SS Amp for Avalons

For years I never did get the Avalon presentation at shows but in the first ten minutes of listening to my standard Eidolons at home I got off the merrygoround. 

I've herd them powered by Ayre V-1xe stereo, MFA D70 stereo, VAC Phi200s, freshend up MFA M-200s, and Carver VTA180s all off their 4 ohm taps. Unfortunatly, I was unable to do side by sides comparisons of the tube mono's.

The D70 demonstrated the need for more power for listening approaching realistic levels. I agree with siddh these are revealing speakers were everything matters. Even though the three high powerd tube mono's each have their own presentation my poor sonic memory prevents me from picking a favorite so I picked the ones made in America. Does that help?

Use the spikes, that port needs to breath. 

Spencer, yes, as are MFA and Bob Carver Tube. These are the only tube amplifiers I've had direct in home experience with. Purchased used and considering their quality they could be considered affordable.

In the case of Carver his personality, marketing, and the pedestrian look of these amplifiers, some might make a costly mistake by removing them from consideration especially in KT150 livery.  
 
I have no in home experience with other speakers in the Eidolon or Diamond price range. My experience with the Eidolon/Diamond is the complete opposite from yours. This is the first time I've heard them referred to as overly detailed or etched so I'll defer to your experience here.