Wilson Maxx3 vs Avalon Isis

HiFi+ has a review of the Isis by Roy Gregory that is fairly accurate. The Isis are detailed, coherent, holographic, and provide heft at the lower end to give music some body and presence.

They need special attention to component matching, and some may find them overly detailed or dry. Finding a good amplifier was actually a bit of a challenge. I'd want at least 300 watts, and if considering tubes, think of something with a large transformer.

There is a thread on amps for the Isis.

For tubes, I think you got CAT and VTL to consider. BAT may not have enough power in your room, but it may be worth a try. I am not sure if you could hook-up 4 BAT monoblocks together, but that will certainly be warm.

For SS, I would be afraid that Dartzeel and Lamm would not get the lower half of the speaker to work properly. You need something with power and a full/warm midrange. I am currently working with Karan amps and a BAT preamp. Gold cables also help.

Alec,

I am, of course, guessing in regards to what Dave Wilson and Neil Patel are thinking. However, it probably comes down to:

1) The overall goals of how the speaker should be voiced. Avalon has always prioritized a coherent and clear sound that excells in imaging and nuance.
2) Integration of all drivers and cross-overs so that the speaker works as an organic whole, and the drivers 'disappear'.
3) Consideration for cost. Go ahead and add-up the drivers on the Isis. You have $4000 per 1" diamond tweeter, $600 x 2 for the 13" kevlar woofer, and $250 per ceramic driver. Add any modifications, plus cross-over R+D and manufacturing. It adds-up quickly and one realizes that these speakers are expensive to design and manufacture.

The Isis bass is very appropriate, and very detailed. The detail comes from proper integration of the tweeter and midrange. That's how one can hear the bow pressure, stroke length, stroke speed, and amount of resin on the double-basses to the right of the stage.

Rob

Hi Mark,

I'm very happy with the Pass, and it is a keeper for me. The Avalon synergy surprised me, because no one suggested it. The only other amp that I'd like to hear on the Isis is the new BAT Rex amp.

I can vouch for a Pass XA.5 160 or 200 with the Isis, along with the Tripoint Troy. After that, you can try to audition several balanced, tubed, preamps.