2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264444050

Pre and power amp for Vandersteen 3A Signature?

Vandersteen 3 A Signature is one of the main contenders that I'm considering now for my rather large living room. For stereo as well as HT purposes. I know that Audio Research is the ideal amp for them but I would prefer solid state pre-power amp combo and of course preamp must have the HT bypass. My main concern with Vandies is PRAT and dynamics. Nobody doubts their incredible musicality but I want them to sound fast and tight when necessary (be it heavy metal or movies) and deliver the best bass they can as well as the most explosive dynamics they are capable of (I'll have almost 4 meters between my ears and the speakers). I know Krell is a good choice. What do you guys suggest?
antonkk
tonyjack
102 posts
 
I'm using Quicksilver V4 mono blocs and ARC SP16 with very good results. I know you requested solid state, but this is a most musical combination with tubed components.
antonkk OP
137 posts
 
If I had to choose between Ayre and Audio Research - what difference in sound should I expect? I mean Vandies are warm and not to fast, so I'm afraid that the tubes would not give them tightness and speed. Also what pre/power amp combo's of both Ayre and Audio Research should I try?
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I did not mention the Quicksilver V4s because you did mention the SS, but as Tonyjack knows, the QS and Vandersteen are an really good pairing. Frankly, 100 watts of ARC or QS are going to make the VS sing. Richard has done shows with ARC and Ayre, but I think he has used QS at home. These amps are all going to provide a good listening experience, to the point where I might decide and ergonomics, where the differences are starker than any percieved superiority of one of these amps to the other. I would personally choose the QS for being monoblocks, very easy to bias, and very, very reliable.
magsterone
64 posts
 
I have heard the 3a signature at a local dealer with both the ayre 2ch amp (5xe?) and the parasound 2ch amp the a21, bith were using the parasound jc2 as the pre amp. For me personally I liked the parasound combo better. It was a transparent presentation. It really was clear as abell. The ayre was nice to no complaints but it was a tad warmer and I am one who likes transparency and I think the vandys really shined in that set-up.

Joe in Mobile
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I hope I'm not coming in too late here.
Richard Vandersteen used Audio Research at the shows more often than not and horizontal bi-amping was a common method using smaller amps. Horizontal bi-amping gives a very big relaxed sound.
Audio Research is not the typical tube sound. Vandersteens are on the warm side of neutral, but Audio Research is not real tubey. All can be adjusted with associated equipment and cables. Audioquest works well with both Vandersteens and Audio Research.
Some of the most enjoyable sound I have had was with Audio Research and Vandersteen speakers with Vandersteen subs. The method used for incorporating the Vandersteen subwoofer into the system relieves the amp of having to handle low frequencies and also relieves the main speakers of bass energy. The result is a powerful, extremely open relaxed sound. In fact, I would probably have Vandersteens now except I got tired of their styling.
More to discover