For some reason, Vandies produce a "nose-dive effect" at high frequencies for most any amp connected to them. As such, they tend to sound slightly tilted towards warmth in tonal balance and lack "apparent" upper frequency detail. Most of this is probably due to the reduced high frequency output and lack of "glare" that one is used to hearing on bad recordings. One can somewhat counter the roll off by going to an amp that has a rising high frequency response above appr 8 - 10 KHz or so. That is, IF they are trying to sum the system towards flat response*.
Personally, i don't think that your B&K amp would be a good match for Vandie's as both the 202 and the Vandie's are on the "warm & relaxed" side of neutral. If you like everything to sound "smooth and romantic", it might be a good match. I would not expect tightly controlled bass out of that combo though, especially as volume increases.
I can't comment on the Alon's as i've never heard them. I have no idea as to whether or not they would be a good match for your electronics.
Having said that, B&K's in stock form tend to work best with smaller woofers ( 8" or 9" at most ) and speakers with a higher nominal impedance ( 6 - 10 ohms ). The lower the impedance that you go with a B&K, the more congested / less defined the sound stage will become. On top of that, the bass will become looser and lack control and definition. Sean
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* While i've never heard the combo, i'm thinking that a bigger Aragon amp might be a good match for Vandie's. The high current capacity of these amps will help control the Vandie's slightly loose bottom end and the Aragon's tendency towards slight brightness might balance out the Vandie's soft top end. Anyone ever try this combo ? What kind of results did you get ?
PS... Richard Vandersteen prefers that one use tubes with his speakers, primarily ARC products. At least that is what he told me at a Stereophile show.
Personally, i don't think that your B&K amp would be a good match for Vandie's as both the 202 and the Vandie's are on the "warm & relaxed" side of neutral. If you like everything to sound "smooth and romantic", it might be a good match. I would not expect tightly controlled bass out of that combo though, especially as volume increases.
I can't comment on the Alon's as i've never heard them. I have no idea as to whether or not they would be a good match for your electronics.
Having said that, B&K's in stock form tend to work best with smaller woofers ( 8" or 9" at most ) and speakers with a higher nominal impedance ( 6 - 10 ohms ). The lower the impedance that you go with a B&K, the more congested / less defined the sound stage will become. On top of that, the bass will become looser and lack control and definition. Sean
>
* While i've never heard the combo, i'm thinking that a bigger Aragon amp might be a good match for Vandie's. The high current capacity of these amps will help control the Vandie's slightly loose bottom end and the Aragon's tendency towards slight brightness might balance out the Vandie's soft top end. Anyone ever try this combo ? What kind of results did you get ?
PS... Richard Vandersteen prefers that one use tubes with his speakers, primarily ARC products. At least that is what he told me at a Stereophile show.