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Speaker Recommendations - from Vandersteen 5As

I have been using Vandersteen Model 5 speakers in my system with excellent results.  I like the open sound, balanced top to bottom sound, sound stage 3D dimension, and having deep bass that is adjustable.  They really have a huge sound that is also very musical.  I used to own Alon V MKII speakers and the Alnico mid-range driver produced a better mid-range sound  compared to the Vandersteens in that one aspect.  That mid-range was just pure magic and the Alons had more impact but were not close to being as balanced of a speaker.  I recently sold my older model 5s because I got a great deal on a much better cosmetic condition Vandersteen model 5As.  To me the 5As just don't sound like my old model 5s.  I have not really had the chance to play around with them that much and my system unfortunately changes in some ways because my Audiomeca CD transport bit the dust.  That was one hell of a great sounding CDT.

I am looking in the $7500 price range and usually purchase used.  I have plenty of dealers in the NYC area that I can visit and people that I know so I will be taking the time to take a look around.  I do like the size of the Vandersteen 5s so that if something I would be considering.  I was thinking of a short list and thought Verity Parsifals, Sonus Faber, Legacy, DeVore, etc.  I tend to focus on piano so I need a speaker that really can produce that sound first before I look elsewhere.  I probably lean towards a musical sound maybe slightly warm, open on top with air.  I can adjust the sound by changing caps and resistors in my components so I guess I just need a balanced sounding speaker with a great mid-range that can also product deep bass.  

Also note that I build my own DAC (separate power supply), preamp (separate power supply) and power amp so I can build anything for any speaker.  Right now my DAC is a DHT design, preamp 6SN7 design and amp is a hybrid 6SN7 design.  My system is dead quiet and the components are reference quality compared to the best that I have compared them to at local dealer showrooms.  I only spin CDs right now through a transport and I am using a Metronome CD1A  transport with a separate power supply.

So knowing that I am in the NYC area, what speakers in the price range should be on my short list to go our and hear?

I probably sound like an A-hole but I would really like some recommendations.  If you are in the local area, I would enjoy the company if you are interested.  I'll buy the pizza and beer!

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
bigkidz OP
3,444 posts
 
Thanks for the great recommendations - responses so far.

I know John at AC very well.  My 5As are just not balanced sounding like my 5s were.  Like I said, I need to play around with them a little more.  I know John would come out and help me when I am ready.  I have really not Ventured out to hear speakers in quit a while so I figured now would be the best time.

I had partnered my equipment with GT Audio here in New Jersey. His speakers are fantastic sounding if I wanted to to more towards electrostatics.

My equipment is on listed here on Audiogon.  I make components so there is nothing out there that really competes with what I have for DAC, Preamp or power amp. 

I have also heard the ProAcs at Audio Connection and they IMO they did not compete with the Vandersteens.  Like I said, my system has changed slightly since the 5s so I need to get back to that system to really evaluate the 5As.

@gdnrbob are you in NYC or the area?  Let me know and we can schedule a play date!
gdnrbob
4,507 posts
 
@bigkidz ,
I’m on Long Island. Let’s make a date. I know for a fact there is a good pizza place just down the road.-though Rutt’s Hut isn’t far either.
I haven't heard of GT Audio until now. I will try to listen to a pair.
As you have listed your equipment here,
I will look at your system. I just can't understand why you are having issues with the 5a's.
Bob
bigkidz OP
3,444 posts
 
@gdnrbob,

Are you a member of the NY Audio Syndrome Audio Group?  Steve is the dealer for the speakers.  If you want to go hear them, let me know and I will meet you there.  If you check out the prior two Capital Audio Fests, they used my DAC with an Esoteric CDP as a transport. I am off the week of August 26th if you have a day you can break free.

I will hook up them 5As again this weekend.  I have an Agon member that I have been friends with for a long time coming in from Ohio.  He has my DAC in his system also.  He heard the 5s in my system at the beginning of this year and freaked out about the sound of my system.  He wanted me to build him an amp.  Funny thing is that the amp is way more improved now versus back then.  I rebuilt the amp form top to bottom all point-to-point wired, etc.

Let me know.

Peter


nrenter's avatar
nrenter
768 posts
 
Are you sure you got the “great deal” you thought you did? Are you sure all the drivers (and the crossovers) are working as expected? 
bigkidz OP
3,444 posts
 
@nrenter No I am not sure.  I used an oscillating sweeping tone and confirmed that all of the drivers are working.  The one sub-amp has a blown capacitor and resistor but it still works.  I have to order those parts and repair that sub amp (this weekend?).  The sub amps do not seem as powerful as my older 5s for some reason. Again I will play around with them over this weekend.  I just finished moving all the gear round so I can get to everything very easily now. If I cannot get them set-up to sound like what I had, I will contact Johnny R to come over for a visit.  He actually knows the person I purchased the speakers from.  That person purchased the model 7s.  I don't know how to test the x-overs so I may have to take them out and send them to Richard V. I am hoping that I don't have to do that.  I also had built my own HP filters that sounded much better than the original Vandersteens HP filters that I used and sold with the 5s so I have ordered the parts to make them again.  That will make a sonic improvement also.

Thanks
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