Old NAD or newer high powered Denon?

If you like the sound of your NAD, get an updated, higher output version. NAD has very nice amps that can easily drive your Vandies.

Hi Hifibear,

I have some experience with Vandersteens, although not any of their Ones. Still, I have a few suggestions.

First I would contact Vandersteen and ask them for minimum recommended amp size based on your room, music, and typical listening levels. Mention your intention to utilize a subwoofer since that can lower the power need from your primary amp. Keep in mind you can usually get by with a lower rated tube amp than SS.

Second, your budget of "as low as I can go to get good sound" is not terribly helpful. Possibly the best you could do for the least money would be to keep your 3020 as a preamp and add an amp such as a Dyna ST-70. That might need new tubes and caps but should cost less than $500. If you are lucky you might find one someone already updated and save on that.

For good sound with Vandy speakers there are some traditional recommendations - Audio Research, c-j, MusicReference, and Quicksilver. Smaller versions of these amps will still cost more than a ST-70 but should be more rewarding.

I'm focusing on tube amps since you mentioned wanting spacious sound.

Thx all! I would love to have a tubed amp but I am thinking it's not practical for me. I have small kids and I can imagine missing tubes.

Any recommendations on a solid state amp?

Regarding budget: $500 max

I friend owns an Exposure 2010S , paid $1400 new, don't think I've heard anything as good under five large, tube or solid state.
I used to like Nad, but there last few generations of gear seem a bit lifeless.

I would look for a higher powered NAD integrated....I have tried the high end Denons and Onkyos.....very thin/clean sound...preamp section doesn't touch robust NAD sound. Oh just a thought..if the 3020 has the preamp out jacks.....do what ever it takes to get a Hafler power amp..later models...with jfet driver stage...like XL280. Problem solved.