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Best amp for Vandersteen 2sig

Hi, I am starting over with my system. I am considering going with Vandersteen 2sig. I have heard these at a dealer was very impressed with their sound and value. The goal is a very enjoyable stereo system without spending as much as new car would cost! I already have a Rega planet 2000, VTL 2.5 pre amp, Transparent interconnects and speaker cables, and Richard Gray 400 power conditioner. I am cosidering a VTL ST85 (about 80w per ch) because this really fits the budget. But is this amp enough tube power to drive these speakers? I like to listen to Jazz and Rock, not A/C D/C at 120db but more like Steely Dan at low to moderate levels.
Thank you for your suggestions.
vdosc
aroc
760 posts
 
Quicksilver and McCormack - I read Richard Vandersteen recommend both of those brands of amps. Yeah, 80-100wpc of tube power should be plenty. ARC is also another recommended brand, but it is likely out of your budget.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
McCormack .5 or 125
Muse 100 or 150
Belles 150a or 150a Hotrod
OCM 200
AMC 2100

All work very well with the Vandersteen. Avoid cheap tube amps. In my experience, they simply are not a good match.

Good luck.

Wendell
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
Not sure about the match but you can't deny the value you have out of the VTL.It laso sets you up if you ever want to trade in your 2.5 for identical line stage in the intergrated so you can bi-amp horizontally which would bring your RMS to a whopping 120 watts.That would probaly run $1750 or a few hundred less if your lucky but from a stock amp prespective you can get better value (though Quicksilver is a alos cheap AND good.Like VTL and Rogue you don't have your intelligence insulted with presumption that more expensive has to be bteer.Andf unlike my EAR 834 finding either the amp for $800$8900 or the Integrated for $1350-$1750 isn't that hard.I wish there were more EAR 50 watt amps availible used so I could readily do the same.Get the VTL.It will also support most any speaker upgrade you want in future even high current demand if you swap the 2.5 for a ITL-85 int.I have even though about swapping my EAR out for the VTL amp/intergated combo.
G'Luck
Chazzbo
jg_deitrich
5 posts
 
I also have the Vandy-2sig's and am using a McCormack DNA225, which I find to be a good match. Prior to the McCormack I had a ARC VT-60 (50 tube wpc) which I enjoyed but had limited capability to control the speakers at moderate to high volume levels. At lower levels and with Jazz, female vocals, it was great.

You should consider a Vandy 2WQ Sub, which will improve system performance. I added mine while I had the VT-60 and it was a significant improvement. I lived with that set-up for quite a while and then decided to try the McCormack. I had both amps in my system for about 3 months and ultimately chose the McCormack for it's comparitively effortless control and greater dynamic presentation.
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