2. amps-preamps
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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
stevenday
7 posts
 
I've been very pleased with a Belles 150A Ref amp with my 3A Sigs. It is SS but has a more mellow "tube sound". They show up used at 1500-2000. Long term, I agree that adding 1 (or even better 2) 2Wq subs is desirable. It really opens up the midrange and presents a much easier load for your amp to drive. With the subs, you could definitely get by with a lower powered amp.
robshrode OP
5 posts
 
I appreciate all of the input guys. I've been looking a bit more at the manley products recently. I'm not sure if the snappers will end up being in my budget or not, but I've started to look into the manley shrimp. It seems to have gotten some good reviews. I thought about maybe matching that to a BAT 125 watt amp or maybe a McCormack DNA-125 (I'm a bit leery about doing this because of the advice above about matching tubes to the McCormack). I've also started thinking about the PrimaLuna Prologue 3 as well a some of the suggestions you guys have made. Am I correct in thinking that I should be splitting the budget about 40% preamp and 60% amp given the amount of wattage that I need? Also are there any other preamp suggestions? I never thought I'd be considering some of these brands like VTL or Manley. Thanks again.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Robshrode, that amp mentioned by Stevenday (Belles 150 Ref or "Hot Rod") should certainly be on your shortlist, they are excellent and should be well within your price range. Not sure it is smart to think in terms of % between gear, it depends. The Belles amps all have 100Kohm input imepedances (I think) and that will work with almost any tube preamplifier. If we can establish the $ you will have for a preamp, and whether you need phono or not, it will be easier to make recommedation to the price point. A tube pre/ SS amp may very well be your best bang for the buck, and I think 3As work particularly well with SS, or expensive tube amps.
robshrode OP
5 posts
 
Pubul57 the 2300 used or 3000 new needs to incorporate both the power amp and the preamp. I'll take a close look at the Belles. I was thinking about trying to get a preamp in the 1000 to 1500 range. I have an outboard phono pre that I really like and consequently don't need a phono pre in the preamp. Thanks.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think you could get and Audible Illusions pre and a Belles amp in that price range. The other amps are proabably fine, but the input impedance of the Belles makes it tube pre friendly and I think at you price point that is the way to go. The 3As need a good amount of power and at that price SS is proabably you best bet. In fact there is a Belles tube preamp up for sale for $750, I imagine it would match well with their amp.
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