2. amps-preamps
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Amp upgrade for 2 Ce Sig II

Guys,

I'm in the USAF stationed in England and don't have the opportunity to listen to these amps. My system currently consist Rogue Cronus Tube integrated amp 55 Watts, Rega Aollo and MIT Shotgun S3 bi-wire and interconnects. There are two amps that people rave about, Belles 150A and Mccormack DNA125. The choice will have to complement a tube
pre-amp. I'll be more than happy to hear any other recommendations as well. The Belles is at an excellent price on this board, so if it the one I'll have to act quick.

Thanks,
Ron
128x128wig
15 responses Add your response
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Rogue Cronus, nice....... Your in the UK, try to get your hands on one of the Musical Fidelity or Electocopiant amps, they make some great models. Sorry I can't remember which one it is, but a buddy of mine in France has and EC amp they he runs, to great effect, with some Sonus Fabres. Go Euro while there, try the American gear when you get back.

Good luck, the Cronus is pretty nice, you might not like anything better.....
tweak1
3,533 posts
 
Investigate Wyred 4 Sound amps. Their input stage is very tube friendly. They sound great and are very reasonably priced. Lots of current reviews.
wig's avatar
wig OP
1,202 posts
 

How about the Manley Schrimp pre-amp with the Belles 150A?
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Keep your wattage to 100 minimum.
Music Fidelity would be nice.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Seems to me that Belles and McCormack are mighty fine choices at your price points. Vandersteen needs some watts and current for its bass, SS is a good way to do it at your price point and the two you mention would be at the top of my list as well.
wig's avatar
wig OP
1,202 posts
 
Thanks for the advice I know that these Vandies can do better, just need a little more power!

Post removed 
dfhaleycko
178 posts
 
I'm with Tvad on this one. McCormack amps are a bit more "lively" and have good synergies with Vandersteens, which tend to be a bit laid-back, though very musical.

I've run a set of Vandersteen 3's with a Classe CA-201 for a while (years). Recently, I was impressed with how much nicer they were with a borrowed McCormack amp. Now if I can just get off unemployment...
wig's avatar
wig OP
1,202 posts
 
Tvad,

How would you describe the sound of these two amps and which pre-amp were you using? The only reason why I was considering the Belles over the Mccormack was one is listed
on this board as a demo at half price off. But, I'll read more before making a hasty choice. Thanks again for your help.

Wig
wig's avatar
wig OP
1,202 posts
 
Would the DNA-125 be enough for the 2Ce Sig II?
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Definitely enough power.
Post removed 
wig's avatar
wig OP
1,202 posts
 
Thanks guys for time and advice, since I know what amp I will get I'll have to study know on which solid-state or tube pre-amp that will mate well with the 2 Ce Sig II.

ecruz
402 posts
 
I've owned 1c's, 2ce Signatures, 3a's & now 3a Signatures. I've not heard the DNA 125, but I did run the 2ce Sigs and the 3a's with a McCormack DNA .5, a DNA 1 and then a Belles 150A Reference. The Belles was by far the best of the three. It was cleaner sounding, never got harsh, even at higher volume, like the McCormacks did and had much deeper, tighter bass.

Again, I haven't heard the 125, but the Belles blew away the other two McCormacks.

E-
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Sounds like an audition is in order.
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