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Vandersteen question

It's time to upgrade my speakers. I'm very impressed by the Vandersteen 3A Sig. but am concerned that I don't have enough power. I just got a pair of Quicksilver MiniMite monoblock tube amps that are 25 watts/channel matched with the Eastern Electric MiniMax preamp (20 db gain). Presently I've got Klipsch Heresys that are very efficient at 96db/1watt. I can barely turn the volume past the 9 o'clock position before the sound gets to ear bleeding levels.

My question relates to the active preamp with 20 db of gain. I believe there's a formula that everytime you double the wattage, this increases the SPL by 3 db. With this in mind, 20 db of gain in the preamp would equate to an amp having 6 2/3 times the wattage or 166 watts/channel matched with a passive preamp in my case.

I notice that Vandersteen recommends 100 to 200 W/ch with the 3A Sig while the 2Ce Sig recommends 40 to 60 W/ch. I find this confusing considering that the 3A is more efficient at 87db. The 2Ce is rated at 86db.

Vandy fans - Please enlighten me. Thanks.
mootsdude
mootsdude OP
48 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. I plan on auditioning the Vandys at some point in my home but it sounds like 25 w/ch will certainly limit them.

Are there any other speaker recommendations that will mate well with my Quicksilver amps? I'm hoping to find a speaker with similar qualities of the 3A Sig for the same price. I assume most Vandy fans will give an emphatic - NO.

When I auditioned the Quicksilver amps at the shop with my preamp, they were driving the Vandy 1C quite well, although this is 90db/watt.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
For me loud enough could be even with 15WPC SET but it won't be enough full range-wise which I do prefere. For this I'd go for at least 100Wpc amps.
mikej
171 posts
 
8-9 feet for me is near field. Sorry...I wasn't specific.
The best I've heard them sound was from about 15 feet away in a HUGE room. Unfortunately, that room isn't mine...
;- )
mikej
171 posts
 
The 3A Sigs reequire more power than your amps can provide. You may drive them into overload and clipping on crescendos without realizing it. That in turn can damage the speaker. I suggest working with your dealer to trade up to the Quicksilver V-4s. They're a great match and work very well with the 3A Sigs.
maclyrad407
1 posts
 
Has anyone ever tried extended listening to a Vandersteen 2Ce without grille cloth?. My grilles are getting a little long in the tooth thanks to loving attention from feline companions. I was considering stripping the speakers but was curious about how the sound would change.

Thnks
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