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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?
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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 !! 


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
as an alternative to the 5a consider the VLR-Signature with the carbon tweeter and a sub 3 or two x 2wq
this works IF you have pre out / pwr in integrated OR put filter caps in integrated ( typically at factory or solid technician- Ayre does this for Ayre/Vandersteen owners for example )

this allows you to get a VERY refined tweeter / mid and with sub 3 Eleven bands of EQ to game room and with your integrated powering only above 80-100 cycles pretty fantastic sound...

just an option amoung thousands...how fun....
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