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February 5, 2008 - 3:06am
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B&W 603 S3 verses Avalon NP 2.0
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The nominal impedance of the Avalon NP Evolution 2.0 is 3.5 ohms with minimum impendance of 2.5 ohms. This could be a severe test of your Rotel integrated amp. The Avalon NP Evolution 2.0 is priced at $2000/pair. Have you ever heard the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature IIs?
I have not heard their newer version, but I chose the Thiels 2.3 over them 6 years ago. I sold my 2.3, Classe and Conrad Johnson PV12 and have recently bought my current smaller system. I definitely do not want to miss out on a good thing. Have you had the opportunity to hear these speakers?
Thanks,
Wig
wig,
Over the past month I have listened to, extensively, the Signature IIs, that jackfish mentioned. I first heard them being pushed by the Rotel RA-1062 and they sounded great. No need for a sub and the mid's & hi's clear and crisp. I also listened to them connected to the Rotel RB-1070 amp & RC-1070 pre-amp - again marvelous, full range of sound. If you like you dB levels up high I would go for the pre-amp/amp combo - me, I listen at moderate levels so the 1062 suits me fine. All I need to do is find the floor space to place the Sig IIs.
Jackfish & Mike53,
Thanks for the info. I'm really surprised that I have not found any discussions on the NP 2.0 but JA mentioned them briefly in the 2007 CES article. How would you rate the Vandensteen 2ce to the NP 2.0? I listen to music at moderate levels so the Rotel should work out. I heard the Arcus or Ascent and was blown away by sound-stage and level
of detail. Hopefully the NP 2.0 share similiar qualities.
wig,
I'm not familiar with the NP speaker so I can't comment. As for the Rotel equipment; if you decide on a pre-amp/amp combo they have a couple choices from which to pick. All have impressive sound.
Keep us posted as to what you decide.
Mike
Based on the RA1062 maunal, sustained loads of 4 ohms for one pair of speaker is no problem. I only listen at moderate levels anyway. So, I'll decide when I buy the NP if a seperate amp will be needed.
Thanks,
Wig
The Avalon NP Evolution 2.0 has a relatively high sensitivity of 90 dB @ 1 watt/1 meter so driving it with the Rotel should not be a problem as it should be pushing at least 90 wpc into 4 ohms. Let us know what you think of these Avalons after you hear them.