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Vandersteen with?

Hi,
A couple of questions and an observation. How do you think the Vandersteen 3A signatures would do with Parasound A51 or 5250 amp? Would be used in my room which is 18' w by 30' long. No side wall issues, just the short back wall. The room on one side opens into a similar size space. I am not sure the 2ce Signatures would be enough? My one problem is considering how to convince the wife to ignore the the look of these speakers! They are not something to look at, but sound great. Any ideas on overcoming this? Thinking of the HDP 70 as the processor.
Would you consider the Definitive Technology BP7001c similar?
My observation was listening to a parasound a21 powering the Vandersteen 2ce signature. Brought some cd's, Yellow Jackets "Blue Hat", Acoustic Alchemy, and Hendrix "Bold as Love". Listened to various tracks and they sounded great! Hendrix's "Up from the Skies" was amazingly clear and spacious! Next listened to system using B&W 804"s. Love the look, but I preferred the sound of the V's better. Any other brands you would recommend? thanks.

Joe in Mobile
magsterone
bondmanp
1,808 posts
 
I haven't heard 3As in a long time, but I own the 1Cs and 2Wq subs. If had to pick a speaker most unlike the Vandys, I might well pick Def Techs. YMMV, but I find the Def Techs harsh, too bright and brittle sounding. Vandys, by comparison, are pretty smooth (some say too smooth, but not me). I have no experience with Parasound, but Vandys do well with higher power amps (both ss and tubes). I run mine with an Odyssey Stratos HT3 to good effect.

In the price range of the 3A, but with a better WAF, I would also audition:

Silverline Audio Allegro
Totem Forest
Reference 3a Veena
Ohm Walsh S3200
Joseph Audio RM 25siMkII
Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
I will probably catch it from the Vandy crowd on this but I'm just not a big fan of their speakers below the Quatro level. The Quatro and the 5A's are nice speakers and a good value for the money--the 5A is one of my favorites. But below that level I'm not impressed. I think you can find a better sounding and more attractive speaker and should expand your search. The volume of your listening area is actually pretty large so you will need something full range and this may push the price upwards if you want high quality sound. Not sure what your budgetary limits are but I'm sure we can offer some suggestions if you share that information.
duane
189 posts
 
You already have received good advice so I will just add to it. I agree that the Def Techs are not even close and agree that Joseph Audio and Vienna are good substitutions.

If you go with the V's I don't think Parasound is the best match but it is safe. I would look at Odyssey or Electrocompineit. (miss spelled)

Another great speaker that requires a REL sub to compete is the Intuitive Design Summit, Delta Summit, or Gamma Summit. I heard the Summit which is their entry speaker beat out the 5A Sigs.and only sell for $5200 with stands but you must put a REL with it.
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