Tube Amp for Avalon Eidolon Speakers


Anyone has good recommendation on a stereo tube amp for the Eidolon speakers? A stereo amp will work better with my setup for equipment placement. Preamp I am currently using is ARC Ref-1 which I like. My solid state amp Classe 401 sounds very good but you all know why I want to use a tube. Thank for any idea.
cmtong

Showing 2 responses by siddh

Keep in mind the need for power. Your room size and it's absorbtion, tastes in music, and listening levels are some considerations. I often play my Eidelons loud, and although my room is of medium size, sometimes I crave more power. I run the Eidelons with Atma-Sphere MA-2s, rated at 220 watts/ch.
Prior to the A-S amps I satisfyingly used CAT mono-blocks. At 100 wpc, only the most demanding recordings presented a power issue. I have not heard the Stereo CAT, but Ken Stevens, the designer, has proclaimed it better than the monos at half the price.
I heard the ARC amp at an audio shop, with much disappointment. Could have been the set-up, cabling, who knows... but it exposed a hard edge that the Eidelons have with certain solid state amps.
Paradoxically, I did try out a pair of Krell monos with the CAST preamp. This was a short three day audition, and, although I hate to admit it, the Avalons were very musical with nice frequency extension.
Other experiential set-ups included Classe 301 and Lamm 2.1. Both worked well, but if you can find the room, the Atma-Spheres, with the OTL design, has played the Eidelons most musically and with least want.
One last thought. I did run Avalon Ascents with Jadis JA-200s. Also, very musical, but not a great pop/rock combo. And again, these are mono-blocks.
Cmtong. All that I have heard from other's experiences with the ARC have been complimentary. The set-up, plus my individual tastes likely veered me away from the VT200. I actually approached the demo with the ARC as the amp to buy.
I also heard the Rowlands (100 watters). Other than lacking steam, they sounded quite musical. It appears, that for you auditions are unlikely, but keep in mind that certain gains may create sacrifices when swapping out the Classe. But isn't that always the case?