2. amps-preamps
  3. 1132946497

Cheap amp $300 to use with Vandersteen 2ces

Currently, the Vandersteens are being powered by a Rotel RB-956AX in bridged mode for 150w/c. I am selling the center channel and so will be going to 2 channel only.

I have been told that Rotel in general is not a good match for Vandersteens. What other manufactures would you recommend that would match well with the Vandersteens? Now that I only need two channels, I would assume going to a dedicated 2 channel amp would be better than a 6 channel amp bridged to 3.
taylormade2
pragmatist
336 posts
 
It's your money and your ears.

I would live with the Rotel for a couple weeks and THEN decide if I'm happy or not.

If not,why? Knowing the answer to that question will ease your search for an upgrade.

Happy Hunting.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
Taylormade2, IMHO the DNA 0.5 will probably be more dynamic, liquid, tighter in the bass, and more extended at the top. The CA 100 will probably be warmer, less forward, and drier. IMHO the Vandersteen's and the McCormack are one of the best audio combination/values in all of audio. That is not a slam against the Classe' where in other situations (Thiel?) it might be a better choice.
loontoon
301 posts
 
Muse 100 would mate well.

loon
taylormade2 OP
19 posts
 
Pragmatist,

I've been living with the Rotel for 8 years already.
taylormade2 OP
19 posts
 
From the responses and the search I have done with the McCormack/Vandersteen combo, I think I'll try the DNA 0.5.

In addition and in reply to Pragmatist, it's not that the Rotel doesn't sound ok with the Vandersteens, but I'm sure for not much money, a good 2 channel amp is going to be better than the bridged Rotel I'm using now.

My main system is Naim Audio so I know there's always something better out there for upgrading. The sale of the Vandersteen center channel and the Rotel 6 channel amp makes the upgrade fairly painless. :)
More to discover