really good.   The high current capabilities of the amps really seemed make the speakers come to life.
jason_john_howes OP
16 posts
 
Hi paul79 and babybear,

Thanks for the suggestions to move the Aviors closer into the room - that made a HUGE difference on bass response! Now I'm getting more of the slam that these speakers are known for. No need to improve on that front! Also to several posters that suggested my toe out was unusual, I've toed them in and getting amazing imagining, but still feel the top end is "hot" especially with rock music. I'm going to continue to play with placement and later on today I'm going to audition the following amps back-to-back-to-back:

-Spectral DMA 400RS Monos
-Simaudio Moon Evolution
-Devialet (800s, hopefully)

Thanks for all your help guys! Each post has been so helpful!

J
jason_john_howes OP
16 posts
 
Also holy **** these speakers have amazing bass response! I guess I was starving them of breathing room...

J
jason_john_howes OP
16 posts
 
By the way, the best placement I've found for the Aviors is:

- 12" from the back wall
- 8 feet between the speakers (measured from the inside of each enclosure ([]-----8 feet-----[] )
-17 degree angle in towards the listening position
- >= 10' listening position from the front of the speakers

Obviously, your room may disagree, but I hope this helps as a starting point from which you can experiment.

J
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