Best monoblock tube amp with Vandersteen 5A


What is the best preamp/monoblock tube amp combination with the Vandersteen 5A's? What does Vandersteen use with his personal pair? I have heard Manley (too forward), and QuickSilvers (nice). Any other suggestions? What about a preamp for under 8K???
dkuriloff075f
I'm using a Thor Audio TA-1000 preamp with my Vandersteen 5s and am very happy. The Thor has great dynamics, a wide soundstage, great imaging and detail.

As far as amps are concerned, I'm using a Bruce Moore Dual 70 stereo amp drive the Vandys in a medium sized room. Bruce Moore makes a pair of 120 watt monoblocks which are just amazing. Contact Bob Bergner at www.rbaudio.com for further details. The Dual 70 can also be converted to monoblock operation if you don't need 120 watts.

Hope this helps.
I don't know about "best", but I have heard them with the ARC Ref 2, and VTM200s and they sound incredible. As I'm sure you know, these speakers are relatively easy to drive. I am using a VT 100 MKIII, and it does an admirable job. However, if you listen to complex music at high SPLs, the VTMs are more immediate and intense.
Hmmm...the one time I spoke with RV by phone, I would say that "gruff guy" was more like it...