I use Atma tube amps and preamps with my Vandersteen Treo's.
They come very close, soundwise, to my Ayre equipment-Albeit with a little bit more 'looseness' in the bass region.-Which is to be expected with tubes.\
The Atma's also use Zero Feedback, which seems to make the Vandy's shine.
Audio Research is often matched with Vandersteen, though I have no experience with them.
I suggest going to the Vandersteen forum (go to the website and look for the dropdown). Other members will probably know more about the AR model you are looking at.
Bob