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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
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,370 posts
 
The best I ever heard was with Ayre or Audio Research.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
I think you'll see Ayre, Audio Research and McCormack come up often in this thread.
krisjan
100 posts
 
I use a Cary SLP-05 preamp feeding Vincent ST-8 hybrid monoblocks with my Vandy 3A Sigs. The Cary is a fantastic tubed pre and the Vincent is a German-designed, Chinese-made tube/SS hybrid design pushing 200 w/ch. The combination is wonderfully life-like in tonality with plenty of power when neeeded.
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?
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