Amp for Vandy 3A?

I run 3A Signatures with a Pass Aleph 4, which is 100 class A watts into 4 or 8 ohms. The Vandies are rated as a 6 ohm speaker. My room is 22 x 12 x 8 with adjoining spaces which are open to the listening area. There is no problem with compression, clipping etc. I don't listen to much rock but a lot of jazz. Although I don't listen at deafening levels, I do like to crank it a fair amount. I live in an apartment, so that probably limits me somewhat.

I have heard the DNA 1.0 and 0.5 and while good amps for the money, in my opinion, are not in the class of the Pass Aleph series. Either DNA may give out before the Pass ever will, due to the design of the Pass. Pass Aleph 4's, while not often seen on Audiogon used, are an excellent bargain (relatively cheap) and is an amp that you can keep for life.

The most obvious choice is Audio Research, it has historically been Richard Vandersteen's brand of choice.

My brother has the 3A Sigs and uses an AR 100.2/LS16 preamp and loves it. Perhaps a little more power reserve like the 150.2 or 300.2 might be better.

I'm using the Modwright SWLP into Channel Islqnds D200's and love that combination into my 3 sigs. I used to use a McCormack 1 RevA but the CI's were a revelation in clarity and resolution. The Vandies tend a bit to the warm side but with these and the outstanding Modwright, these speakers really shine, IMO.

I'm using the Modwright SWLP into Channel Islqnds D200's and love that combination into my 3 sigs. I used to use a McCormack 1 RevA but the CI's were a revelation in clarity and resolution. The Vandies tend a bit to the warm side but with these and the outstanding Modwright, these speakers really shine, IMO.

I paired 3A Signatures with all Audio Research gear (LS25mkII, VT-100...no slouches) and I didn't like the sound very much. I did not run the speakers full range in that configuration though, so perhaps a better balance would be achieved full range. I never listened loud, but 100 watts was more than adequate to power them for my taste. I also ran them in my home with some Classe's, Theta, and Ayre at different times. All of those amps had 100+ watts. So, I think that 80 watts should be fine to drive them to realistic levels. I used 20 watt amplifers with them once, and they were fine as long as not driven hard. Keep in mind, I had the 2wq powered subs in my system.

You may want to look into the sub, as it makes the 3A (and the amp?) sound a lot clearer and easier to drive.

Will