2. amps-preamps
  3. 137150-10135

Best sounding "budget" integrated amp for Vandersteen 2C.

Looking for the best sounding "budget" integrated amp for use with an Vandersteen 2C (1980’s version) speakers. CD source alternates between a Sony PS1 and Cal Audio Icon II Power Boss. Budget is roughly $300, maybe up to $400. I’ve been thinking something from NAD, but with all the different models out there, I have no idea which models are the best sounding--regardless of power. It will also need to have a phono stage. I’d like to have a remote too, but it’s not a deal breaker. My system is in a second bedroom, so even though I like to crank every once in a while, most of the time I'm listening at reasonable levels. My listening tastes consists of stuff like Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Tangerine Dream, etc.
jsbach1685

Showing 5 responses by helomech

helomech
1,799 posts
 
Find a used or factory refurbished Yamaha A-S501. It’s 90% as good as some $3K integrateds I’ve used. It’s no cheap, garbage switching-amp like many in this price range. Nope, over 20lbs of tried and true bipolar, class AB power.

Might be cheaper to find a closeout R-S700 or R-S500. They have built-in tuners but robust and extremely low-noise power. Rated at 100 and 75 RMS watts/Ch respectively - both channels driven. Independent measurements have verified that they actually produce that or greater power for the entire bandwidth.
helomech
1,799 posts
 

In my original post, I indicated NAD. But, I had been thinking about the Yamaha A-S models as well... 301, 500, 501, etc. I’m glad there were a lot of responses on those Yammy models, as I was curious as to what they really sounded like--compared to NAD, Rotel, as well as the British integrateds from Creek, Arcam and Rega.

Fun fact: the Yamaha integrateds were voiced in Britain.


helomech
1,799 posts
 
Other than the addition of a DAC, are there any SONIC differences between the Yamaha A-S501 and A-S500?
Nope, they have the same exact amp section. 
helomech
1,799 posts
 
Curious now about low end punch in the Yammy A-S series?

IME, more than the $2500 Parasound Halo and $3500 Rogue Pharaoh. Not sure how they do it but I suspect it has to do with their use of EI transformers instead of over-hyped toroids.
helomech
1,799 posts
 
The A-S1000 will have a little more power on paper, but a lot more power in reality due to its much better/larger power supply. It’s a 50lb beast.
More to discover