A McCormack DNA 0.5 or 1 in a deluxe version would be a nice choice.A new DNA-1 left over from last year would be well within $2500. If you could find a revision A upgrade this would be even better.The amps can allways be upgraded up the road if you choose. |
I agree with Lihifiguy -- can't go wrong with one of the McCormack DNA's. You can also try the Sim Audio Moon W-5. There's one listed on Audiogon for $2600. YBA is also good. The 3a is in your price range (2k), but maybe underpowered at 45Watts. The YBA-2a (high current model) is 3k at 90W. Ayre makes an excellent amp: the V3 is 100W, $1.7k, and sounds great (Ayre will no longer make these because they cost too much to build for the price they charge for them). But, as always, its best to try before you buy. |
hi, how about a Bryston 4b. 200wt/chn into 8 ohm....>>>without any hint of audible strain.This should be nice over-kill..20 years of no questions asked service????? bass performance's out of this world...mids are transparent, top end " un-colored accurate....and can always get one used for $1200 to $1500... |
In the $2500-$3000 price range you could consider a used BAT VK-60 (60 wpc) tube unit, or a used VK-200 (200 wpc) solid state unit. Both are exremely musical and would be a great match for the Vandersteens. Size of room and listening levels would dictate the choice. The VK-60 mid-range is magical. |
Not the McCormack. To me, the Vandy's are a bit dark and mid/bass heavy. The McCormack is the same way. Very good mids(more holographic than most) but the highs are rolled off IMHO. A better match for the Vandy's would be Sim Audio or Bryston. |
Not the McCormack. To me, the Vandy's are a bit dark and mid/bass heavy. The McCormack is the same way. Very good mids(more holographic than most) but the highs are rolled off IMHO. A better match for the Vandy's would be Sim Audio or Bryston. |
I owned a set of Vandy 2Ce's until recently, and replaced them with a pair of Vandy 3A's. I used an Adcom 5500 with the Model 2Ce's, and was pleased with. My recent upgrade to the Model 3A's included buying a Bryston 4B-ST, which is a superb match with the slightly mellow Vandersteen sound. I highly recommend the Bryston, particularly given the 20-year warranty and great service. If you decide to investigage the Bryston 4B-ST, I suggest you contact Danny Oovlin. He operates a very reputable Internet-based audio business and has good prices. The easiest way to reach Oovlin is by E-mail at: Bestofdeal@aool.com |
Hi Richard; I agree whole heartedly with Lihifi and Auda.. The McCormack/Vandersteen combination is excellent. In fact, Richard Vandersteen and Steve McCormack used to used each others products and exhibit together. I've used both the DNA-1DX and DNA.5 with he Vand. 2Ces and 3Aa sigs. All are excellent. Craig. |
Vintage Threshold Class A or Pass Labs Class A.When it comes to this equiment there is only pretenders and contenders.Nelson Pass has ruled as a designer for the past 25 years. His designs are timeless.One final thought you only have to hammer a throttle on a Ferrari once to get the idea---Same with Threshold or Pass Labs! |
Check out the new Rotel RB 1090. Stereophile raved about this amp and its 380 x 2 power output. I just got mine and I'm very impressed. It blows away the Aragon 4004MKII it replaced. One of the best values in audio right now. |
I would look at www.avahifi.com or the Sunfire by Bob Carver. I haven't heard the Vandy's, but I'm not into this system matching/synergy thing so it shouldn't matter. I just figure find the best amp and it should go well with whatever you have (extreme loads aside, not that the two aforementioned are incapable or that the vandy's are tough). Ya, I'm a transistor person, alot of people would shoot me for it, but we all have our biasis. |
Take a look at the Belles Hot Rod 150A for $1495. A super amp at a super price. Or, the Blue Circle Audio BC-22. It falls within your budget at $2150. |
The belles is a great amp. also the Monarchy audio se-100 deluxe mono's and my personal favorite, the Llano Trinity 100. (llanodesign |
I owned a pair of Vandy 2Ce's for a number of years, and recently sold them to upgrade to Vandy 3A Signature. Based on thousands of hours of listening to my Vandy 2Ce's, I honestly think the high-end amps suggested above are overkill. I suggest you strongly consider the Bryston 3B-ST (if you tend to listen at lower levels), or the Bryston 4B-ST if you need the extra power. The Bryston's clarity and accuracy are a good complement to the 2Ce's warmer tone. If you decide to go the Bryston route, I suggest you contact Danny Oovlin at "Bestofdeal@aol.com". I bought my Bryston 4B-ST from him and got a very good deal. |
I third the McCormack amp. It's a good match. |
I third the McCormack amp for solid state. It's a good match. For tubes in that price range, the vtl ST-85 and IT-85 are excellent matches. Someone is selling an ST-85 on audiogon for $1000. |
I third the McCormack amp for solid state. It's a good match. For tubes in that price range, the vtl ST-85 and IT-85 are excellent matches. Someone is selling an ST-85 on audiogon for $1000. |
Thanks, I checked it out and you're right. I'm very impressed what this amp can do. It down right just does every thing right in a all-around excellent way.
I love mine, it's a keeper! Wish it was out before I spent the $12,000 on my other amp! Now I have to get on ebay and sell off my other Amp that never gave me the kind of smoothness and grace as the Rotel RB-1090! You get alot
of Amp for only $2,000.00 !!! |
