New Speaker advice

Testrun, I don’t dislike the 3A’s per se...they have a good soundstage, and the midrange is awesome...and I have a lot of sentimental attachment to them because they were my dad’s and he got me into hifi. It’s just that they have a very narrow sweet spot where they sound best and soundstage is good...and with my open floorpan, I’m curious to hear something that has a better off axis horizontal response. Also as mentioned, the 3As sound a bit veiled and lack the ’sparkle’ that I’ve heard in some newer speakers (the ones I’ve been auditioning). All that said, I’m really taking the preamp upgrade suggestion to heart, and will maybe start there first.

but in my system, they sound quite veiled and choked...which is a criticism those speakers have earned over the years...but yes, maybe I should try preamp upgrade first! 

Completely agree on your impressions of the 3As, at least the older versions — haven’t heard the newer ones but Vandy speakers have definitely upped the treble detail with their newer models.  I heard the 3As many years ago (so maybe same version you have) with some good Quicksilver electronics and with my reference recordings, which I’d heard on many, many systems in addition to my own (and several that cost well north of $100k), and the 3A’s top end sounded rolled off and dull/lacking energy or life — kinda like someone threw a thin cloth over the tweeter if that makes sense.

If I were you I’d upgrade the speakers first because the 3As may not have enough upper-octave detail to completely reveal a preamp’s capabilities or character in that area whereas the speakers you’re looking at now will likely very clearly expose differences and which pre is right for you.  Plus, those are the speakers you’ll ultimately be using with the preamp so it’ll be very good to know there’s synergy between them that works for your system and tastes.  I think you’re totally on the right track here and that your system is about to take a monstrous step forward and that all your effort is going to be hugely rewarded.  Keep us posted if you could. 

When I listened to Vandy’s I came with the same impression as @soix.  I was just wondering what you were trying to fix.  I traveled the same path some time ago and ended up with almost two different systems in the same room.  It can be a slippery slope.  I also agree starting with speakers is the best way to start.  Just keep in mind what’s driving the speakers in the showroom.  DACs may become your next question.  Good luck on your journey.  Keep us posted.  Sounds like you are taking the correct steps!!!

Not sure where you are located but there are a pair of Focal Electra 1027BE for under your budget in the on Audiogon. They are in Chicago and have been on there a few weeks now. I’ve been eying them but can’t don’t the time to take 3 hour drive each way. The Arias are nice but the Electras will be faster, more detailed and more exciting IMO with a superior driver set. 

Hi @mattsaunders2000 ,  you are getting good advice @soix ​​​​@ghdprentice are as usual spot on.  I myself had the 3As with top Denon AVR.  Then I got a fairly nice Classe amp and thought I had arrived.  I upgraded my DAC, but indeed the AVR even as preamp only was the problem.  My first nice pre was the Audionet Pre1 G3.  Even as their entry preamp it was so revealing what good sound could be had.

Then I went speaker shopping /auditioning. I heard new Focals, Sonus Faber Amatis, Proac D48 and K ?8, and KEF reference.  I did love the Proacs, but the bass was a little bloated sounding (never a port lover). Then last was a visit to a private sale of Revel Salon2’s.  I bought them and love them.  As you said, they fill the room and do have good off axis dispersion.  Mine are in a family room that connects through eat in and in to open kitchen, the whole width of the house, and they sound amazing.  I now run them with Audionet Max amps and Mola Mola Makua w onboard Tambaqui, and the Grimm mu1 streamer.  But the speakers have stayed through all these upgrades.  You still see the Salon 2’s used for 10k ish and they are a steal at that price.  So much better than the newer Revel offerings in my opinion.  The Salon 2’s are revealing without fatigue, full spectrum, and can fill a large space. They are tall, but that works well in a large combined area.  I did take them downstairs where I listen much closer.  They were too tall for an intimate setting.