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Vandersteen 5A vs Mcintosh XRT28

I've had the 5A's for almost a year and while I do love their sound I'm thinking of trying something different ;) I heard the XRT28's at RMAF in 2007 or 2006 - don't remember exactly which and I really liked them. Do you guys think I'm going to regret it? I can do a trade with a dealer on the speakers. My Cary 211 amps are rated at 110wpc and I feel that may not be enough drive the 28's properly. My room is 15x23x14 with an open back. I like that the 5A's have 400wpc sub amps - the 28's do not and are about the same efficiency(88). Just looking for some opinions - I know this is an open ended question that only hearing both side by side would answer but that isn't possible.
Thanks in advance ;)
Tony
128x128mantis007
brucel
2 posts
 
Leave well enough alone!!! The 5A's are a great speaker if you're into music & not the gear. I'm a season ticket holder to a major Symphony & the Vandersteen's are pretty close in tonally,sound staging & coherency of a full Orchestra. Full scale weak? Yes but all but the big boys are{ Genesis I , Infinity IRS , Wilson & Big horn systems}
They are correct not all jacked up in the highs for that so called air the reviewers push in the mags.Well that's my 2 cents, with that & a couple a bucks you can get a cup of coffee
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
p.s....keep the vandy's
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
After hearing the XRT1ks twice in two diffferent systems lately i too am considering switching to the Mcintosh speakers. This is coming from someone who has never considered Mcintosh speakers in the past. The ones i heard are much nicer than the 5As IMO. (I am a big fan of the Vandersteens) I wonder how close the XRT28s would get me to the XRT1ks? Anyway they are also very room friendly and the Macs I heard (XRT1K) are awesome.
I would try them with your amps before making the change. I am guessing they would do better with more juice. Keep us informed.
beemer
444 posts
 
The Vandies may appear boring however that's because they don't really do anything wrong.

The McIntosh titanium dome tweeters have that initial "sizzle" and excitement however after 6-8 months with them you may be longing for the Vandies back as that sizzle starts to eat your eardrums.

Keep this in mind!

Best,

Paul :-)
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
Paul,
Have you had a chance to hear the Mac speakers mentioned? there was zero sizzle when I heard them. They have a sweet treble and great bass, with the best midrange i have heard from any speaker yet.
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