DVA M225 vs DVA M750 vs Odyssey Kismet Monos

gtb75 · « **on:** 20 Jul 2025, 01:20 am »

After 15 years with Magnepan 3.x speakers (3.6, 3.7, 3.7i) and Odyssey mono amps I am looking to downsize my system in terms of size/weight. In terms new of speakers I have pretty much settled on the Ø Audio Icon 12's to replace my current Magnepan 3.7i's. I have looked for a long time to find something that gives me most of the positive qualities of the big Maggies without the well known drawbacks, and the Icon 12's have really impressed me the three times I've heard them. The Icon 12's are 92db efficiency and an 8 ohm load - versus 86db efficiency and a 4 ohm load. With that significant efficiency advantage in mind, I'm thinking I can downsize my amps from my current fully upgraded (2021) Odyssey Kismet monos, which are around 80lbs each.

That all being said, from what I'm reading the M750 is basically just a larger M225. But the few comparisons I've found seem to indicate the M750 also sounds a little better than the M225. My first question is, for anyone who has done the comparison, is the better sound a more power thing or is the M750 technically superior over the M225 in any way? I'm thinking I could pull off the M225's with the Icon 12's being as efficient as they are, but if the M750's are better I have no problem going bigger (still half the weight of my Kismets). My second question is, has anyone compared the M750 or M225 to the Kismet Monos before? I see some M750 and M225 reviews comparing them to some pretty serious amps, so my thinking is the AVA amps will be better - but I'd love some feedback if anyone has any!

Thank you all in advance for your time and feedback

Doublej · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 01:41 am »

If I was downsizing I would be looking at Class D amps.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 02:17 am »

The main prob are you have or had Magnepan speakers that are notorious low efficiency and low impedance speakers (3 ohms most of the audio range) that needs a big power amp, instead if you have hi sensitivity speakers as Klipsch RF7, RF83(used) or Li Song Audio F15/F18 you could afford the luxury of use a inexpensive small tube amp or Class D. As always IMO.

A late friend used the RF83 with a small 1626 Darling amp with 0.75W to great effect.

gtb75 · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 03:06 am »

Thank you both for the feedback. I have played around with the NAD M23 (which uses Purifi modules) in my system but I still preferred my Kismets - even if they probably aren't as technically accurate. In terms of size the DVA M225's are the same size as the most Class D amps, and still pretty manageable in terms of weight (17lbs). With regards to speaker choice, as I said, the Ø Audio Icon 12's I've pretty much settled on are much more efficient than my Magnepan 3.7i's are.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 03:15 am »

Good luck in your audio journey, I have read many praises to AVA amps.

danielgk · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 11:31 am »

In his last years, Frank enjoyed a private stereo system that was pretty much on all day. Low level, near field, usually Philharmonic speakers, and his choice of any AVA amp. He tried most of them, at one time or another, but definitely liked the mono blocks best. Better than the hybird fet-value, better than the ultra-valve tube amp, and certainly better than any class D amp that was ever tried. He did like the NP1 / CA1 amps, a lot, but preferred the M225's and M750's. I asked him once if he could tell a difference and he said "yes", he liked the M750's best.

That was Frank, I can't tell the difference.

Just as as FYI - The M750 came first, the M225 followed. The design goal of the M225 was for what you are describing: for the homeowner who is driving a "reasonable" pair of speakers, at "reasonable" volumes, in a "reasonably" size room with "reasonable" acoustics. One who doesn't need the massive power of the M750. In other words, the M225 is a smaller, cost reduced M750. However, if you can tell a sonic difference and think the M750 sounds better (as Frank did), all bets are off.

Dan

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 03:39 pm »

I reviewed the 225's and heard the 750's at Franks. I preferred the 750's. It presents a larger scale or larger soundstage. I can't remember what else I prefered about the 750 as it was a while ago since I heard them. I also really like the SET amps. They have a great midrange.

