Ok guys I'll try to answer everyone. No I haven't heard the new 800 series. I don't know if it was the amp combo (tube) but vandersteens always sounded plummy/ripe to me. Would my solid state amp help that? I also don't know if I am ready for an electrostatic speaker, I like Mahler and organ music too much.
As to the room I am lucky to have a dedicated basement. The Room is 25 ft long and 14 ft wide. However the rear of my space has bifold closet doors so not a good place to put the system. Also I don't like nearfield listening so I am inclined to forget about putting them on the long wall. Lastly there is a flight of steps into the basement, takes about 2 feet away from the 14 ft width. I am forced to use the speakers on the long wall with the right one somewhat close to the steps. I have placed a child's mat on the stair wall to minimize reflections off the paneling. Hope this helps for suggestions. Incidentally the amp preamp combo is an AI3 with a Sonogy Black Knight providing 175 watts and current. The speakers of course are biwired.
As to the room I am lucky to have a dedicated basement. The Room is 25 ft long and 14 ft wide. However the rear of my space has bifold closet doors so not a good place to put the system. Also I don't like nearfield listening so I am inclined to forget about putting them on the long wall. Lastly there is a flight of steps into the basement, takes about 2 feet away from the 14 ft width. I am forced to use the speakers on the long wall with the right one somewhat close to the steps. I have placed a child's mat on the stair wall to minimize reflections off the paneling. Hope this helps for suggestions. Incidentally the amp preamp combo is an AI3 with a Sonogy Black Knight providing 175 watts and current. The speakers of course are biwired.