I have listened to them several times with different electronics (Gryphon, Hovland etc.) and found that they are not worthy any asked sum, even if they price would be half of the 40.000 euros. Personally I would not spend more then 11.000 - 14.000 usd for a pair of loudspeakers, which is the cost of the Vandersteen 5. The music from this speakers is easily the Best in absolute terms, i did not compare them in the same time with the same electronic, but sincerly the Vandersteen is so much better than any comparison will be time losing. I personally have owned Sonus faber speakers(minima- electra amator) and have in my current sistem the Guarnieri homage,
toghether with Vandersteen 2 ce and Maggies 1,6. All of them are great speakers, but mostly i'm listen to the Vanderteen's at 1.500 usd a pair. Money is not everithing.