Best monoblock tubes amp with Vandersteen 5As

John Ruttan also used the huge and expensive Cary monoblocks with them (can't remember the model, but it was the $40K ones with the huge transmitter tube) to good effect in the past.

Rogue Zeus is the ultimate, but Rogue 120 monoblocks will drive 5As well and easily. They have powerful tubes.

I don't know about "best", but I have heard them with the ARC Ref 2, and VTM200s and they sound incredible. As stated above, these speakers are relatively easy to drive. I am using a VT 100 MKIII, and it does an excellent job. However, if you listen to complex music at high SPLs, the VTMs are more immediate and intense.

Actually I heard the Vandy 5s with the Quicksilver Triode monoblocks (two big Russian tubes) and they sounded better than with the big Cary tube amps. The sound was more open and less forward. I asked the designer of the Quicksilver amps which he thought sounded better the V4 or the Russian tube amp and he liked the Russian Triode better although stated the Vandys play louder with the V4...Any comments???

Another one to consider might be 2 strapped Berning zh270's. I have heard that one works quite well with the 5A's although I haven't heard first hand. Two would provide more power than I could imagine you could ever use with this speaker along with ultra clarity. For complex orchestral and choral music this amp is completely unflappable. Of course if aesthetics are also a consideration, you may want to look elsewhere.