2. amps-preamps
  3. 150848-110897

Recommendations for a new integrated amp for Vandersteen 3a speakers

I acquired some Vandersteen 3a speakers a few months back to replace my Theil CS1s and would like to update my system to accommodate them. The recommended power range from the mfg is 100-200 wpc.
I have been using my old Adcom GFP-555II preamp and NAD 2100 amp and would like to upgrade with a new or used integrated amp to replace them. I have been considering:
Wyred 4 Sound sti-1000 or sti-500
Musical Fidelity M6i
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum or Pharaoh
Odyssey Stratos (keep the preamp)
Vincent Audio SV-237
Unison Unico
Peachtree Nova 220 se
My budget is $1500 for this upgrade. 
Please help me narrow the list or add some other options to consider to upgrade the system!

 


jplunkettj
insearchofprat
189 posts
 
... HAD A SENIOR MOMENT in listing the McIntosh amp: correctly, it is a MC-2105. Sorry about that...
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
For that $1500 price check out the Cambridge Audio Azur 851A or the Arcam SA20. The Arcam is rated at 90wpc not any difference for your 100wpc requirement.
tomcarr
1,471 posts
 
Agree with wlutke above suggesting get the Sigs
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
I would vote for the Musical Fidelity as I know it pairs well with Vandersteen speakers.  If you can find an M6 at that price, excellent as they tend to sell used for a bit above that.  The M5 at 150w would work and I am sure that you could get to your target price either via haggling or trade in on new gear.  

Full disclosure, I am an MF dealer and am a bit biased.  That being said, a user out on stereophile has had an MF M6PRX amp paired with the Treo's and has raved about it for years.  MF and Vandersteen work very well together.  
jplunkettj OP
55 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the good advice.  I will definitely consider  finding a pair of 3a sigs as part of the upgrade path that will yield the highest impact.  Also, will try and find a used Belles to consider. As background- I lost out on a bid for a Cronus Magnum to try and was considering a Mcintosh Mc2120 but decided i would rather find something newer in my price range.  I borrowed a friends Bryston 2b to see how it compared to my NAD 2100 and couldn't really tell a difference.  Also i do have a SVS SB-1000 hooked up which definitely enhances the base performance-so any suggestinos for integrateds that can take advantage of that are appreciated.
Lastly, does anyone think i should keep the adcom preamp in the system and just get a better amp? Or will it simply limit the performance of whatever amp i hook it up with?
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