2. amps-preamps
  3. 1281995574

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

Showing 3 responses by robshrode

robshrode OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I'm going to do some reading up on the McCormack DNA-125 and the Audio Research 100.2. Does anyone have an idea about how the Vincent Audio 236 MKII or SP-331 might work with the Vandersteens? I imagine that the Music reference, Quicksilver, and Ayre amps probably sound great, but I just don't think the ones rated at or above 100 W are in my price range. I'll also look into the BAT pre's. Does anyone have any additional opinions on what pre's to run, or do I need to decide on a power amp first? Thanks again for the input. It's very helpful.

Rob
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.
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.
More to discover