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
08-20-10: Pubul57
The other amps are proabably fine, but the input impedance of the Belles makes it tube pre friendly
The solid state Audio Research 100.2 has a single-ended input impedance of 150K ohms Single-ended, 300K ohms Balanced Differential making it tube preamp friendly, too
John, do you prefer that ARC/3A combo over the V4/3A combo - since you sell both....?
(((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.)))
The 100.2 was my best recommendation for his range.
I have 3a sigs and I use Threshold 4000 or stasis 2... 200wpc class a. at first i tried a 400a 100wpc but liked the difference i heard going to 200wpc.