Best Amplifier at $3000 for PSB or VA

Get the PSB and don't get a Cambridge get the Krell for CD players look for a Music Hall or similar CD player.

May have to look used, but Ayre matches well with both - demo'd both and purchased the PSB Sync 1s. Great sound and for me more forgiving to room setup/config then Vandersteen (also demo'd 2CEsigll). Good luck and enjoy!

Bel Canto Ref series. Great with VA speakers!

Thanks for the inputs. Will wait till the Krell appears on the market. . . (not sure why there is such an issue with their supply). Will check out the Ayre too.

Check out the new Job amps recently released by goldmund.

Kelpie -

you will have several wonderful choices;
Bryston
Krell
Vincent
Rogue Audio

At one time or another, I have spent much demo time w/ the above amp selections and VA speakers!

You might be surprised how much the new Van Alstine Synergy 450 will do, check the review on" Enjoy the Music".
Caused me to buy one, the review is spot on ! Has the death grip bass of the Krell
but more tuneful in that area.On my Kef 104/2's sounds better than Krell or Bryston both of which I have driven them with.

I think one of the best values for an amp for the VA's(VA's i think sound quite different than the PSB's)is the Belles Reference. I use model '150A Reference V2'. For about 2k new and less used I would highly reccomend it. Have fun

Thanks for the various options, the Bryston is much more expensive than the Krell here in Singapore. Its funny how different (higher, very higher, ridiculously higher) prices are in this part of the world as compared to the US.

I am changing the subject a little as I see a good mix of PSB and VA supporters. I have heard them both, unfortunately for various reasons could not differentiate too much as the amplifier configurations were different. The reviews on the VA are pretty weak and teh Stereophile measurement test is quite bearish. . . is there really a problem in pushing the VA to play loud? Would I have issues if I cranked up the volume on Pink Floyd's "Sorrow" or Metallica's "Enter Sandman"?
The other music I listen to a lot is female vocals like Rebecca Pidgeon, Chie Ayoda, Sara K. . . and they sound wonderful on VA as well as the PSB. I want the versatility to be able to handle both extremes. . .

VA or PSB for versatility?

(Honestly if the PSB looked as good as the VA, I would have just bought it!!!!!):) can a man ignore good looks?