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
unsound
7,329 posts
 

Back when this version was being sold,  the entry level recommendation was Rotel and for a bit more B&K and especially PSE.

I know it might be a bit of a budget stretch, but instead of a budget intergrated; I would recommend a used early generation McCormack power amp and an inexpensive passive pre for a rather large increase in sound quality. No phono/ no remote, but the high output CAL is great match for a passive, and  McCormack's / Vandy's are terrific match regardless of budget.

mcreyn
293 posts
 
I used the 2cs years ago and they do need decent power.  I agree with the recommendations of a use NAD, Hafler stack, Rotel, or Emotiva.   I would suggest at a minimum 75w/ch for those.  
wardh2o's avatar
wardh2o
7 posts
 
I think a good used AV receiver works nice with the 2Cs. Even higher end AV receivers tend to be pretty cheap on the used market because they may not have the latest decoders and HDMI connections. Be sure to get one that allows you to switch the surround channels to bi-amp. I biamped a pair of 2Cs with a Pioneer Elite receiver and got great results. Another bonus is that sometimes the room correction DSP can tame room acoustic problems and if it doesn’t you just bypass with no harm done. Since AV receivers are usually designed to power 7 or more channels they have a robust enough power supply to easily push only 4 channels - two to each speaker - to their full rated power.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I think it prudent for me to retract my earlier recommendation. It has recently come to my attention that the amps I previously suggested are beginning to demonstrate age related failures that might not be cost efffective to repair.
helomech
1,677 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.
More to discover