Need Advice on Amp Setup w Vandies--Arcam/Bryston


Hi,

Here's the scenario. I have been using my pair of Vandersteen 2 Sigs with a 2W for stereo listening for some time in my "nicer" system, with a more modest 5.1 setup running in a different room off of a receiver. I am moving soon and will be combining my 2-channel and 5-channel systems into the latter for the time being. I have a VCC Sig for the center and will pick up some VSMs for the rears. Right now, I am using a Bryston 2B-LP for my 2-channel amp. While it is very good, I have been wanting to upgrade it anyways. Long story short is that I am in the market for a multi-channel amp.

I have yet to run my 2 Sigs bi-wired, as they are truly meant to be (or so says Richard), instead having single runs of Transparent Ultra with jumpers. I am looking at either a Bryston 9B SST/SST2 (as money and availability on here will dictate), which would put me back into the same realm of using single-run cable unless I switch. Alternatively, I was considering a 7-channel amp (Lexicon GX-7, Cary Audio, or the like) and bridging or bi-amping the L/Rs (but neither lets me do this unless the answer to the following question is yes). Question--do 7.1 processors allow one to do a 5.1 setup and send the same signal as L/R to the extra set of outputs (to have bi-amp channels)? Looking at an Arcam P7 or P777, however, with their loop-throughs, I could feed it from a 5.1 processor (the outs of my receiver) and move to a true bi-amp and bi-wire setup for the Vandersteens (I will get new cables but not on the level of the Ultra, probably just good wire). I am looking for input as to which setup, the 9B or alternatively good 5-channel amp with single run Transparent cabling) would compare to a perhaps not quite as good but still very decent amp with a bi-amp and bi-wire setup with lesser wire.

I know that listening is everything, but my local dealer probably will just have an A38 available that I could then feed out to a 3B for comparison. I know the A38 won't be as good as a P777 would be. I actually did the same many years ago, and that is how I decided on the 2B, as opposed to using Arcam amplification (used their CD and preamp instead). Kind of long-winded, but I appreciate the advice more on how the Vandersteen will perform in the bi-amp and bi-wire scenario. 9B=150W jumpered to highs and lows; P777=150W to each high and low driver via separate cable. Thanks.
jwseitz

Showing 1 response by abind

If you read all the information on the Vandersteen website, you will see that Richard Vandersteen strongly recommends that his speakers be biwired. He also recommends against biamping. He grudgingly approves of bi-amping only if all other steps have been taken to maximize the system quality ( i.e. the best level of speakers, subs, source, quality amp, etc ) and only if 4 identical amp channels are used, and if the amps are vertically bi-amped. I suggest that you follow the manufacturer's advice. There are a lot of better things you could do with your money rather than biamping against the manufacturer's recommendation.

Personally, I would not build my system around cables, but that's just me.

As for amp choices, you might look into a used Theta Dreadnaught (I ) . They are usually available in 5 x 200 w configuration for about $3,000. Look for reviews by Richard Hardesty (aka The Audio Perfectionist ). He and Shane Buettner, formerly at TAS, used it as a reference with Vandy 5 speakers for many years. ( the Dreadnaught I supposedly sounds a bit softer and warmer that the II. ) If 100 watts/ch is enough, you could also get a Theta Intrepid, available as new old stock now on audiogon for $1495. You should probably go for the higher power, though.

Some unsolicited advice:

If you don't yet have a processor, and you don't have analog sources, you could use an Oppo 103 or 105 as your processor, and run it directly into your amp. I do that with the Theta and it works great, and eliminates a lot of extra processing; it sounds much more transparent, as well.

Once your system is up and running, your next upgrade should be to get a VCC-5 for your center channel, and then perhaps start adding subs. Find a V2W to use as your LFE sub, and then add another 2W to your front channels. ( you shouldn't mix a 2W with a 2Wq , by the way.)

Good luck!