I tested the 225's in my system with my Magnepan 1.6's.

gtb75 · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 04:42 pm »

Thank you both for your helpful feedback! The larger soundstage is big thing for me coming from Magnepans. I have struggled to find a smaller replacement for my 3.7i's for just this reason... It is hard to get the scale of the Maggie from a smaller speaker, but the Icon 12's do a great job of pulling it off - along with addressing a lot of the Magnepan limitations. I talked to Mary a few weeks ago about the M225's, but I will give her a call tomorrow and see what she says. With the current sale pricing moving up to the M750 isn't a huge step up.

I have heard AVA gear at Axpona several times and have always been impressed with it! The "budget" system they had last year with the DVA digital pre and NP1/CA1 combo driving the Philharmonic BMR Monitors really blew me away. I have had my Odysseys for over 15 years and they've been back to Klaus a couple of times for upgrades, but based on reviews I'm thinking the M225 or M750 will be a step up - while also being considerably lighter/smaller.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 05:00 pm »

I hear ya about sound stage. I am downsizing my system and selling my 1.6's. I have a pair of Arendal 1528 bookshelfs and a pair of Fritz Carbon 7 speakers. Both present big soundstages but the scale of the 1528's approaches that of my Magnepans. They are huge BS's at 22" tall and 66 pounds.

That DVA Digital Pre/DAC is one of the best DAC's that I have heard.

gtb75 · « **Reply #9 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 06:49 pm »

Again, thanks for the feedback! I know the 1528, both the floorstanders and "bookshelves", have been getting a lot of positive press from numerous reviewers - but I always appreciate real world feedback. I figured what's giving the Icon 12 the large soundstage is that large horn driver. The problem is I typically hate horns, so it was a real eye opener when I heard it! As the owners said, a horn speaker from people who hate horns

As for the DVA Digital Pre/DAC, I have a very similar piece in my Eversolo DMP-A8. The Eversolo uses the same AKM chipset, but gives me an integrated streamer and analog inputs. I run the Eversolo direct into my Kismets, and would do the same with the DVAs. Anyway, I'm thinking the M750 is the buy here - just because it gives me additional headroom if I decide to go with a less efficient speaker down the line.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 06:53 pm »

I venture to say that those Icon 12's sound fabulous and better than the Arendal's and possibly the 3.7i's. I will always be a Maggie fan for life. I even thought about a pair of LRS's to use with my 2 subs. I may be sorry that I did not go that route. The LRS's sound great although they present a much smaller scale.

The 1528's sound like you have dual 8 to 10" subs. The Fritz are not that far behind with deep powerful and tuneful bass but they do not hit hard like the 1528's which pressurise a room.

gtb75 · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 Jul 2025, 11:55 pm »

Yup, I have the LRS (original LRS, not the +) in my bedroom system. Crazy how good they are for the price - and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon for me. I still love the 3.7i's, but there are things they don't do that the Icons fix - specifically lack of dynamics/impact, small sweet spot, and the obvious size issue. The problem is to get the things Maggies do well, while addressing their limitations, you typically have to spend a lot more money (hence the Icons).

For what it's worth, the speaker I was pretty locked in on until I heard the Icons was the Fyne F703SP. Still a great option (and slightly cheaper), but I like the Icons more - and they give the sense of space/scale better than the Fynes.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 Jul 2025, 02:46 am »

Quote from: gtb75 on 20 Jul 2025, 11:55 pm

Yup, I have the LRS (original LRS, not the +) in my bedroom system. Crazy how good they are for the price - and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon for me. I still love the 3.7i's, but there are things they don't do that the Icons fix - specifically lack of dynamics/impact, small sweet spot, and the obvious size issue. The problem is to get the things Maggies do well, while addressing their limitations, you typically have to spend a lot more money (hence the Icons).

For what it's worth, the speaker I was pretty locked in on until I heard the Icons was the Fyne F703SP. Still a great option (and slightly cheaper), but I like the Icons more - and they give the sense of space/scale better than the Fynes.

I heard the Fyne 702's when they first came out back at RMAF. I met the engineers and designers. I loved the speakers and eventually flew down to Sun Coast Audio in Sarasota Florida to give them a longer listen. I was going to buy a pair and then COVID hit. They have a great sound and a huge sweet spot.

The Arendal 1528 Floor Standers would also be a great choice. Huge sound stage, great imaging, tremendous bass with no subs needed.

