Von Schweikert DB99 or Vandersteen 5A ??

While the Von Schweikerts are fine speakers, I don't think there is a dynamic speaker in the $15k range that beats the Vandy 5A's (although there are several electro-static and planar magnetics that offer their slightly different glories). The 5A's simply do everything extremely well.

I've heard the '99s extensively and used to own the Vandy 5s (not the 5As--though I've heard those too). In my experience, the 99 is going to give you a more detailed, dynamic sound, while the Vandy is going to be a little more lush and forgiving--like most Vandy designs. The VSAs, because they're 99dB efficient, can be used with a broader range of amplifiers, which is nice if you're part of the SET crowd. The bass quantity and quality are pretty equivalent, IMO, but the '99's bass seems a TAD tighter and quicker. Overall, it depends on the type of sound you're after. Personally, I think the DB-99 is one of the best speaker values in the entire industry. The Vandy is excellent as well, but I think the Von Schweikert is a little more accurate and truer to the music. Just my opinion, of course.

I listened to both and have the 5a's I can't make the decision for you but the 5a's just had many more advanges like being tuned to the room working well with tubes because of the powered sub doesn't suck all your amplifer power more open sounding. Both are good speakers The Von Schweikerts are a little more harsh I think but some people like that.

I have heard both.

If I were to choose between the two, I would go with the Vandy 5's because of their ability to use whatever amp I wanted for the mids and highs and still have perfect bass (provided by the adjustable built in powered sub).

A friend in my music group owns Vandy 5's, powered by Wolcott Presence 220 watt mono blocks (tubes) for the top. Amazing dynamics and transparency and you can listen all evening without thinking about the gear.

What else could you ask for?

For those who have auditioned the VSA dB99's and know, its 10" magnesium woofer is driven by its own 300-watt Class A/B SS amp and can be adjusted (using its bass volume control knob) to any room or system. A 15wpc SET amp or 500wpc SS amp (or anything in between)to drive this speaker will do! See the VSA VR9 drivers as they mirror the 99's minus a 15" woof. The dB99's now come with optional 3" ribbon tweeter module. Contact VSA to find the nearest dealer stocking the dB99's and compare them to the Vandy 5/5A's if possible. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You'll have a few bucks left over too! Nothing beats a personal audition.