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
tomcarr
1,500 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. 
helomech
1,672 posts
 
Curious now about low end punch in the Yammy A-S series?

IME, more than the $2500 Parasound Halo and $3500 Rogue Pharaoh. Not sure how they do it but I suspect it has to do with their use of EI transformers instead of over-hyped toroids.
mcreyn
293 posts
 
50 w/ch is not enough for those speakers and the lack of low end punch is the amp running out of power.  Until you put something behind them with some power, they will not give you that nice bottom end.  These are not efficient speakers, about 83db/w.  

I ran a set years ago and a Hafler DH-220 was just adequate. A pair of NAD 2100s run in mono 150w/ch continous, 600 peaks) woke them up.  By comparison, my Magnepan SMGa speakers were easier to drive.  
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