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Matching amp to modulus 3B and vanderstein 2ce

Looking for the best matching amplifier to Audible Illusions Modulus 3B, vanderstein 2CE, cambridge Audio Azur 840C, Rega Planar 3. Any suggestions to any or all of the above. Currently running Sonic Fronteirs SFS 80 and sounds real good, but looking to upgrade. Chose system to reproduce live music. Play the guitar and mandolin and good midrange is really important. Highs must not be fatigueing (not harsh), and bass true and not booming. Just upgraded from a modulus 3 to the 3B and there is a bid difference accross the board, really liked the 3 but the 3B has better bass, better mids and highs.
craigmeister
13 responses Add your response
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
I am running a Modulus 3B with an Odyssey Stratos extreme amp which I bought new 3 years ago. The sound is quite heavenly. Great bass slam, smooth and clear mids and highs with absolutely no fatigue. I was using Vandersteen 2ce signatures at the time. I have since replaced the speakers with Odyssey Kismet reference speakers.

I also tried a Classe 15 175wpc amp with the Modulus 3B but felt the sound way too dark for my taste.
jebe1
75 posts
 
Do you have the Vandersteen 2ce or the 2ce Signatures? If you have the older 2ce's, you might get better value upgrading to the 2ce Signature I's or 2ce Signature II's.

I have an Audible Illusions L1 and Vandy 2ce Signature II's and the McCormack DNA-0.5 works really well with them. I once borrowed a friend's M3A and preferred the L1 as it was a little more forgiving. I've never heard the M3B. If you are looking to spend more than $2k for an amp, there are better options out there.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
Agree with Jebe-
The Vandies and McCormack match well. Steve McCormack told me the DNA series was built and designed using Vandies, at least in part.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
Any good tube amp of over 35 watts per channel ought to do nicely.
exocet954
98 posts
 
Audible Illusions mated with Quicksilver and Belles amps
have been classic combinations. I like the Quicksilver Mid Mono's. The discountined Silver 60 also great. I also like the Audible with Belles amps as well but have not heard the 150A Reference. The 150A Hot Rod is a great amp
mated to the AI3B, and a buy now used...But, I continue to listen to the tubes...

Have not heard the DNA series. Agree with Atmasphere as 35 watts of tube will be fine. I have a Will Vincent Stereo
Seventy that sounds great with the AI3B. Plenty of power to drive the current Steen 2CE Sig 2's.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Any quality tube amp. When I had the Vandy 2ce and Audible 3a I used a Cary V12.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
((((I was using Vandersteen 2ce signatures at the time.)))

Stereo5... Bob Are you sure you were using 2CE Sigs?
all of your posts say you had the over 20 year old design 2CE...
Cheers Johnnyr
craigmeister OP
4 posts
 
I have the 2ce's. Got the 840c after my old CD combo broke and really have just been listening and enjoying the music. Budget is probably up to 2500.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Pre owned Quicksilver V4s 100 k input imp works great
craigmeister OP
4 posts
 
How much to upgrade to the sig II's?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
"Stereo5... Bob Are you sure you were using 2CE Sigs?
all of your posts say you had the over 20 year old design 2CE...
Cheers Johnnyr"

OOPs, my bad. You are quite right Mr. Rutan. You have a much better memory than I!!
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
http://www.vandersteen.com/vandersteen_011.htm

((Play the guitar and mandolin and good mid range is really important.))
The New Vandersteen 2CE Sig2 along with all the structural and internal x over parts improvements now uses the Five As Mid, Tweeter.
craigmeister OP
4 posts
 
Bought a Parasound Halo A21 and it sounds great. Thank you all that responded.
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