Vandersteen 2Ci amp question

[jbucla2005]

I have a pair of Vandersteen 2Ci speakers. I am using Kenwood L-05M mono blocks on the bass drivers, and Fosi ZA3 mono amps on the midrange / treble. I have the opportunity to get another pair of Kenwood Trio L-05M mono blocks, and was wondering if I would benefit to use all four the same instead of the Fosi amps. Of course, they would not have to be level matched, but in terms of sound, would there be a difference? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Doodski]

The Fosi has much better SINAD and more power output but the Kenwood are a heavier duty survivor and with some care they should last a long time yet. If me I would use Kenwood amps and skip the budget Fosi amp. The power difference will not be noticeable and the Kenwood will have the same gain on all 4 amps which is something that should be done with a bi=amp'd setup.

Fosi Audio ZA3 Balanced Stereo Amplifier Mono Amp

This new generation mini amplifier offers both stereo and mono modes, adapts flexibly to your diverse needs, allowing seamless mode switching.

fosiaudio.com

Kenwood L-05M Vintage Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Kenwood L-05M circa 1978-1981 monoblock amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. The L-05M has a timeless design and looks like a modern amplifier you could buy today. It weighs just enough to make you feel like it is substantial but not...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[staticV3]

Amir has measured both of these Amps:

Fosi Audio ZA3 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio ZA3 stereo amplifier with balanced XLR inputs. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $149.99 with 48 volt power supply. The amplifier has really dressed up from its earlier origins of common enclosures in budget class...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Kenwood L-05M Vintage Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Kenwood L-05M circa 1978-1981 monoblock amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member. The L-05M has a timeless design and looks like a modern amplifier you could buy today. It weighs just enough to make you feel like it is substantial but not...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The Kenwood is the better Amp IMO:





Only the mains leakage is a bit ugly, but that's par for the course with old-school Class A/B.

 

[staticV3]

The Fosi has much better SINAD

Only in stereo mode.
OP uses the ZA3 in mono, which drops SINAD below the Kenwood.

 

[Doodski]

Only in stereo mode.
OP uses the ZA3 in mono, which drops SINAD below the Kenwood.

O cool. I never knew that. Thanks.

 

[jbucla2005]

I got the four Kenwood mono blocks set up. The sound is deep, full, relaxed. No thinness or weak bass. Thanks for the help.

 

[Chrispy]

I got the four Kenwood mono blocks set up. The sound is deep, full, relaxed. No thinness or weak bass. Thanks for the help.

So the amps function fine for your use?

 

[jbucla2005]

So the amps function fine for your use?

Yea, the sound is good so far for music. My friend thinks the dialogue is slightly muffled on tv, so that must just be the sound of the speakers.

 

[Chrispy]

Yea, the sound is good so far for music. My friend thinks the dialogue is slightly muffled on tv, so that must just be the sound of the speakers.

Or just the nature of some dialogue these days. Or not sitting in the sweet spot between the speakers...

 

[olds1959special]

I love the Vandersteen 2Ci speakers, properly amped. The sound is deep, full, relaxed, and natural.

 

[olds1959special]

What is the impedance rating of the bass vs the midrange / treble on the 2Ci's?


If I'm using two amps per channel, one for bass, one for midrange / treble, with them rated at 100 W into 8 ohms, how can I calculate the total power I'm giving the speakers?