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Considering Vandersteen 3a Signatures

I have Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S which I enjoy but was recently considering trying the Vandersteen 3a Signatures.  I love the soundstage and the holographic feel of the Spatial's but I'm seeking greater clarity in the treble and more detail in the mids.  I am driving these speakers with a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum with KT120 tubes.  The source is mostly analog via VPI Prime, Dynavector Karat and Parasound Halo JC3+.  Also digital via Auirender N100 and Schiit Gumby.  I listen to a wide spectrum of music, but mostly in the rock and jazz genre.

Should I expect a major difference in sound?  Any other ideas for speakers that would fit the bill?
128x128pg62
bstatmeister
537 posts
 
The 3A Sig should have the better mid range driver (that is being used in the quatro and Treo) than the 2ce sig 2, as well
tomcarr
1,512 posts
 
Do room treatments. I'm using Primacoustic panels from Sweetwater Sound in a moderately small room with Vandy 2Cs and the difference between untreated and treated was jaw-dropping. Bigger improvement than ANY gear change will do. Remember, the room gives half of what you will hear, (maybe more). And yes, I LOVE my Vandys. Also, agree 100% with tomic601 to get Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound. Indispensable tool to get the best setup to play the room. Finally, I also think you should get the 3As, but that's just because I like Vandys.

Tom
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie
360 posts
 
I am also using the Primacoustic London 10 room kit and found that it made a difference. Not huge, but noticeable.
tomcarr
1,512 posts
 
@audionoobie- my room was an echo-horror chamber. I treated all four walls, the ceiling, and the floor to get the desired results.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
both the 2 and 3 also offer high precision potentiometer on rear panel to tailor the sound to room and I suppose taste.

minimum power is always a great debate and intensely dependent on room, music, spl level AND importantly duty cycle. I ran 3a sig with a PS Audio 100 C which is SS in a moderate size room w rock, but I dont listen much above peaks of 95 db and the duty cycle is low....

a KT120 is probably the minimum....and agree for many is not enough power....

again, OP if you can get out and cast a wider net for audition that would be good. Enjoy the music !! 


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