I have owned Vandersteen 2c and 2ce's for many years. I also currently own an Audio Refinement Complete ("ARC") but it would not be my choice to drive the Vandersteens 2c's with it. I mainly preferred tube amps or hybrid amps with the Vandersteens. I downsized my system last year and the ARC amp was part of that move. I originally tried the ARC with a small pair of Monitor 4 speakers that I had been using with an NAD receiver and the NAD was a better match. I had the same problems you describe with the midrange. This led me to sort of a temporary fix (until I have more time to audition more stuff), B&W DM 602S2, which work ok with the ARC for now. Once broken in, the B&W's are a richer sounding speaker than the above mentioned Monitor's. You might be able to drive a Vandersteen 1 with the ARC as the Model 1 is a more forgiving speaker than the 2c (and a used pair should be in your price range). Many people (myself included) read the reviews of the ARC which claimed it to have the qualities of tube amps. The ARC has a lot of good things going for it but it does not sound like the tube amps that I have used (Quicksilver, Berning, Moscode).
best budget hi-fi speakers for my specific system
Hi. It looks like everyone's been pretty helpful to others so I hope to get some of your advice also. My issue:
Just started a "budget high-end" system with:
Audio Refinement Complete system (integrated amp and cdp) Oval Twelve speaker wire
Acoustic Energy Aegis Two floorstanding speakers
I know some people on this board seem to dislike the AR system but I really love the sound: great details in the medium and high ranges and provides very airy soundstage that provides for great separation.
The problem is that my Aegis Two speakers sound kind of "smallish," there's a distinct lack of bass, and guitar strings all sound metallic. I've tried some Whatmoughs (australian company) that give missing bass and lushness but they lack detail and also separation. I've also heard some lower end B&Ws but I wasn't impressed.
For ~$500-600, is it possible to find floorstanding speakers that provide the positive attributes of the Aegis Twos but also give better bass/warmth? Thanks for your help!
PS - I'm pretty set on keeping the AR Complete system.