Hello pg61.
I have the 3a sig’s and a stereo pair of Vandersteen’s wonderful 2wq subs with their Hp5b (b for balanced version) hi pass filters. This makes for a wonderful sounding true full range time and phase correct system. I have had this system for about ten years now and I am still very happy with it. It is this long term satisfaction that properly set up Vandy’s have that makes for the loyal following that they enjoy. They are very well balanced from top to bottom when used with the 2wq subs. (I’m sure the new Sub 3’s would be even better as they are more adjustable). I think the subs are required to get the most out of the 3a sigs (as well as most other loudspeakers for that matter.) The 3a sigs have a bit of boxy sound to the mid bass that the subs remove by taking the deep bass load off them. It makes the sound more effortless and cleaner top to bottom, really takes them to another level. In fact this combo gives about 95% of what the 5a’s provide with their built in subs. This also allows you to use a smaller amp. I use a 100 wpc class D and with the sub’s 300 watt internal amps handling the deep bass it will play louder than I can stand with no loss of dynamic’s. Without the sub’s yes I would want maybe 200 watts or more depending on how you listen of course.
As I have upgraded my other equipment and fine tuned my setup and room over time, they just keep sounding better and better.
I also do not hear the tweeter sibilant issue and I am using the anti-cables that Johnny R mentioned in a bi-wire configuration.
The reason I mention all this is value. The 3a sig’s, a pair of 2wq subs and the hp5 crossovers can be had second hand for about the new price of the 3a sig’s alone and you will be hard pressed to find a true full frequency range system that is also time and phase correct (most speakers are not) for anywhere near this price. And you can start with the speakers see how you like them and if you do and want to improve them even more then add the subs later to spread the expense out.
I can also highly recommend reading Jim Smith’s book Get Better Sound, in fact you should read that before you make any new equipment decision’s and try to get the best sound you can from your current system then go from there if you feel the need. Most people are not getting the most from their equipment do to a lack of understanding of how to set it up properly and thus the constant gear churn that so many go through. It’s an ongoing learning process and one of the thing’s I love about this hobby.
Also Robert Harley’s The Complete Guide to High End Audio fifth edition is excellent reading.
For the most complete info on Vandersteen loudspeakers as well as high end audio in general read the late Richard Hardesty’s "Audio Perfectionist Journal" It can be found on Vandersteen’s site under the Resource’s tab.
Dick was a mentor of mine I even flew to LA to attended one of his seminars at his home where he demoed the 3a sig’s and 2wq subs. He was able to demonstrate the advantage of time and phase correct speakers combined with a pre-amp and amp with zero feedback (such as cedargrover’s Ayre amp). The imaging is just spooky. Very cool!
If I may offer a tip using subs, especially if you want to maintain time alignment with the main speakers. Move them next to (inboard) and even slightly forward of the main speakers. Low frequency’s are slower than higher one’s and take longer to reach your ears. If you take the conventional approach of putting them behind and against the wall or in a corner the deep bass is arriving well behind the rest of the spectrum in time. I have the smoothest nicest most coherent bass response I have ever had with this setup. Try it.
Anyway good luck in your journey.
