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Vandersteen users: How low can you go with tubes

Hey all, could use some insight from people who have experience with Vandersteen 2ce speakers. I am in the process of upgrading my system, both amps and speakers. I am pretty much set on a pair of Vandersteen 2ce sigs. I noticed they are 87 db efficient with recommended minimum 40 watts power requirement. Still researching and trying to listen to amps, but I am considering moderately-priced integrated amps such as Rogue Tempest Magnum (60 watts), Unison Unico (80 watts ss), or perhaps a used ARC CA-50 (45 watts?). I would really like to go with a good tube amp but not sure I can afford the power I would need to drive these speakers, particularly with separates. Anyone have any insight about how well these speakers do with amps in the 50-80 watt power range? I listen to a wide variety of music, usually low to moderate volumes. Thanks!
jrb25
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
50W OK 80W certainly better. Vandies will benefit from higher power but so as they someway will from tubes(as any other speaker depending on one's tastes). In your budget I'd go for Quicksilver M60 monos with KT90 that will swing them at 90W/ch or VTL MB125 used. Both in your price range.

Good luck.
dogpile
118 posts
 
Since you listen to music at low to moderate levels, 50-60 watts should do the trick. My ARC Classic 60 (60 watts) does a supreme job and I listen to music at high volume levels. Very wise choice going with tubes...good luck!
unsound
6,115 posts
 
I think Bigtee is right on.
shersta
140 posts
 
It sounds like you're comitted to an integrated, but if you're not, another option is a tube pre with a ss amp. I'm powering my 2ces w/ a cj 10al and a mccormack dna .5. Together, they'd cost less than a used rogue and you wouldn't have to worry about power.
finfinder
73 posts
 
I like the Rogue Tempest's flexibility, i.e.. you can add an eighty eight amp later and double the power to your Vandies if you want more power or change to even less efficient speakers. It's an even better buy used.
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