[Hiphile]

New around here and looking for some advice. Any AVA owner using a Van Alstine amplifier to drive  Eminent Technology's LFT- 8b loudspeaker? Comments mostly appreciated I'm considering buying AVA electronics for the first time
Thanks!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I have friends that are using the 400R and 600R AVA amps driving their Magnepan 1.7's and 3.7's respectively and they sound outstanding.  Both are using the top of the line AVA FET preamps.

I have auditioned the 600R amp with my Magnepan 1.6's and it compares favorably to my Pass X250 amp which cost $6800 new.

I have also heard the AVA Synergy amps and they are excellent as well.

I still own an AVA preamp and DAC and have never had any problems with them.  AVA customer service is second to none.

[Hiphile]

Yep the Maggies are also in my short list nevertheless I'm looking at ET because Mr. Thigpen seems to have made a great job of integrating a sub unit to his design and the price of admission is right when you account for the subwoofer
Thanks for the input

[Devil Doc]

Call Frank, he won't lie to you.

Doc

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Yep the Maggies are also in my short list nevertheless I'm looking at ET because Mr. Thigpen seems to have made a great job of integrating a sub unit to his design and the price of admission is right when you account for the subwoofer
Thanks for the input

You can integrate a sub seamlessly with Maggies.  Non ported subs seem to work the best.  I use 2 vintage Martin Logan Original Dynamo subs that you would be hard pressed to tell that there are subs in the room.  There are a few very good sub $1K subs that are non ported that integrate well with Maggies such as the Rhythmik, SVS SB series and Martin Logan Dynamo 700 and 1000 subs.  The trick is adjust the sub volume and cross over properly along with good room placement.

By the way, those AVA R amps put out great bass and are very dynamic and musical, even at low volumes (they better my Pass amp at low volumes).

[dB Cooper]

Yep the Maggies are also in my short list nevertheless I'm looking at ET because Mr. Thigpen seems to have made a great job of integrating a sub unit to his design and the price of admission is right when you account for the subwoofer
Thanks for the input

Based on those criteria, you'd also do well to look into GT Audio Works (they have a forum here). Somewhat similar in overall design approach and also very attractively priced. Haven't heard the Eminents so can't comment on them but the GTA's are real nice. If you happen to be able to attend Capital Audiofest this weekend, I definitely suggest some time in their room.

Any AVA power amp should drive the blankety-blank out of your planars; Frank will help you home in on the right choice.

[Hiphile]

Hi dB, I just took a look at those and they look really interesting unfortunately they are out of my planed budget (<$3,000.00). What I like about the Eminent Technology is that like Magnepan, Vandersteen, and Merlin to name a few their designs have stand the test of time, that said their price:performance ratio seems to be very high just like AVA's electronics. Keeping the set up process simple without the need of playing around with two boxes(subs) and two panels is a plus for me as less  real state requirement in the listening room. Magnepans (1.7i) as per GreyH fan recommendation are strong contenders I won't use a sub with those thou because of the afore mentioned reasons
Thanks for the recommendation!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

You would really appreciate a sub with the 1.7's.  It fills out the lower end nicely and creates a sense of more depth and a wider sound stage, especially if you use 2 subs.

An AVA Synergy amp with a tube preamp would be a nice way to go if you are on a budget.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

You would really appreciate a sub with the 1.7's.  It fills out the lower end nicely and creates a sense of more depth and a wider sound stage, especially if you use 2 subs.

An AVA Synergy amp with a tube preamp would be a nice way to go if you are on a budget.

I support I.Greyhound Fan's recommendation.  I also use two Rythmik subs and an AVA 400R with my 1.7s.

[dB Cooper]

Hi dB, I just took a look at those and they look really interesting unfortunately they are out of my planed budget (<$3,000.00). What I like about the Eminent Technology is that like Magnepan, Vandersteen, and Merlin to name a few their designs have stand the test of time, that said their price:performance ratio seems to be very high just like AVA's electronics. Keeping the set up process simple without the need of playing around with two boxes(subs) and two panels is a plus for me as less  real state requirement in the listening room. Magnepans (1.7i) as per GreyH fan recommendation are strong contenders I won't use a sub with those thou because of the afore mentioned reasons
Thanks for the recommendation!

Whoa!!! WTF happened! $8K??? They (used to?) have a model right around $3K, no sign of it on the website now though. Wouldn't have purposely suggested something at ~2.5x your budget. Sorry. Don't know whether that was dropped for production reasons but at the show I actually liked the overall balance of the smaller system a little better. I don't know if they still make that one but you might want to send Greg a PM before you cross them off.

At any rate, the Eminents look interesting and thanks for making me aware of them. I'm only a "window shopper" these days, but still. I agree with your point about standing the test of time. Applies to both the design and the company. It's a tough business and a lot of products and companies- even good ones- fall by the wayside if something else is the 'flavor of the day'. It matters if you can still get a driver etc, years up the road.