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Amps to drive Vandy 3A signatures

Hello all,

I am looking into the Vandersteen 3A signatures and noticed that they need quite a bit of juice to get them going. This fact may prevent me from purchasing these speakers since I cannot afford to spend more than $1500 total on amplification. Anyone have any good recommendations for amps, integrated or separates in this price range that can do an adequate job driving these speakers.

Thanks in advanced
krazeeyk
bigtee
803 posts
 
I second the McCormack's. I used a pair in a vertical biamp with great success with these speakers. You have to go a ways to beat them for the money. Even the non-deluxe versions are good. You can upgrade through SMac later as mentioned above. The 3A Sigs operate below 4 ohms. The McCormack's double down into this load indicating more than adequate power supplies and current capabilities.
pmotz
412 posts
 
I've been using an Audio Research Classic 60 with great success. More than enough power, though I do have a small room and don't listen at high levels. I would also consider some of the Audio Research solid state amps, they're quite good for the money (used that is).
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Any of the McCormack amps from DNA-1 up in power are excellent matches w/ Vand. 3 speakers, unless you do the bi-amping thing like Swampwalker wih a pair of .5s. I especially liked the DNA-2 with the 3A/3A Sig., and a DNA-2 can sometimes be found for around $1500.-- LOTS of power. Good Luck. Craig
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
One final suggestion that I failed to include in my initial post: the Marsh Sound Design A400S power amp. It retails for $2000, but there have recently been several used units here on A-gon for around $1200-1300. There is currently a A400S listed if you look in the older "for sale" items.
krazeeyk OP
24 posts
 
Hello All,

Thanks for the great responses. Anybody know of any good integrateds for $1500 that would work well with these speakers. Sorry I forgot to mention this before, but my listening room is 16' x 20'.

Thanks
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