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Matching an amp to the Vandersteen 3a signatures

Hello all! I just purchased a used pair of Vandersteen 3A signatures and need to find some amplification to drive them. The problem I'm having is my budget. I've seen a number of people recommending amps for these speakers such as Audio Research and and Ayre amps, but these tend to fall outside of my budget range. I'm looking for something in the $3000 or under range new, or under 2300 dollars used. This would need to cover both power amplification and linestage pre-amplification. I will be sitting about 8 feet from the speakers, and like to listen to a lot of rock and modern pop. I tend to like a detailed but relaxed, laid back sound with plenty of bass. I'd like to have some tubes in my system if possible, but realize that this might not be practical at my price point. I've been thinking about maybe a Cayin A100T or maybe a Rogue Tempest, but don't think that would provide enough power. What do people who can't afford ARC gear use with their 3A Vandies? Any advice is appreciated.
robshrode
magsterone
64 posts
 
I listened to the 3a’s in a shop that was using the parasound a21 and the parasound jc2. Transparent is the word. Fantastic! In fact I am in the process of saving to eventually get that set-up.

Joe in Mobile
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,404 posts
 
Parasound, Odyssey Audio are two products that come to mind and can be frequently found here on Audiogon. I had Vandersteen 2ce speakers for many years powered with a 175wpc Classe amp. As good as it sounded, when I replaced the Classe with an Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp, it really livened up the sound. For Rock I would go with a really good solid state amp from 100-200wpc and if you like Jazz and Classical, go with a tube amp. A tube amp on the Vandersteen 3a's will not do rock anywhere near it's potential.

A Parasound Halo 21 amp goes for around 1300-1500 on Audiogon and an Odyssey amp goes for anywhere from 500-2500 on Audiogon and both come up frequently.

Bob
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,007 posts
 
I want to second what Darkmoebius said. I was familiar with the 3a Sigs from hearing them at a shop several times with tube amps. One day a few years back, I went again and heard them with the Audio Research 100.2. That is an absolutely majic combination. Super transparent, but not edgy at all, and full of life and energy. I still remember how great it was.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Quicksilver V4s match well, in fact I think Richard used them at home, but I would get his feedback on it, I think it is one of his favourite tube amp brands and the V4s should be in that range used. Obviosuly on the SS side he seems to favor Ayre, at least based on his latest shows. If you google Richard Hardesty and Vandersteen you should find some good commentary on the 3As and he also has a review of the Ayre gear.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Another good choice would be McCormack DNAs. If you can find an SMcAudio modified DNA 1.0 that would be a good choice for a little over $1K, leaving about the same for a good tube pre. I had the 3A sigs w SMc-modded 1.0 and vertical bi-amped w a pair of SMc DNA 0.5s. If your room is not too large and/or you don't push the volume too hard, maybe get as good a 0.5 mod as you can find, and put the extra to a better pre. Then when you can dig up another $700 or so, add the Vandy 2WQ sub, w the proper fixed x-over.
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