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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
jwatsonnj's avatar
jwatsonnj
9 posts
 
As a former McIntosh owner (amp, pre-amp, speakers) in the budget/mid range integrated I recommend The Yamaha AS-801.  I own one and have I've never looked back on my decision.
Cheers
joejoe
69 posts
 
Think your better served waiting and saving more. $300 on an integrated amp is going to give you just that a $300 amp.
tomcarr
1,522 posts
 
Another vote for the NAD 326BEE. TMR has one listed now for $364.
jsbach1685 OP
145 posts
 
What about an Acurus DIA-100?

Currently demo-ing a Rega Brio-R. 
jsbach1685 OP
145 posts
 
Update:
Have been running the Brio-R since last Friday. Sounds good, but seems a little soft. My current cables are Mogami. I swapped them out for a pair of Kimber 4tc (blue) I had stored away. The sound immediately opened up. However, I still do not have the punch I want. Of all the british integrateds I've owned (Creek 4330SE, 5350SE, Exposure 2010s, Naim Nait 5i, Roksan Kandy MKIII and now the Brio-R) the Creeks have had the bottom end punch. But, with using the british gear with the vandersteens, I've always had to use other cable other than the Mogamis. I recall when I had a Creek 4330SE with a Naim CD3.5, I was using DH Labs Q10 with Air Matrix interconnects. Again, the Mogamis were too soft with that combo. The mogamis are supposed to be a very neutral cable, and I wonder if they are telling me the gear is wrong when they cannot be used?  

My last power source before trying the Brio-r was an vintage Kenwood KR-5030. It was 60wpc, but it was one of those models that had the low end punch. It sounded good and I was using the Mogamis.

Curious now about low end punch in the Yammy A-S series? I'm sure NAD has the low end punch. I see another person had mentioned the Acurus DIA-100. Although, with that I would have to get a phono preamp, which isn't a big deal. 
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