Vandersteen 5

mz.     

yes buy a meter as called out in the manual, the analog Radio Shack
Ebay from a seller w good feedback is normally the best source. The Vandertones are compensated for this particular meters foibles and positive attributes. About $40 seems to be street value for good condition functional meter.

a small camera tripod to keep meter at listening position also good, but I recommend an assistant also.

before you get all that together by all you can certainly set all the screws to neutral, they are not marked and there is more cut than boost intentionally which you will discover by rotating the potentiometers- a jewlers screwdriver works but you might try to get the yellow tool that comes w steens...Jaclyn in parts will know... I am away from my 7 or I would get you p/n but it’s not an exotic thing..partsexpress will have them

You got yourself some good speakers, Enjoy!

You can take out the components and send them back to Vandersteen for the battery change. Its really not that hard and you’ll have a sense of accomplishment when done. There are written directions - only a phillips head screwdriver is needed - no soldering.

(((There are written directions - only a Phillips head screwdriver is needed - no soldering.)))

A number 2 Phillips driver for the 8 silver screws holding the modular Vandersteen X overboard in.
 a couple small screws are also removed with a number 1 Phillips driver on the face.
  you will also need a couple phone books under the fives bass power amp to support it and to remove the black and red drive wires that
are installed into that amp, a small straight blade driver is needed for these. Make certain you take a picture and mark exactly where the RED / Black go back into.
 Upon return, you will need a small strait blade and needle nose to
 reinsert the internal X over feed wires back into the amp.
 Make sure these wires are clean and fully pushed in and snug after insertion.
 Make sure you get 8 10 year lithium-ion batteries when you send them into Vandersteen. 6 for both internal x overs and 2 for the High Pass units. Protect the modular boards extremely well when shipping.
 reset strait up and down out all of the 11 room compensation pots on both speakers especially pots 9 10 11.
 
 Best,
  JohnnyR

@tomic601 Thank;'s for the suggestion - I've ordered the RS sound meter. 
@stringreen @audioconnection  Thank you both I've set the compensation screws to all neutral only 1 and 2 where not strait up. I'm planning on sending the batteries in after thanksgiving. I have  to admit I'm a bit intimidated by the prospect of taking them apart. Do ya'll know the turnaround time?  

The Vandy's sound so amazing now I have a hard time believing (but do) that changing the batteries will improve the sound

I really appreciate everyone's help and guidance and hope to return the favor one day.