Huskerbryce · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 Jul 2025, 06:09 am »

I have a pair of the 750’s. I have them on some very efficient speakers. I almost went with the 225s but decided that since I was “upgrading” I wanted the top unit AVA offered so went with the 750. Huge sound stage, effortless, musical, warm and articulate with never ending dynamic range and head room. The ONLY draw back is that with a high gain/output amp paired with a high efficiency speaker, you get a very slight electrical buzz if you are right next to the speaker. Like, ear on the tweeter…. Not audible at 12 ft listening distance. For the $, the AVA DVM 750 offers a combination of limitless headroom, musicality and detail that I doubt few if any amplifier will exceed. It’s money well spent.

Jeff_From_Michigan · « **Reply #14 on:** 21 Jul 2025, 04:07 pm »

gtb, you mentioned sale pricing yesterday. I must have just missed it, because I don't see it on the website. Were you able to grab your amp(s) at the sale price?

gtb75 · « **Reply #15 on:** 21 Jul 2025, 06:03 pm »

I just spoke with Mary - she was super helpful as always! Apparently the sale pricing just ended. In retrospect I think I'm going to get the speaker situation figured out and then cross the amp "bridge" once I've settled on speakers. It's not like I absolutely need new amps immediately, but I would definitely prefer something smaller/lighter than my Kismets in the long term. Based on Mary's feedback it sounds like the M225's are more than adequate for the Icon 12's I've been looking at, but the safer option is to sit on my hands until I finalize my speaker selection. I always like when a dealer/manufacturer tells me I don't need the more expensive option - gives me a ton of respect for them

peter4jc · « **Reply #16 on:** 21 Jul 2025, 08:31 pm »

My speakers are "conservatively" rated at 90dB, and the M225's will play them piercingly loud without breaking a sweat. I haven't measured their output or done the calculations to find out what kind of power is being used at high volume, but I'm convinced the amps are overkill. Apart from any perceived (?) difference in the sound between these and the M750's, I believe Mary's right.

dlparker · « **Reply #17 on:** 22 Jul 2025, 01:50 pm »

Quote from: gtb75 on 21 Jul 2025, 06:03 pm

I just spoke with Mary - she was super helpful as always! Apparently the sale pricing just ended. In retrospect I think I'm going to get the speaker situation figured out and then cross the amp "bridge" once I've settled on speakers. It's not like I absolutely need new amps immediately, but I would definitely prefer something smaller/lighter than my Kismets in the long term. Based on Mary's feedback it sounds like the M225's are more than adequate for the Icon 12's I've been looking at, but the safer option is to sit on my hands until I finalize my speaker selection. I always like when a dealer/manufacturer tells me I don't need the more expensive option - gives me a ton of respect for them

I won't cross-post - I think it's an explicit no-no anyway - but this reply should also be in "Keeping the Audio Love Flowing".

Just one more example of why AVA is still going strong and gaining more devotees!

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #18 on:** 22 Jul 2025, 04:17 pm »

+1 on the Stereo 225, it seems perfect for my needs which are no crossovers fullrange drivers, mainly if it can be biased in Class A.

Jeff_From_Michigan · « **Reply #19 on:** 23 Jul 2025, 01:59 pm »

Quote from: gtb75 on 21 Jul 2025, 06:03 pm

I just spoke with Mary - she was super helpful as always! Apparently the sale pricing just ended. In retrospect I think I'm going to get the speaker situation figured out and then cross the amp "bridge" once I've settled on speakers. It's not like I absolutely need new amps immediately, but I would definitely prefer something smaller/lighter than my Kismets in the long term. Based on Mary's feedback it sounds like the M225's are more than adequate for the Icon 12's I've been looking at, but the safer option is to sit on my hands until I finalize my speaker selection. I always like when a dealer/manufacturer tells me I don't need the more expensive option - gives me a ton of respect for them

Yep, I had seen Mary's post about the sale pricing, and as usual, I got to doing other things and just spaced it. Good luck with the system building. It is a very good time to be in this hobby, seeing all of the advancements that have been made in the last few years.