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To those who've tkn Vandersteen 5A upgrade plunge

I've got a pair of Vandersteen 5's (am the original owner), and am curious as to what the experience has been for those who have upgraded, in regards to changes in the sound, since it's an expensive upgrade, and I've heard differing opinions before as to just how much of a difference it makes.

I've considered taking the money it would cost and putting it into a relatively better turntable cartridge, cd player, or possibly preamp at a future date; I currently have an SME 20/SME V combo plus an Ayre cx-7e, K3x, and V5xe(though it's quite possible I'd spend the saved money on the rig anyway, even w/ the upgrade...). Do you think the money is better spent elsewhere, or as well or better spent here?

Thanks for any feedback!
aubullience
maineiac
649 posts
 
I believe one benchmark for valuing the upgrade option is the difference in used prices. Right now a 5A vs a 5 in the classifieds in $7400. So if you sold your 5s and then bought used 5As it would cost you net about $7K. Add to that shipping and whatever you would have to pay to get a dealer to help set them up and you are probably not far from the $9K. To me, if you really like the 5 I would go listen to the 5A somehow and if it seemed like a great place for you to be, then throw down for upgrading your speakers. It's only your money.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Don't get me started about the "needing the dealer to come out and set them up" business. If I had known about all that (my fault for not enough research), I would not have bought these 5's.

As an aside, I have all the original packaging and live just a pleasant half day ride from Hanford. When I inquired about packing them up and delivering/picking them up myself, the answer was - no, you must go through your dealer. With all due respect, after speaking with the dealer nearest me, I'm not going that route.
stang500hpaol
51 posts
 
If you bring in the speakers youself there is
from what i remember a freight allowance you would $save
better call vandersteen and ask him 559 582 0324
These speakers are easy to set up if you are used to adjusting a thermostat you can do it, although a good dealer may be worth having as a friend a good woman is also a good thing to have help read you read the meter while adjusting.
Just dont forget to follow the 70 percent target in the manual.
Cheers Johnnyr
mikej
172 posts
 
4yanx, where are you located? Have you contacted Richard?
machine
71 posts
 
maineiac,i have seen 5a's sell on this site for as little as 7500.00.[only once,sold instantly].
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