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Need Preamp and Amp to Match Vandersteen 3A Signature Speakers

I am a neophyte at hifi.   Just bought a pair of Vandersteen 3A signature speakers to replace the JBL l150A speakers that I had for years..   I want to replace the Parasound A23 amp and the Parasound P5 preamp that I currently have with something that will make the Vandersteen speakers perform at their best.     I would like to get a Class A or A/B amp.   I listen to a lot of rock and jazz.   My room is about 16' x 16'.   Can anyone give me some advice what preamp and amp would work best with these speakers.   There is so much info out there and it is very confusing.  I like a rich full sound, not harsh on the high notes.  Also like a rich, well defined base.    Thanks for any advice you can give me!!!
darmento

Showing 2 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
ya the Mac and the big Threshold have vise like control of that bass coupler...dial it into the sweet spot and BAMMMMMM...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
owned 3a sig for about 8 years. Hopefully you got the massive and essential sound anchors with them and are religous about following the IMO excellent Vandersteen setup manual. I would suggest a Leica Disto laser to make your measurements easy and I also suggest downloading Vandertones and getting the analog RS SPL meter - you would be suprised how you can tune bass w data and careful placement....but they will sound great and with enough go juice rock! I ran mine w a Mc 202 amp rolled them to brother when I upgraded to 5a

his system is SOTA w Jelco, Ortofon black, ARC SP-15 into Threshold T-200 into Vandersteen 3a sig, cables are Audioquest
Hiss ervers are Aurilic, NAIM and his DAC a tube Lampizator....

sounds incredible..

i have heard 3a with Mc, Ayre, Quicksilver, PSE, Threshold 400A and T-200, Rogue and an ARC ref 75

I suspect Johnny will point you to low global feedback designs which preserve the phase and time integrity so important to Vandersteen....

have fun, enjoy the music....you have the vaunted model 5 tweeter and mid and a muke kick low end...best value in an affordable big speaker IMO.....
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