2. amps-preamps
  3. 162986-22080

Power amp for Vandersteen Treo?

My Audio Research SD135 power amp just died, and I'm considering my options.  It may be repairable, but I'm still researching an issue with replacement parts. 

What would be a worthy replacement of the ARC SD135 with Vandersteen Treos?  My preamp is an Audio Research LS 27.  I don't have a lot of cash.  I'm not interested in sizzle and boom, but musical fidelity, especially with piano, trumpet, and big, brassy symphonies.  I'm not a big fan of stuff I have to tweak, so tube amps make me nervous.  

Audio Research suggested I look at DS225, the class-D successor to the SD135.

My tech suggests Nakamichi Stasis amps, and in general, amps having a lot of immediately available current with refinement. 

I have an ARC D130 filling in, but it doesn't seem to play at the same level.

Suggestions?

rach_fan
yyzsantabarbara
4,699 posts
 
I heard the Treo CT with a full Bryston stack with the 4B3 amp. It was pretty good.

I own the Benchmark AHB2 amp and I would think that amp would be great with the Treo CT. They have a 30 day trial. I have 2 of them for my Thiel CS3.7

Just saw you have the ARC preamp. Maybe the Bryston amp would be a better choice.
rach_fan OP
25 posts
 
Anyone hear Vandersteen with a Stasis amp -- Nakamichi or Pass?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,879 posts
 
yes of course. :-) My brother runs a T-200 w ARC / Lampizator front end to his Sig 3a.  The tweeter. in the Treo CT is superior, similar in the regular Treo. See my Casa Pacifica system for TREO CT w NAIM and Music Reference power. More than 100 w competent design is absurd. i run my RM-9 on the 2 ohm taps. Yes a low or zero negative fb amp like an Ayre is superb choice. Richard V has heard my NAIM amp on the treo, not dark at all. What is your budget ?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,879 posts
 
The low maint Vandy super friendly tube amps are the Quicksilvers but your balanced ARC pre should be used balanced. Consider Rogue also.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,879 posts
 
also while i own ARC gear , tHE DS225 is not a fave. it’s hifi wow sounding, maybe try finding a HD-220, or an Astetix AAtlas. stereo 
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