Need Preamp and Amp to Match Vandersteen 3A Signature Speakers

I have the same speakers paired with an Ayre K5xe(mp) preamp and Ayre VX5xe amp.  Great, great combo.  

I can vouch for Johnny Rutan's ability to build systems, so he's definitely worth contacting--especially if you are in the NJ area and can visit his shop (Audio Connection).

We used a set of Vandersteen 3As in our room at CES many years ago; Richard Vandersteen commented that our room sounded considerably better than his. We were using our M-60 amplifiers, which are tube amps. So I can safely say that the speakers are easily driven with tubes and that might be an option to consider.

Another option, which I am in home auditioning right now, is the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/Preamp and M700 monoblock ensemble, which can be purchased new for $2799 with a $1200 trade-in against the $3999 package price. I already have the Preamp and have been running it for a week through balanced inputs on my Manley NEO250 monoblocks. This preamp lives up to its name and sounds wonderful. My Wyred4Sound DAC2SE with femto clock is being traded in against this combo. The amps will arrive Tuesday and I can’t wait to try them out. I have been holding off on Class D amplification for the system for years but from what I’ve read recently it seems the implementation may have crossed the sonic threshold of my requirements. We’ll see. 30 day in-home trial can’t be beat; trade in shipment not expected until after the trial has completed. This is the way it should be done these days.

My experiences and thoughts.

Quicksilver, heard with 2ci's almost 30 years ago, unforgettable. ARC which I've heard on numerous occassions some results excellent some magical all a synergistic match with these speakers and Atmas-phere, never heard with any Steen but sounds like a good possibility depending on room size and priorities. I'm definitely a big fan of the M-60s. Threshold SA-1 all Class A, the best SS I personally heard Steens paired with. A while back for sure but still quite memorable. Personally I prefer tubes all things considered. Then there are the numerous amps both tube and SS that would work well I'm sure, Ayre is often mentioned.

Johnny Rutan, I would most like to hear you're informed opinion, all matters considered.  Bottom line, these speakers aren't a difficult load for a wide variety of amps.  

Belles would likely do well (Johnny can tell you how well), or more upmarket Aesthetix or Backert preamp+Pass amp.