2. amps-preamps
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New amp for Vandersteen 2CE

Hoping you can help me narrow down my choices for a new amp for my Vandersteen 2CE speakers.  I have been using a pair of Adcom GFA565 monoblocks.  They have ridiculous amounts of power, but I don't come anywhere near using it all and I would like a little more clarity in the midrange.  I have two used amps I'm considering - a McCormack DNA 0.5 and a Pass Labs Aleph 5.  Another option would be a fully restored/upgraded Adcom 535/545/555.  Source is a Sonos Connect with a passive attenuator for volume control.
Thanks for the help!
craig2112
craig2112 OP
8 posts
 
hey, if I was happy as-is, we wouldn't be talking :) 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,761 posts
 
If you're staying solid state, the Pass would be my first recommendation.

But the 2CEs work really well with tube amplifiers (we have a lot of customers using them), and if you "would like a little more clarity in the midrange" as you put it a tube amplifier is going to be a no-brainer for this speaker. You will need at least 60 watts in most rooms. 
craig2112 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks Atmasphere. I have tube guitar amps, but haven’t gone to tubes in my audio system. For now exposed tubes seem like a problem waiting to happen - kids.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,444 posts
 
Rotel is a nice match for Vandy speakers.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,884 posts
 
CJ tube amp with a cage..nearly kid proof...
the Khtargo does work very well w Vandy..Brother in law running that w Candela pre and Bluesound streamer/ DAC.



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