Audiofankj, I recently completed an upgrade of my AC electric service, so I have some recent experience of relevance. I found, just as you are finding, that the standard protocol in my area of the country is to run all aluminum cable from the pole transformer to the circuit panel. Nonetheless, I was obsessive and persistent about insisting that copper be used in all instances on "my side" of the service. I was working with an electrical engineer who scoped and spec'ed my project for me, and, in my case, he recommended 250MCM copper as the service entrance cable. I believe it is rated for a maximum of 325A of current. Whether or not this specific cable is suitable for your application, I am confident that you will be able to find a suitable and cost-effective copper service entrance cable if you stick to your guns.
Some claim that copper makes for better sound than aluminum. I don't have nearly enough expertise to express any opinion on this topic, but I found that the cost differential was relatively modest, went to all copper and never looked back. One other area that I might mention (although your wife might regret this) is that many circuit breaker panels do not use copper contacts in the interior of the box. In my case, I made sure to use a higher grade circuit panel with quality copper contacts/conductors.
Good luck with your project!
Some claim that copper makes for better sound than aluminum. I don't have nearly enough expertise to express any opinion on this topic, but I found that the cost differential was relatively modest, went to all copper and never looked back. One other area that I might mention (although your wife might regret this) is that many circuit breaker panels do not use copper contacts in the interior of the box. In my case, I made sure to use a higher grade circuit panel with quality copper contacts/conductors.
Good luck with your project!