SS amp/preamp suggestions for Avalon Arcus?

thanks for the replies. i will consider all of these suggestions carefully, although the spectral stuff seems relatively uncommon on the used market (probably a good sign for spectral).

has anyone tried or considered BAT's SS stuff, e.g. the vk200, with avalons?

I beg to differ with jdc1114's opinion, based on my personal experience. I also have eclipse and have tried the following:

Adcom GFA-565
Rotel RB-990BX
Rowland Model 5
BAT VK-60

The BAT is the absolute best amp I have ever heard with these speakers, the tubes sound soooo warm and involving. I was contemplating using the VK-500w/bat pack but ended up with the VK-60 and am very glad I went this direction. The best part of the VK-60 is it is so easy to use, very few of the tube weaknesses, and loads of there benefits. Also Avalons are very cable sensitive I have had outstanding luck with most repuatable silver cables, both interconnects and speaker wire. In fact I am already planning a upgrade of Eidolons and another VK-60 making them VK-120 mono's. Where is Kelly??? he is the resident expert on Avalon's he knows stuff that most don't I think he sits in on there meetings, don't tell him I told you that, hahahaha. I don't understand why avalon folks don't recommend tubes, most have never tried them, most all moderate power tube amps will sound super on avalons. Don't listen to people telling you that you need solid state, listen for your self and don't rule out tube. Good luck ~Tim The Tire Guy

Consider how Avalon speakers are shown at CES, the Stereophile show and other trade shows. It is always with solid state electronics such as Ayre, Classe, Spectral and Muse. The Avalons are wonderful speakers but tend toward warmth. Also, they are not champions in terms of retrieving low level detail. Both of these factors tend to make them more suited for solid state. That is not to say that tubes will sound bad with Avalons. In fact, they will sound warm and rich as you have described. I got decent sound for a couple years with a CAT Signature III and Music Reference RM9 II. But I didn't get the same level of detail retrieval as with solid state. Since S2K Dude indicates a desire for detail over warmth, I think SS is the way to go.

Good point, just trying to give S2K another option, I suppose it depends what one is looking for sound wise. Detail=SS, warmth=Tube either way I am sure it will bring a smile to your face.

decamacho1 - good call on the muse model three.

tried out some muse stuff last night and while i wasn't crazy about the amp (160?), the model three was a very nice piece, especially in the two-box configuration (separate power supply). the amp was a little too in-your-face for my tastes. however, when paired with a more laid-back CJ SS amp, the model three's detail, imaging & bass response(!!) were noticeably better than those of several other preamps (including the CJ). i am exploring the possibility of buying the CJ amp/muse pre-amp combo. we'll see.