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Matching amp to modulus 3B and vanderstein 2ce

Looking for the best matching amplifier to Audible Illusions Modulus 3B, vanderstein 2CE, cambridge Audio Azur 840C, Rega Planar 3. Any suggestions to any or all of the above. Currently running Sonic Fronteirs SFS 80 and sounds real good, but looking to upgrade. Chose system to reproduce live music. Play the guitar and mandolin and good midrange is really important. Highs must not be fatigueing (not harsh), and bass true and not booming. Just upgraded from a modulus 3 to the 3B and there is a bid difference accross the board, really liked the 3 but the 3B has better bass, better mids and highs.
craigmeister
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
I am running a Modulus 3B with an Odyssey Stratos extreme amp which I bought new 3 years ago. The sound is quite heavenly. Great bass slam, smooth and clear mids and highs with absolutely no fatigue. I was using Vandersteen 2ce signatures at the time. I have since replaced the speakers with Odyssey Kismet reference speakers.

I also tried a Classe 15 175wpc amp with the Modulus 3B but felt the sound way too dark for my taste.
jebe1
75 posts
 
Do you have the Vandersteen 2ce or the 2ce Signatures? If you have the older 2ce's, you might get better value upgrading to the 2ce Signature I's or 2ce Signature II's.

I have an Audible Illusions L1 and Vandy 2ce Signature II's and the McCormack DNA-0.5 works really well with them. I once borrowed a friend's M3A and preferred the L1 as it was a little more forgiving. I've never heard the M3B. If you are looking to spend more than $2k for an amp, there are better options out there.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
Agree with Jebe-
The Vandies and McCormack match well. Steve McCormack told me the DNA series was built and designed using Vandies, at least in part.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
Any good tube amp of over 35 watts per channel ought to do nicely.
exocet954
98 posts
 
Audible Illusions mated with Quicksilver and Belles amps
have been classic combinations. I like the Quicksilver Mid Mono's. The discountined Silver 60 also great. I also like the Audible with Belles amps as well but have not heard the 150A Reference. The 150A Hot Rod is a great amp
mated to the AI3B, and a buy now used...But, I continue to listen to the tubes...

Have not heard the DNA series. Agree with Atmasphere as 35 watts of tube will be fine. I have a Will Vincent Stereo
Seventy that sounds great with the AI3B. Plenty of power to drive the current Steen 2CE Sig 2's.
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