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Amps for Vandersteen 3a Sigs

My cousin is considering upgrading his 2CE-sigs to 3a-sigs... both would be used with a pair of 2WQ subs. Right now he is driving the 2CE's with a McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev A amplifier.  We are hoping this amp will be a good match for the 3a's, but are concerned it may not be enough power.  Given that the subs are relieving the amp of the bass frequencies, perhaps it is enough power. 

Thoughts on that combo?

Beyond that, looking into the future, what amps are highly recommended with the 3a-sigs?  I'm guessing that my cousin would rather work with solid state amps.

Thanks, Peter
peter_s
14 responses Add your response
carmenc
293 posts
 
Belles as well.  Best...
tomcarr
1,504 posts
 
If your cousin likes SS, I love my 2Cs with a Krell s300i. 
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
++1 for Ayre
I too, use upgrded DNA-1, but Steve made them monoblocks for me.

If you want tubes, then Atma-Sphere.
Bob
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
a few more great proven choices ....in addition or reinforcing of what others have said...
Aesthetix
ARC
Ayre
Quicksilver
VTL
Rogue

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
if he already has the subs I would be all over the pair of Treo for sale now on Agon...cherry not CT $3250....... ah hem......

love the Quicksilvers, heard them running 5a....magic

i had my 3a-sig for many many years and a few rooms with a MC202.... very nice warm but tightly controlled sound...
beetlemania
834 posts
 
ARC and Ayre sound great with Vandies
peter_s OP
1,335 posts
 
Once he gets everything else dialed in, and he is satisfied and stable, if he gets the itch and wants some variety, I would set him up with Quicksilver V4's, possibly running KT150 tubes!  Always looking for the bang for the buck :-)
bluesy41
211 posts
 
Either something from VTL, PrimaLuna or QuickSilver amp. Vandersteen’s sound great with tubes.
jackd
1,068 posts
 
The McCormack should be a great match but if he feels the need to change for more power the Odyssey Kismets are a great match with Vandersteen as is the PS Audio BHK 250.  Dave Clark of PFO is running the Quatro Wood CT with the BHK. I ran Odyssey amps with 2CE Sigs, 3A Sigs and Treo CTs.
cedargrover
302 posts
 
I use an Ayre v-5xe with my 3a Sigs.  Great, great combination,  
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Vandersteen/Ayre
djohnson54
396 posts
 
Peter, I had a pair of 3a Sigs that I drove with a McCormack DNA-0.5 deluxe and it had no problem filling a large (400 sq. ft.) room as loud as I cared to play them.  I don't think your cousin will have a problem and the subs will make them that much easier to drive.  Dick
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
BTW Peter,

I am still using my DNA-1 but now with Treo CTs and two 2wq.  I having my DNA-1 now rebuilt by Steve McCormack as the original circuitry is now 20 years old and subject to vast improvement.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Hello Peter,

I had 3A Sigs. with two 2wq subs.  I used a Rev A+ DNA-1 and had more than enough power.  I think your .5 Rev. A is an excellent amplifier and should sing beautifully with the 3A Sigs.  Without the two subs I might feel differently, but with the way the crossovers relieve your .5 of the greatest demand, that of the deepest bass you should ralize great sound!  Vandys and McCormack amps have always played nicely together.

All the Best!
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