2. amps-preamps
  3. 1071073968

opinion on electronics for Vandy 2Ce Sig

I recently sold some JM Labs and a reciever to move into some Vandys and...

Early this week I auditioned the Vandersteen 2Ce Sig. They will be mine, oh yes, they WILL be mine.
Shortly after Christmas, I will purchase a pair (here on audiogon probably) I need some opinions on electronics.

Budget = ~$1500
I need a pre and amp both. I can probably go a little higher, but lower the cost, the sooner I am listening.

Volume: Once in a while, I like to listen LOUD! I suspect that 100wpc won't be enough...perhaps I am wrong. Anyway, I DON'T want to run out of headroom.

Room: Strange...living room with 20ft vaulted ceilings, very oddly shaped and also open to the rest of the condo, but three steps down (sunken).

Music: I listen to everything, but I really like the double bass of bluegrass music, Knopfler's guitar, keys and horns of Steely Dan and Alison Krauss + Union Station's beautiful harmonies. When I auditioned the Vandys, I thought that the highs needed some more extention....dare I say a little more brightness. I don't want to loose that midbass though. The audition equip. was PS Audio CDP, Anthem pre/amp combo (not sure the model).

I will almost certianly buy used here on Audiogon.

Here are some brands I am considering in no particular order, and would like comments + suggestions: NOTE: I haven't heard ANY of this stuff, and since I am going to buy used, I won't have the ability to audition before I buy...it's going to come down to performance/price.

McCormack
Conrad Johnson
Musical Fidelity
Bryston
Classe
Aragon
Ayre
Rogue Audio

I am also not allergic to tubes, but my wife says she doesn't want 'test tube experiments' in the living room. It seems any tube gear would have to have a case, much to my dismay.

Any and all opinions are welcome, but please don't suggest other speakers. I sat in the audition chair for two hours with a big smile on my face, so they are definitely it as far as speakers go.

Thanks,
Z
zstokes

Showing 4 responses by zstokes

zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Thanks Guys, this is what I am looking for.

I should have stated that I will definitely be getting a 2Wq (possibly a pair) at some point. I should have stated - loud to me is not 'Stadium Rock Concert' loud, but enough to immerse myself fully into the music. Don't know how to tell everyone what that means.

Anyway, from previous posts, and the advice here already, bi-amping a pair of McCormack .5s is looking really possible for my budget, although I would start with one and have it modded by Steve. Speaking of bi-amping, (WARNING, ROOKIE ? AHEAD!) how is that done without using some kind of Y cable or splitter? Are there preamps that purposefully come with two sets of outputs?

Thanks again,
Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
I have been listening to CD through my DVD player, but I am going to purchase a dedicated CD...maybe a Rega Planet or Music Hall cd25...something decent without breaking the bank.

I want to make clear, I'm not trying to achieve Nirvana here, just good sound with a budget.

Tubes are certainly okay with me, but like I stated before, I can't go with exposed-tube amps 'cause my wife just doesn't like the look of them, and she won't be able to sonically tell the difference anyway - at least not to the effect that I can.

Keep 'em comin!

Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
Thanks for the advice folks!

Kt 88,

Right now, it looks like a tube pre and a SS amp. But,
after looking around a bit, I wouldn't be against something like Rogue M-120 Monoblocks...tubes, but you can't see them. I've never heard them, so I don't know if they would fit the setup or not. She also doesn't like the look of McIntosh stuff. The compromises we make...

The only tube-exposed amp my wife has given the stamp of approval of are the new VAC PHI series (I was daydreaming online recently, and she caught me.) Unfortunately, they are about $14/monoblock. A little out of budget for me

Hope that makes sense.
Z
zstokes OP
124 posts
 
I want to thank everyone who has responded with thier opinions. I'm still undecided, but I have a bit more insight into the choices I will make.

Z
More to discover