From what I hear (R.V) ,
*cabinet materials cost is about 10K alone
*drivers ...... guessing , about 5K
*labor, cabinet material treatment, crossovers, amp, accessories etc. - 3K
Total = 18k (if my info is correct)
Of course this amount will change if the production quantity will raise (less 20%-30%)
* This is a prototype cost
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Assuming that "7s" will target the wealthiest, it is going to be a short series(IMO) based on special order purchases (only two dealers are expected to have "7s" in their showrooms).
And gleams of what we might see/expect in the future from more affordable Vandersteen line of speakers.
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According to R.V ,
"7s" are 40% better then recent top of the line 5As.
Distortion is claimed to be 0.5% which is the lowest achieved in the business (do not mistake with elect. spects which is a completely different cup of coffee)
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The upgrade for 5A owners will be granted (at unknown cost....at least at this time) to ORIGINAL owners.
Second owners - sorry...........or make the arrangements with the previous owner (good luck with that);)
Sound characteristics:
In comparison to Quatros or even 5As,
"7s" sounds almost to laid back with less presents.
This is a result of lower distortion and when given a little time, details and information which were unheard/"missing before are quickly realized and noticed.
Bass amp is more or less the same. Some changes in crossovers - obviously.
I could be wrong but - no rear firing tweeter this time which is not something R.V is about anyway. It could however be found useful in over dumped rooms.
