vandersteen 3a sig users only PLS

[seanpat50]

Just listened to the V's. surprisingly liked the 3a sigs more so than the quatro sound. Dealer used tube amps in all configurations. My question is there a reasonable tube amp/preamp set up for both HT and two channel? I had been sold on the B&w 803d but at half the price the sound of these was
actually better, but ugleee LOL No waf so I have a hard sell. Help with the amps PLS

 

[jaxvon]

Any high quality amplifier will work well with the Vandersteens. You need not spend the extra money for tubes. My father uses a B&K ST-202+ with his 2CE signatures and it works very well. Another member here has the 3A Signatures and also uses B&K equipment. I would also recommend looking at offerings from Adcom, ATI, and if you can afford it, Bryston.

 

[Dan]

I am that "other user".

I use a B&K reference 30 pre/pro and a B&K 7250 amp 5 channels x about 200W. I can readily switch between 2,4 and 5 chanels with the pre/pro. My center is a VCC1 sig and I find that I don't use it much as the mains sound better with R+C and L+C for theater. If you don't have crowds over for movies or sports you can forego the center IMO and save some money for other goodies. I also have two subwoofers (Vandy 2wQ) which are wonderful. I think that 3a sigs with two subs are about 90% of the 5A model for about 40% of the price. I have not heard the quattro and am curious what you thought. I agree that Vandersteen smokes B&W for much less dough (looks aside).

As for amps: The 3A sigs are not the most efficient speakers out there at about 87 dB. My 15x20x8 room will sustain 100dB with my subs and amp but if your room is larger or you want to get it really loud, tubes may not be powerful enough for you. I agree with jaxvon about amps. I might add McCormick (solid state) to the list. They are made in the same factory as Conrad-Johnson tube amps. You didn't mention subs but they will substantially decrease your power requirements for the main amp. Two are of course usually better than one. Let me know what you decide.