Best Solid State Amp for Vandersteen Model 2 Speakers?


Hello Everyone! Can you please offer some insights?

I have Vandersteen Model 2CE speakers and I am upgrading to my *last* amplifier. Can you please share your experience in matching *high end* solid state amps with Vandersteen Model 2 speakers?

For context:
  • I now use a NAD 218 THX amp, so the new amp must substantially outperform this amp
  • I am good with either Class AB or Class D (switching) amps. (I cannot accommodate the heat of Class A amps)
  • In order to fit my audio stand, the amp must be no more than18 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 16 inches high. (These measurements disqualify Pass, Bryston, and BAT amps)
  • I can go with mono-blocks or a stereo amp
  • I am looking for something that gets me to the Levinson, Ayre, Boulder, and Rowland level of performance
  • My budget is $3.5K (new or used)
Thank you for your thoughts!
m-reiner

Showing 1 response by bryhifi

Owned the Vandersteen 1Ci and sampled several amp styles with them.  I know that the 1 and the 2 series are different bass designs but my thoughts carry over in a positive way to a bass drive system like the 2 and 3 series from Vandersteen.  
I spent more time listening with virtually no fatigue, unless it was a poorly recorded source, to the Wyred 4 Sound amp that I have.  EJ has something surprisingly right in his designs that make his Class D use very easy to listen through.  My listening notes have several references of similarity in sound signature and performance with the Krell KSA and MDA amps I owned before. 
The mono or stereo amps from his top tier are worth at least some research.  I too find their sound to be above their price point and similar to reference gear I owned before.   The added bonus is the utility savings and lack of space heaters.  
https://wyred4sound.com/products/power-amps/mono/sx-1000r