Finally got to hear the new Vandersteen Kēnto's with the
Vandy MP5-HP mono bocks. The cables were William Tell and Hurricane power cords. Pre amp was an Audio Research ref 6. They used the mid size Innuos server along with the AMG Oribt? turntable.
I was not expecting what I heard. I've heard the amps before and they are special. I won't go into other amps that I like, but these are as good or better in this system. I"m talking about amps that are in the under 40k range. Yes, I said it and it's no hyperbole. Everyone who was there said the same thing. They are made for the speakers, but it's an amazing amp that I can' wait to hear full range on other speakers. A buddy of mine who has them at his shop says that he often shows them with other speakers as they are so good. I haven't heard them with anything but Vandy's, so I can't go there.
The speakers....where to start? These are NOT my Quatro's with a couple of extra 9" aluminum drivers and a great looking plinth....NO, these are NOT the 5CT's they are replacing in the line. Technically the tweeter is from the outgoing 5's, but they are nearly identical to the 7's. The mid is the unit used in the 62k 7's and the mid bass unit if from my Quatro's.
I can't get Into all the technical stuff that Richard was sharing, but I know what my ears heard. The bass doesn't have the quantity of the outgoing 5's, but the quality is off the charts. Add a couple of the subs for 5k total and you will be able to fill most any size room. Personally, there was PLENTY of bass adn the sound was full, rich and DEEP....Teh bass lines in some of the songs has my stomach growling, lol. There was that Vandy 7 Magic in the mids. Guys, you need to hear these to appreciate them.
Richard and Brad shared so much about what has gone into these speakers and although they aren't like other companies who tout military grade components and Vcaps or Vishay or..... They are using very expensive components in these things. Richard hand makes the carbon cones and has the drivers made to his specs. The finish was in a very metallic copper color. I have my Quatro's in Audi Havana Black, but after seeing these, I'd have done that finish or the Bentley Crimson color (forget the name)... You can chose any auto paint color or any of the exotic veneer's. All are the same price (37k or so).
I'm not going to say that these are better than the competition, but they are very special and will probably sell well. Don't let the beautiful cabinet and smaller size fool you, these are a must audition. I think most will like them a lot even if you love other brands. IT just plays music.