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Please share with me your thoughts and recommendations on power amps currently in production at around or under $1,000.00 given the following considerations.
I recently acquired a nice pair of Vandersteen 2ce (non signature). I've previously been running Heresies with Wright Sound 2A3 amps.
To run the Vandys, I've been searching for a good used/vintage solid state power amp.
My basement room is 15 x 30.
Associated gear: Sota TT with a nice Grado reference cartridge; Rotel CD player; Wright Sound WPL-100A preamp.
You name it, I listen to it. Lots of Grateful Dead, Leo Sowerby organ music, Philip Glass, Mother Hips, Beethoven symphonies, Ligeti orchestral stuff, Herbie Hancock, Howard Hanson, Handel keyboard stuff.
In reading lots of threads in AA with widely varying opinions of SS power amps of similar vintage (and perhaps of similar, how shall one say, "status?") as the Vandys, one theme of agreement seems to emerge. Modern, recently built power amps may be considerably better (in many regards) as compared to similar power amps of vintage (20 years old or more), other things equal.
And I don't just mean the caps are getting old in these vintage units.
There's a fair amount of discussion about how the modern design of power amps considerably bests the comparative amps of two decades ago, or whatever the relevant time frame is. At least that's my perception of the discussion.
My first question: is this true? I've not bought a new solid state amp In a long time. Other things equal, newer amps are better? Or not by much?
My second question: if it's true that today's solid state power amps benefit from better designs, especially regarding power supplies, the regulation thereof etc., what are the leaders (of especially good value) for the $1,000.00 price point, and would work well driving the Vandys?
I guess I'm asking if I should by a new SS power amp to get better performance for the money. One can save a lot of scratch by buying used, but then you tend to end up with "old" too and perhaps "outdated?"
Thanks in advance!
Follow Ups:
Thanks everyone! Great ideas here! Very helpful!
There's a Belles 150A Hotrod on AA for $700 that's well spoken of driving Vandersteen 2's. Someone said pretty much any amp that can drive them will sound good, some may be more to your liking.
There is a Threshold S300 ll listed on AudiogoN for $750.00. Grab it!
Second McCormack recommendations, the 0.5 or the 125. If you go that route you can upgrade the amp later with SMc when you've got the cash and get some serious world-class performance for a reasonable price. Also consider the Parasound A23, could be great synergy there. While I've had many Counterpoints over the years, they're long in the tooth and not supported any more. The last two I bought used had some issues--fixed, but not worth the hassle.
Another thought,
it would be difficult to name any power amp that does not compliment the Vandy.
Back in the day, one of the amp/speaker combos that was "made in heaven" was Counterpoint with Vandy. I can personally attest to the synergy of that combo. I ended up driving 3A Sigs with a Counterpoint NP 100. It has 100 watts per side out via transistors, but the input side of it uses a pair of 6SN7's. It was a REALLY sweet combo. Anyway, there's an NP 100 for sale on a buy it now offering at this very moment on a popular internet auction site. The BIN price is $975.00. No affiliation with that seller.
Yes, Welcome jwhall-
You might check-out the Asylum Trader- there are some interesting amps that might fit your budget & need-
I would also suggest Parasound
and Forte
Happy listening
Happy Listening
Welcome! jwhall -
You are lucky, in that, Vandys respond to power amp(s) very well.
From something cheap, all of the way up to a Pass Labs (or equal),
you will be in good company. Whichever way go decide audition prior to any purchase.
I had those speakers years ago and I used a Forte model 3 amp ( 200 watts) and Classe model 15 (175 watts) with great results. If you are buying new you should take a look at the Odyssey Audio Khartago and Stratos amps.
The DNA -1 usually sells for about $750-850 max.The upgraded units can run more,depending on what was done to it.
Speaking of Odyssey,I would look for a Symphonic Line RG-1 mk2/3:usually about $1K.
Wonderful little 100W class-A biased unit.Chrome units may be a little tarnished,might go with the black option.
Tom:cat
Take a look at my system it's very similar to yours. I have 3 amps of varying power, all sound great with the Vandersteens and all are 20+ years old.
and the results are still excellent fronted by a AI Modulus 3a
"Man is the only animal that blushes - or needs to" Mark Twain
Edits: 08/16/15
I would think that the McCormack DNA-1 series or a Belles 150/Ref would be a good match.Possibly a Pass X-150 for slightly more.
Most amplifiers,new or old,that having had a problem are generally foreign units with power supplies that have been adapted for US power.This can be said for some fairly big names:Kraft (not symphonic line),many of the chinese units (usually receeive some PS mods before being released to these shores and the TTB Zeros (which had their PS changed after failure on these shores).
Stick to some of the bigger names and you shouldn't have a problem with repairs or upgrade/modifications.
Tom:cat
I have a Pass Labs X-150. I haven't had it all that long, but so far I haven't found a speaker it doesn't work well with. Sweet amp.
I've heard more than one person comment on the excellent synergy of the McCormack/Vandy 2ce combo. I wouldn't be afraid to consider a used DNA-1. Probably a bit beyond the OP's budget, but he'd be buying a classic design with excellent support.
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