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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
machine
71 posts
 
maineiac,i have seen 5a's sell on this site for as little as 7500.00.[only once,sold instantly].
kmiller5
86 posts
 
I would upgrade your components before I spent the money to upgrade the speakers. I think you'd get more bang for your buck by upgrading to the Ayre K-1xe and V-1xe.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
Audiophilia is all about upgrading. If you dont, you will know that your speakers' potential is compromised, and you will feel pain in that. I have heard that the 5A's are about to be updated. Richard V said that the biggest problem with the 5A's is that the speaker is all time aligned except for the woofer. I suppose the 5B's or whatever they will be called will be completely time aligned. Lets get out the checkbook yet again.
lithojoe
119 posts
 
Yes, contact Richard. He will tell all you want to hear and more. The consumate sales rep.and biggest advocate for his line-up.
joey_v
669 posts
 
I would sell the 5s used... then buy a pair of used 5As.

The best way to go about this is this though... do not sell until after you buy and after you take delivery of the 5A (used). Then you can do a demo and be sure of your decision. Not only that, but you will guarantee yourself to not be "speaker-less" in the interim that you sell your 5s only to find there are no 5As to be had on audiogon.

Buy the 5As used, then sell your 5s. I think your net loss would be at most, $3K. That's a LOT easier to swallow than a $9K loss that you will absolutely NEVER see again in the used/resale market... given the price that a used 5A picks up.

Do not blow your money away like that, especially with middle America tight with money in this economic time of ours.

Good luck with your decision.

Joey
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