Vandersteen 3a sigs/ 2wq vs. 5a or 5

I own 5As and would look at it this way; In a 3 sig / 2w system with components that one might expect, IMO inserting 5As would be something of the difference you have above with redbook CD and HT. But the "gap" would widen if one upgrades the rest of the system (likely spending a lot more)and adds a really good vinyl setup.

If one has an Ipod as the source, who knows, we may be talking about only a 95% dif.

Terry

I have owned multiple Vandersteen speakers and heard many of them in different rooms. IMO, the 5As, properly driven and set up, are head and shoulders above all of the others. No contest. The 5A simply reveals more information with less distortion than the others and is the most coherent multiple driver speaker I have ever heard. That being said, the 3A Sig/2WQ combination is very very good. Try to find a way to listen to both in the same room before you decide.

I would say that a more accurate description, when comparing the Vandy lines would be:
The 2 series is 90% of the performance level of the 3A series.
The 3A series with two 2wq subs is maybe 80% of the 5s, and not very close to the 5As.
The 5s are about 80-85% of the 5As.

I think Agaffer comes closer to the truth in my opinion. The 3a Sigs are a very good speaker. Paired with the 2Wq subs, they are maybe 85% to 90% of the Model 5's (using superb electronics.) The 5a's are probably 20% better than the 5's. I have not heard a better speaker than the 5a's IMO.
The new Quattro's offer up a very similiar sound to the 3a Sigs and 2Wq combo. They may be a hair more transparent but I wouldn't give up the 3A sigs w/ 2Wq's for them.
If I was looking to buy new, yea, I'd give the Quattro's a look.
The 2Ce Sigs are a good bit behind their bigger brothers although one hell of a speaker for the money. IMO, one of the best all time buys in audio.