[jglim0109]

Is the Parasound A23 a pretty good amp to pair with the AVA T-8 preamp, or would an AVA amp be a better match?

[robinje]

I used an AVA Ultra 350 with my Songtower RT's, and it worked great.  Then, I upgraded to HT2-TL's and the Ultra 350 still has plenty of power for these speakers without needing to upgrade to a bigger amp. 

[Nuance]

Is the Parasound A23 a pretty good amp to pair with the AVA T-8 preamp, or would an AVA amp be a better match?

To be honest, only you can answer that one.  What we think might be quite different than what you think.  But I'll tell you this: either would probably be quite awesome paired with your T-8.

[HerculePirate]

I have the TacT S2150XDM with the Aberdeen Mods
I am extremely happy with this amp.
Very powerful and flexible to your listening preferences.
This combined with a all Digital path with Room correction makes it unbeatable.
I absolutely love this amp.

Getting to know and tweak the TacT is a journey in itself... The support I get from Anthony and Boz is tremendous as well.

Regards

HP

[Art_Chicago]

To be honest, only you can answer that one.  What we think might be quite different than what you think.  But I'll tell you this: either would probably be quite awesome paired with your T-8.

+1. but... if you like the AVA sound (or its absence) of your T-8, the chances are you gonna like AVA power amps 

[MichiganMike]

Is the Parasound A23 a pretty good amp to pair with the AVA T-8 preamp, or would an AVA amp be a better match?

I drive my SongTowers with a Parasound A23 and am pleased with the match, but use a different preamp (Parasound C2).  I agree with Nuance that it is likely only you can determine if you prefer a certain match.  It may be possible for you to try both AVA and Parasound amps with little financial risk due to generous return or trial policies. 

[clipped]

Hi all,
I am thrilled with my AVA insight integrated driving my Towers, can't be beat for the $, I think around 1700 or so, I don't recall exactly. The total of aprox. 3,500 for speakers and electronics is very reasonable, and the sound quality is astonishing at that price point. thumb:

[writeface]

Does anyone have experience with Modwright? Any comparison with AVAs? Thanks.

[taoggniklat]

Does anyone have experience with Modwright? Any comparison with AVAs? Thanks.

There is a guy in Mountain View that had modwright and HT3's. I can't remember his AC alias tho, but you might be able to find him in the owners thread.

[Nuance]

Does anyone have experience with Modwright? Any comparison with AVAs? Thanks.

Heard the 36.5 and loved it.  It had hardly any "tubey" quality, but offered that wide and deep soundstage that everyone likes about tubes.  I believe Funkmonkey owns the HT3's and Modwright 36.5.  Inquire of him.

[K Shep]

Stump4545 owns HT3's and a Modwright 36.5 too.  Reach out to him, good guy!

[revrob]

I currently use a LSA Signature Integrated amplifier with my Salk HT3 and the combination is truly amazing. It is a hybrid meaning that it has a tube preamp built into the solid-state amp. I believe it is the best of both worlds. It has the combination of a smooth mid range and highs like you would find with a tube amp and than the slam of a very good solid-state power amp.

I only use my system for 2 channel listening and it puts out 150 wpc. You can find them a used LSA Standard for under your $2k budget. If this amp works well with the HT3's I believe they will work with the Song Towers. It is big and heavy at 78 pounds.

There are a lot of good recommendations on this site and I am sure they will help you in making a decision that meets your criteria.

Steve

[writeface]

taoggniklat,
Nuance,
K Shep:

Thanks for the info. I have PMed Doug@Mt.View.

I also came across VTL and Audio Research. I am looking for a tube preamp with HT-Bypass feature. My shortlist is: AVA, MW36.5, VTL...

[Nuance]

Audio Research is even better than Modwright IMO, but I don't think they offer features like HT bypass; could be wrong, though.

Happy hunting.

[TJHUB]

taoggniklat,
Nuance,
K Shep:

Thanks for the info. I have PMed Doug@Mt.View.

I also came across VTL and Audio Research. I am looking for a tube preamp with HT-Bypass feature. My shortlist is: AVA, MW36.5, VTL...

VTL should be a great choice for a tube pre with HT-bypass.  I was going to try one, but I first tried a Rogue Audio Perseus and I kept it.  I too *needed* HT-bypass (real HT-bypass).

[writeface]

Nuance, TJHUB: Thanks for the input.
Now, where does one taste VTL, AR preamps in the bay area?

Thanks.
Sorry for hijacking this thread.

[OgOgilby]

+1 on the VTL. It's a very nice tube preamp with a HT bypass.

One thing to check out -> whether the preamp needs to be powered on to use the bypass feature. You will go through tubes quicker if that is the case. I'm not sure if the VTL's need to be powered on or not...

[K Shep]

taoggniklat,
Nuance,
K Shep:

Thanks for the info. I have PMed Doug@Mt.View.

I also came across VTL and Audio Research. I am looking for a tube preamp with HT-Bypass feature. My shortlist is: AVA, MW36.5, VTL...

My last preamp was a VTL TL-2.5.  I highly recommend VTL preamps.  Music Lover's in S.F. and Berkeley are VTL dealers.  The 2.5 must be powered on to engage the HT feature.

[TJHUB]

My last preamp was a VTL TL-2.5.  I highly recommend VTL preamps.  Music Lover's in S.F. and Berkeley are VTL dealers.  The 2.5 must be powered on to engage the HT feature.

I'm surprised a tube preamp would need to be powered on for bypass mode.  Now I'm even happier I chose my Perseus. 

[K Shep]

I'm surprised a tube preamp would need to be powered on for bypass mode.  Now I'm even happier I chose my Perseus. 

Fortunately the preamp lived in my 2 channel room