Vandersteen 5A dynamics and bass response.

Ruxtonvet, thats a very nice room. I have 5As that are in a 17'w x 10'h x 27'long room so you do have some extra volume but I think I would be happy if my room was the same size as yours.

Recent changes in my system, adding a ARC Ref 5 linestage and Ref 2 phono has my system producing the best bass and dynamics that it ever has. I am very happy with all aspects right now.

As I have made changes over the years it is very easy to hear the improvements and differences.

Unless you want crazy volume levels, the Vandys should wouk great. BTW, I get a flat 20HZ out of mine on the low end. It makes a big difference on a lot of music.

Terry

By the way, I forgot to mention that my previous listening room was 18' W, 34' L and had a cathedral ceiling which peaked at 12'H, and was also open into a large entry/stairwell and a hallway at the rear. I had the 5As in this room for several years and the response was fantastic. Fairly high listening levels (85-90db) were achieved with my Ref 3 pre volume at only about 1/3 of max., and the music including the bass could be heard effortlessly throughout the house. It never occured to me that I needed any more low end or needed any more power. Based on this experience, I could recommend you give these a try.

Don't under estimate the capability of the vandy subs. With push/pull cones and over 400 watt ss amps per side, they can push a lot of air effortlessly. Plus, the quality of the bass achievable with the compensation controls coupled with the ability to tune the subs to the room is quite an advantage.

I'm not sure I understand your concern about dynamic limitations. The 5/7s are 8 ohm speakers which are very easy to drive (due to the high pass filters and the limited impedance variations). It only takes about 100 watts of clean tube amplification to make these sing, with especially georgous mid range and very clean and not harsh high range performance.

As always, everyone has different preferences and it would very interesting if you could try the 5/7s in your room and report back the findings.

Nothing will equal the RS1Bs in the bass energy and depth. Is it possible to keep the sub towers and add the Vandys? Don't get rid of the Infinities until you have a satisfying replacement.

Thanx, Russ

My experience is that the VTL 750 amps with the 5A is not a synergistic match. It is slow and dark sounding IMO, and simply does not work. I really like the Quicksilver V4 on the 5A. Take this with a grain of salt, because I have not heard the VTL amp that you run in your system. The 5A does IMHO, thrive on fair amount of power also. That's my $0.02. I am sure there are others with more experience that will chime in with their opinions.

A couple things. That room of your's is HUGE! I have always been blown away how large the Vandersteen's can be with a nice power amp( like yours). If you listen nearfield, you might make it work. I would want to " try before you buy" with a local seller. The other thing is you have the perfect equipment to back the 5a's. I use the Titan i with my Vandy 5s's with a nice tube amp and it's a nice combo.