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Your thoughts about an upgrade

I currently listen to vinyl and digital through a VTL integrated amp feeding Vandersteen Treo CT speakers. The November Stereophile review of Vandersteen’s Quatro CT Wood speakers and M5-HPA amplifiers (which is apparently not on-line yet) has made me think seriously about making the jump, which would also require a new pre-amp and lots of cabling.

My listening room is 12.5’ x 15’ and I’ve never turned the volume on the current system above halfway. I think I’m not hearing as much bass as I would like, but it very much depends on the recording I’m listening to.

I can probably go hear the new setup at the dealer and will do so, but I’d be interested in anyone’s thoughts on this move.
john_g
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lak
4,687 posts
 
John_g, I think you would be pleasantly surprised by adding one or two subwoofers. REL's are currently on sale in many places including https://rel.net/product-category/serie-ti/?utm_campaign=October%20Sale%203rd%20Reminder%20Consumers%...
If you can afford it go with millercarbon's suggestion.
john_g OP
81 posts
 
noromance2,472 postsI am curious though about where your Rega P3 is located in a corner and if it will be subject to acoustic feedback.


The Rega is in fact in a corner, although it's mounted on Rega's wall mount to a reinforced exterior wall. My location choices in this room are somewhat limited. What are the effects of acoustic feedback?

tomcarr
1,546 posts
 
+2 for millercarbon's suggestion of a DBA ("Swarm")
gdnrbob
4,460 posts
 
@OP, 
The Swarm is definitely one way to go, but I would suggest getting either a pair of 2wq or Sub 3 subs. I really like how the Vandy method relieves the amp from reproducing the power draining bass frequencies. ( I don't know if the Swarm method does this or not, though AudioKinesis should be able to confirm this)
I also own the Treo's (non-CT) and will upgrade to the new Sub 3's when I sell my 2wq's. I think it should get me to about 90% of a Quatro.
I would also consider moving to a zero feedback amp- Like Aesthetix, Ayre or Atma-Sphere.
Bob
john_g OP
81 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded for your thoughtful insights. I went to the dealer (Stereo Unlimited in San Diego) yesterday and they didn’t have the setup in the store. They’ll call me when they do, and I’ll go check ’em out with a couple of recordings I know pretty well. I’ll report back when I do.
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