Pre and power amp for Vandersteen 3A Signature?

I have heard the 3a signature at a local dealer with both the ayre 2ch amp (5xe?) and the parasound 2ch amp the a21, bith were using the parasound jc2 as the pre amp. For me personally I liked the parasound combo better. It was a transparent presentation. It really was clear as abell. The ayre was nice to no complaints but it was a tad warmer and I am one who likes transparency and I think the vandys really shined in that set-up.

Joe in Mobile

I hope I'm not coming in too late here.
Richard Vandersteen used Audio Research at the shows more often than not and horizontal bi-amping was a common method using smaller amps. Horizontal bi-amping gives a very big relaxed sound.
Audio Research is not the typical tube sound. Vandersteens are on the warm side of neutral, but Audio Research is not real tubey. All can be adjusted with associated equipment and cables. Audioquest works well with both Vandersteens and Audio Research.
Some of the most enjoyable sound I have had was with Audio Research and Vandersteen speakers with Vandersteen subs. The method used for incorporating the Vandersteen subwoofer into the system relieves the amp of having to handle low frequencies and also relieves the main speakers of bass energy. The result is a powerful, extremely open relaxed sound. In fact, I would probably have Vandersteens now except I got tired of their styling.

I use TAD 150 signature and the TAD 125 monos. Very satisfactory combo. I had a Mcormack DNA1 and the TADs are much better in my system. I imagine a higher end McCormack might be close or surpass the TAD.

Rrog wrote:
"Richard Vandersteen used Audio Research at the shows more often than not"

I agree that's true and ARC certainly makes great gear. I've never heard ARC paired with Vandersteen but don't doubt it's a good match. But check out what RV uses in his living room to drive his 7s:
http://www.ultraaudio.com/features/20091001.htm

Scroll to the bottom.

Rufipennis, Very nice set up.
You mentioned wanting more midrange resolution. Words can never describe the improvement of adding a Vandersteen subwoofer. It is not about the bass. It is about a top to bottom improvement.
By relieving your amplifier of having to produce bass and removing the bass energy from the 2Ce cabinet the sound improves dramatically. This is no small improvement.
I have owned much more expensive systems, but one of my all time favorite systems was the Vandersteen Model 2 and 2W (not V2W) subwoofer.