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Power amp s for Avantgarde Duos?

Hi, I'm looking for new amps for my Avantgarde DUOs.
I have had different tube amps, and prefer 300B/845/805..
Now I have Cayin/Spark 9084D, 845 monoblocks; but I have some problems with hum, and they are not the best with respect to resolution.
Noise is of course a challenge with these speakers.
I have recently tested a BAT VK-75SE, and were impressed by the dynamics and the fantastic bass slam together with excellent resolution and imaging. But the midrange (vocals) seem a bit "too neutral" (analytical?) to me........
I have a BAT VK-51SE pre amp, and Acoustic Zen Silver Ref IC's, Audience Au24 speaker cables (might be replaced with AZ Double Barrel.....).
Source: Pink Triangle Anniversary TT + Wheaton TriPlanar MkVII tonearm + Lyra Titan PU, and a Pass Labs X-ONO phono stage.
Room size 3.5 m (w) x 5.5 m (l).
Price range (new or used): up to $4000.
I prefer monoblocks, but no must........

Best regards Ola
olaps

Showing 4 responses by olaps

olaps OP
17 posts
 
Hi everybody, and thank you for recommendations.
Based on this, and own experiences, I guess I'll stay with SET amp(s).
I have now tested a modified 45 Star Chief from Welborne Labs, and was impressed of the resolution and the "airy" presentation. Even the bass was acceptable (a choke had been replaced and improved the bass control). But, in total, I missed some "fundament" and body.

The SET I probably will look for is 300B's (and may be some PX-25) from Wavelength, Welborne, ArtAudio, Wavac, AudioNote (interstage models).....

BTW, why not use 845 on the Duos (ref Dejanm)?
I see there is a good offer on a modified deHavilland Aries 845 c/g here on Audiogon. I like the 845 sond and soundstaging........

Olaps :-)
olaps OP
17 posts
 
BTW, have anyone tried the Audio Note Kits, ref
http://www.audionotekits.com/monob01.html
I especially wonder about the Signature levels (3399 USD and 5549 USD).
olaps OP
17 posts
 
Thanks a lot all of you.
I have ended up with Star Chief 45 monos (2 Watt) from Welborne Labs, far more powerful than I expected. And the EML tubes lifted them to another level than what the TJ mesh plates could.

So far they play together with my BAT VK-51SE. These are two pieces of audio equipment representing two entirely differnt levels of design complexity.
But a very musical combination :-)
olaps OP
17 posts
 
Larryi, a comment about your opinion with respect to the bass. Having been an owner of the Duos for almost 5 years, I agree with you. But, three years I had the opportunity to compare the standard subwoofers with subs upgraded with other electrolyt capacitors in the power of these. The upgraded subs had ELNA Cerafine caps, with a total capacity of 150 % MORE than original. And that sounded definitely better!
Better cotrol, more speed, and more nuances; in total a more natural representation of the bass. And with this change the bass also seems better integrated with the rest of the speaker system.
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