Vandersteen Model 7: has anyone heard?

I've never heard or seen the 7s but this lean bass observation puzzles me. I've had the 5As for about six years now and lean bass has never been an issue. Bass is actually a strong point. Tight, firm, strong and well defined. There is essentially no difference in the bass module used in the 7. It's one of the few things with very little change over the 5A. I suspect the guys here postulating less than optimal setup are on the right track to explain these scattered observations.

I am a 5A owner which when set up properly is already a great speaker. When I heard the 7's I personally felt that although it was slightly better, it wasn't worth the upgrade FOR ME. Richard said that I would hear a greater difference set up in my room. For me, however, although I think Vandersteen and John Rutan are Wonderful guys to work with, it wasn't the significant cost to upgrade. That is true only more so, for the 5A carbons. If I were to start again, and not own the 5A's, I would be much more interested.

Greetings Stringreen
Thanks for your post and observation.
when you popped in I wish I was there as you caght me with my pants down breaken in a cheap amp not
up to the task of the sevens
I would like to invite you in next time
to expierience what your keen ears deserve.
Thanks JohnnyR

The perceived lack of bass impact could have been set-up. What those of us who have experienced the 7s know for sure is that they have decidedly excellent and accurate bass.
I would posit that, as is often the case, some listeners are simply accustomed to the exaggerated bass that exemplifies so much of the industry.
My suggestion, when encountered by just such an occasion, is to go with the accurate bass (Ie. Vandy 7) and then spend a few bills on a subwoofer to rumble your belly with.
You'd still be ahead of the game compared to all the bloaters out there.

The bass response of the 5s and 7s are so accurately refined that the idea of adding anything to them is as repulsive to me as someone painting a sidebar on a Rembrandt.

The uniqueness of Richard's solution is the extraordinary flexibility for speaker placement within the room and capability to adjust and tune the subs to the room. Controls for not just 11 bands of frequency response, but contour and level as well.

When it comes to the 7s, the bass is somewhat improved of the already great 5s due to higher capacitance in the sub amp power supply, but more importantly, a more accurate midbass driver. Bass can contain a very high bandwidth for example a strong wack on a large drum. The midbass carries a surprising amount of the load for this type of signal.