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Vandersteen 5a, 15 years old vs. new Vandersteen Quatro Wood (upgrade or downgrade)

I currently have a Vandersteen 5A purchased about 15 years ago in great condition. My  equipment  is Thor 150 watt  tube EL-34 monoblocks with a Thor linestage, Sony SACD player and a middle of the road VPI turntable. Was reading about the Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT which I believe retails for $15,000.00. The wood has the carbon tweeter, my 5A's do not. The Quatro also has a 250 watt amplifier for the built in sub while my 5A's have a 400 watt amp.  If I purchased a new Quatro Wood and sold my 5a's would the resulting sound be better overall in my 8 1/2 by 15 foot room?
 My rationale for considering this upgrade, is that I would be getting a speaker with all new parts and would obtain a new warranty.  Any thoughts would be helpful.  In short is todays' Quatro Wood CT a better sounding speaker than my old 5A?  Would this change be an upgrade and would it yield an improvement in sound to justify the cost?

Thank you. 

M

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ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,097 posts
 
Actually, no to your no.

Even only allowing 8" (which is not enough room actually) between the speaker and the sidewall, you can barely spread the 5a any further than 5' apart. That is not optimal by just about any standard.

So agree that maybe they sound good in that room. Also agree that it's only a fractional percentage of what they were meant to do. EQ or no.


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,895 posts
 
No to your no, where did he say he had them on the short wall ? 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,895 posts
 
Is it ideal ? No, few audiophiles enjoy ideal
will he be more in the near field ? Ya
can he tune bass yes
can he tame some first reflection yes with toe in and absorption 
does he already own 5a yes
is better sound possible: always
how are you helping him ??????


ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,097 posts
 
No to your no, where did he say he had them on the short wall ?


Well let's consider the long wall option.

If he places them 3 ft. from the front wall, that would make his listening position 4 ft. away. Speaks for itself.

Not trying to be contrary, but just pointing out how far too many people shoehorn large speakers in essentially what amounts to a walk in closet and convince themselves they are getting great sound. The OP is not alone. He just happens to have the spotlight on him right now.

This is a very valid point to make in this thread so don't have a cow......

Oz



mr_m
1,900 posts
 
The 5A and/or the quatro, can be placed closer to the front wall. As close as 1 foot. With the Vandy Eq's in both types of loudspeaker, you have plenty of room for adjustment. Probably not optimum in every scenario, but It works for me as I have the Treo Ct's in close proximity of the front wall including two Vandy subs.
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