Vandersteen 3a Signatures compared to Treo’s

I have a new pair of 2CE SigIII’s that replaced a 25 y/o pair of 2CEs. I really wanted Treo CTs but couldn’t afford new ones (I hemmed and hawed over a 1 y/o mint pair for $6000 on A’gon, and they sold ... bummer). I still wonder if I screwed up, BUT, I do love the bass extension of the 2CE vs the Treo (w/o subs). I auditioned both together at length, and the Treo CT really is special, but the 2CE wasn’t chopped liver in doing A-B testing. Not at all. If I got Treo’s I fear I’d miss the bass, then might add a subwoofer or two, and then wonder why I didn’t just get the Quatro CTs which I def can’t afford! Lust though. Vandersteen, I just can’t quit you.

My dealer says they think the newest 2CE SigIII is better than the 3A now, and the latter probably won’t be updated again.

Don’t we all envy tomic601 ... in a good way?! Tomic, I am in Seattle and when we finally get COVID under control I’d love to hear your V-7’s! I am on the Olympic Peninsula, if you’re ever out here. My system is modest though... you won’t be awed but I do the best I can on a beer budget :)

---->> QUESTION, re amps for Vandersteen: I ran a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe for decades (I don’t change up my system too often until lately), and it died. I made a mistake by not having Steve Mc rebuild it to his latest and greatest which is said to be superb (he’s working with David Berning now, on special projects, and Berning’s ZOTL tube designs have made him a legend). Anywho, I had an Odyssey Audio Khartago++ built (and since upgraded to the top Kismet level) by Klaus Bunge. His amps get a top affordable recc from AbSound, and so far I am fairly happy but wondering if I can do better. So...

I am thinking of the Benchmark AHB2 amp, which many reviews rave about, or some sort of affordable monoblocks like Schiit (Odyssey does them too). The Benchmark is apparently very neutral (too much for some?)
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/benchmark-ahb2-amplifier/ The Benchmark also uses Neutrik amp cable attachment along with a very tight, hard to use binding post. Non-standard, PITA for bi-wires? My DAC/preamp (Audio Alchemy DDP-1) has balanced connections, and so does the Benchmark while my Odyssey does not. I’d like to be able to go balanced. zimick

I know Ayre is a good match for Vandys but out of my price range. I thought about Pass Labs too. I am also intrigued by the Linear Tube Audio integrateds, though I have never had tubes. Their most powerful amp is 40WPC (conservative) so I wonder if it’s beefy enough? It gets superb reviews and a bonus is the world-class headphone stage built-in. https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/integrated-amplifiers
I also thought about pairing the LTA preamp with a SS amp to get the best of both worlds.

ANYONE have sage advice on amp pairings for Vandersteens? I would sincerely appreciate it! Thanks.
PD

Hi jackd

From Peter Madnick, an email reply when I asked him if the DDP-1 is fully balanced: "DDP-1 is fully balanced."

I have spoken to Klaus Bunge specifically about moving up to the Stratos case to get balanced connections, and he scoffed. Strongly harumphed that he’s not a fan of balanced. I can’t remember why and didn’t debate it (because I’m not qualified!). I have friends who prefer balanced, especially when using monoblocks.

Benchmark only offers balanced inputs on their fine amp, so they’ve staked out their position (they also scoff at many super expensive cables, and theirs are a bargain and get good reviews, iirc). The varying opinions among talented builders and designers is interesting.

Cheers.

zimick

Got the dac first as the amp was back ordered and it was a solid gain to me and the amp in unison made a huge leap in my system. Detail, soundstage, depth... and no harshness or too neutral/ dry sounds.

That is what I have read widely (reviews and comments) on the Benchmark. I totally agree with you about "Yes, if the recording is crap then that is magnified, just like it should be in my opinion." I’m not afraid of highly resolving, accurate gear, even if it makes some tracks or records (badly recorded) hard to listen to or to be jettisoned. There’s some 80s music where the recording engineers and producers must have been totally stoned. Ouch!

I guess the only way to find out if the Benchmarks are a good match for my ears is to do a trial. I’m glad to read that their cables are good and reasonably priced. Their preamp with headphone stage is getting rave reviews among headphone fans, and I use cans a lot (my wife doesn’t like it loud, so speakers go idle or low when she’s home, all too often).

I’m like you—Vandersteen guy for a long time. I’ve heard many other speakers, but fortunately (for my wallet and my marriage, which is redundant!) I don’t get the itch to change major components every year or three. If I won the lotto, it would be a different story and I’d probably drive myself half crazy seeking "perfection". As it is, I have a dear friend who has OCD and more money than I, and he drives me crazy watching him seeking perfection. He has Quatro CTs (he moved up from 3a Sigs) which I implored him to get and he LOVES them.

The Treo CT might be the next best thing if you can live without the bass extension. I love them. Or do it in stages ... Treos and then add subs later? One of the guys who works at "my" Vandy dealer just got Treos because he already had Vandy subwoofers, and he’s very happy with that combo.

Cheers PD

jackd

Roger that on Klaus!

re:

If you liked the sound signature of your McCormick and now Odyssey you will find the Benchmark to be completely different.

That is the big question! Benchmark have a 30 day home trial so I think it’s worth experimenting maybe. I am not wedded to my previous amps’ "sound" I guess. Wish I had the budget to experiment with other brands and combinations and not break the bank. I have an obsession with the LTA zOTL preamp (tube) that I would like to try with a good solid state amp too.