Old NAD or newer high powered Denon?

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.

Larry, great minds think alike -- ST-70.

Hifibear, your objection to tubes isn't clear, "imagine missing tubes". You suspect your kids might steal them? Many Dyna ST-70s can be found with original cage which is screwed on to the chassis. If the little buggers are that persistent, nothing is likely to stop them from messing up something.

Nothing against the SE240, I never heard one. I just know that near magic can be found with a decent tube amp and Vandy speakers.

Hifibear, hopefully a good decision, but I must add some cautions.

Any ST-70 will be old. I built one from a kit in the late '60s as the foundation
for my first stereo system. It remained a current product up until the mid-
'70s I believe. Then a subsequent owner of Dynaco later offered a Mk 2
version for awhile. But they sold in huge numbers and a good many remain in
use. The first thing will be to check the tubes. Then, be sure the amp can be
biases correctly. If you suspect the amp you find is original it would be well
to at least replace the capacitors.

One reviewer suggested that ANY amp with EL-34 output tubes would likely
be pleasing and musical (assuming it was working properly). The ST-70
clearly stood the test of time since it remains popular 50 years later. But
while it may be one of the best amps for the money, no one should expect it
to be one of the best amps. Various brands mentioned in my first response
will outperform it, but they will all cost more.

Because the ST-70 was and remains so popular, many modifications are
available. The ARC ST70-C for example was a version designed by William Z.
Johnson, the man behind Audio Research. But those are not too common. I
think a clean, stock ST-70 example can be found for $200-400, depending
on your luck. One that has been modified by a reputable company/designer
may cost $500-800. Start with Audiogon ads.

If any of this sounds intimidating, you may be best to fall back on the Hafler
recommendation. If not, good luck to you.