I don't think it's that hard to integrate a sub. It only took me 3 months
Decisions, decisions, decisions
I initially had a short list of potential speaker upgrades for my 2-channel set-up and I find myself in a bit of a quandry. I've narrowed the list down to 2 speakers and neither are remotely like one another. I currently have some mid-level Polks and they're "ok" in that they get the job done for low-level listening enjoyment but I really want to step it up a bit. I can justify $4K for my budge which puts me in a bit of a sweet spot for my preference for stand-mount speakers vs floor-stand speakers. However, my short list consists of either the new Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 stand-mount or the Vandersteen 2ce Signature III. Because the SF Sonnetto II G2s are brand new, a used option is out of the question. The Vandy 2ce III's come up used occasionally but where I live, previewing either one is not a viable option because there aren't any nearby dealers. That being said, I can get both of these from Audio Advice. If I went with SF Sonnetto, I would probably supplement those with a subwoofer down the road after sometime. At that point, I'm nearing the price range of the Vandersteen's. The question I have for the forum is does anyone have experience with the SF Sonnetto II pre-G2 and what are your thoughts about them?
I have a Marantz integrated at 50W and my only concern w/ the Vandersteen's is not having enough power to get great sound out of them without adding an amp (while I have a vintage Adcom GFA-2 at 100W/ch) that I could use, I"m not against getting an amp for either the SF's or the Vandy's.
I listen to a wide array of music genres but lean towards rock, jazz, electronic/industrial, dub, funk, and classical with some pop and old-school country thrown in on occasion.
I've the impression that those with the Vandersteen 2ce's are very pleased with the SQ. But does anyone have experience with both speakers?
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@grislybutter LOL....that sounds like an enjoyable process for any hi-fi hobbist. Getting to tinker and dial everything in until it's "just right" is what this is all about! |
If it were me, (and admittedly I am not familiar with all the different upgrades of Vandersteen 2CI, 2CE, etc), I would look to upgrade both electronics and speakers and buy used as you can save quite a bundle on used gear. The Adcom GFA2 is an old early-mid 80’s amp that may need recapping? With a $4K budget, you could easily get a great amp, preamp, and speakers, solid state or tube. There are lots of choices that will simply blow away an old Adcom GFA2 and 50 watt Marantz integrated. I recently saw a PS Audio 200C that is a Giantkiller of an amp. B&K EX442 or 442 Sonata is another Giantkiller of a map. Lots of possibilities here. |
Just checked quickly on US Audiomart and for about $1000-1200 you could get: 1. A Tandberg stack - amp & preamp; 2. Aragon 2004 & 24K preamp; 3. Muse 100 amp & Morrison Elad preamp; 4. B&K M200 monos, Threshold CAS2 or Monarchy SM70 class A monos 5. Marsh amp and preamp All of these would be significant upgrades from your Adcom amp. Lots of really good choices in the $500-800 range for used amps & preamps
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