2. amps-preamps
  3. 150848-110897

Recommendations for a new integrated amp for Vandersteen 3a speakers

I acquired some Vandersteen 3a speakers a few months back to replace my Theil CS1s and would like to update my system to accommodate them. The recommended power range from the mfg is 100-200 wpc.
I have been using my old Adcom GFP-555II preamp and NAD 2100 amp and would like to upgrade with a new or used integrated amp to replace them. I have been considering:
Wyred 4 Sound sti-1000 or sti-500
Musical Fidelity M6i
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum or Pharaoh
Odyssey Stratos (keep the preamp)
Vincent Audio SV-237
Unison Unico
Peachtree Nova 220 se
My budget is $1500 for this upgrade. 
Please help me narrow the list or add some other options to consider to upgrade the system!

 


jplunkettj
jplunkettj OP
58 posts
 
denman and twoleftears, thanks for the Belles suggestion. i will talk to Audio Connection about the matchup with my Vandys.  Also, yogiboy thanks for Sphinx suggestion. I am a little worried that 100wpc may not be enough to bring out the full potential of the Vandersteens.  Anyone have experience with these speakers and good amp pairings? I don't really listen loud (hardly ever up to 100db peaks) but am more interested in having  them sound realy clean and unrestrained at normal listening levels in the 82-90 db range.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,744 posts
 
Many moons ago I owned the 3A. IMO,100 watts is plenty. That is why I suggested it! BTW, John R also sells Rogue so you can ask him if it is a good match with the 3A.  Your budget is $1500. The Belles is 75 watts and is $2295.
gdnrbob
4,458 posts
 
I just visited Audioconnection yesterday.
Johnny was playing the VLR’s with the Belles Integrated and a Sub 3 subwoofer.
It sounded mighty fine, to me.
I owned the 3a sigs before moving to the Treo’s. Though not necessary, adding the 2wq subs really fleshed them out-seamlessly.
Though the Belles is only 75wpc, I think it should work- though you may not get earth shattering volumes.
If you do go for the Belles, I would try to add some subs at a later date.
Using the Vandy subs will help your amp perform by removing all the power consuming lower frequency demands.
Bob
donvito
400 posts
 
The OP has a budget of $1500. Why the recommendations on the Belles that is $800.00 over his budget? Read!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,453 posts
 
You should be able to get a used Parasound Integrated.  160wpc @8ohms, 240wpc @4ohms.  Seeing as they now have a newer model out, you should be able to pick up a good one for $1500.00 or so.  It also has a crossover built in, in case you want to get subs at some point.  Built in  DAC is the ESS 9018.    Probably the best sound and features for the money.
More to discover