low volume, microdynamics,body,presence, 10k used.

Hi Zuio, Ncore amps appear to have an inherent ability to drive difficult loads with total aplumb... For an upcoming scribbling project, I have just completed breaking-in and analyzing a pair of NC1200 NCore-based amps driving my Vienna Die Muzik speakers with amazing results. Muzik have incredible driver coherence, extension and musicality because of their unique flat coaxial midrange/tweeter driver, and various other design solutions. See my technical discussion on PFO No. 59:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue59/vienna.htm

If used Muzik exceeded your budget, and you are seeking an immediate solution, I suggest you to look into a used pair of Vienna Mahlers (predecessors of Die Muzik)... I used them for several years with Rowland M312 and other class D amps and they unfailingly deliver phenomenal music. My original review of Vienna Mahler V1.5 was published on The Absolute Sound No. 188, and an online version can be fount at:

http://www.avguide.com/review/tested-vienna-acoustics-mahler-v15-loudspeaker

But if you were willing to wait a few months, Vienna Acoustics has almost completed the Beethoven Imperial Grands, a single box trickle-down version of the DIe Muzik, which is expected to retail for $10K starting this Autumn.

BTW, my music interests are almost exclusively classical.... chamber, large orchestra, vocal.... Dowland to Bartok and beyond. I cannot stand emphasis of leading edges, nor the opposite homogenizing caramelization of music.... I seek transparency and harmonic exposure, authority and micro-detail, revealing the emotion of musical interpretation.

BTW, what Ncore amps are you using or planning to use?

Saluti, Guido

Zuio,

With Vandersteen, theres no question that a sweet spot will definitely be a factor. Not only off axis, but height, as well (thats why you set the back tilt). They don't sound bad if you are not in your listening chair, but you may want to consider something else if you will not always be in a listening chair.

Also, your comment about Ncore being a good match for warm speakers is relevant. If you do consider Vandersteen, that probably would not be a very good match. Its not a warm speaker. I find them to be fairly neutral and revealing.

One of the characteristics of Vienna speakers is that they have great dispersion.... listening placement is very forgiving... Rather than a narrow sweet spot, they tend to yield a wide "sweet band".

Zuio, It is not likely you will assemble a system with dynamics, body, presents and the lively sound you are looking for at low volume. All systems have a volume level where they excel, however, it is not at low volume.

Zd542, Soundstage height is not the reason for tilting Vandersteens back. It's for aligning the drivers to your listening height and distance. I find electronics and system set up have a lot more to do with soundstage height. The same goes for the sweet spot and how critical it is for listening pleasure. Also, I have owned several generations of Vandersteens and I find them to be on the warm side of neutral. As with all speakers it is very important to get the right match with your electronics.