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Vandersteen Treo CT vs. 5A

I've enjoyed my 3A Sigs for 15 years. I currently use them with 2 Paradigm Servo 15's fed through a Bryston 10B crossover. I'm happy with the sound but feel the 3As lack the last bit of transparency in the midrange and are a little soft on top. My wife is not a huge fan of their appearance but she appreciates the sound. I tried a pair of Audio Physics recently. Although they were beautiful to look at with imaging and soundstage that bettered the 3As, they were too small for my largish room so I switched back to the 3As.

I'm considering upgrading with Vandersteen but the nearest dealer is 5 hours away. Currently there is a pair or Treo CTs and a pair of 5As w/crossovers for sale online. Both are listed for about $6k.

I'm asking for opinions on which, if either, would be the best choice to upgrade. Go with the Treo and keep my subs, or go with the 5A and repurpose my subs somewhere else. The 5As are the original versions of unknown age.

My amp is an ARC Ref 110 and my room is a large open space w/ 8 ft ceilings.

Any opinions would be appreciated.
nolacap
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
I, too, started with the 3a sigs, and now own the Treo non-CT's.
I used both with a pair of 2wq subs (hopefully upgrading to the Sub 3's soon).
I can tell you you won't be disappointed if you make the move to the Treo's. To me, the Treo's offer an even greater subtlety and refinement than the 3a sigs.
If I were you, and wanted to save some cash, I would find a pair of used Quatro's, CT or non-CT, vs, the 5a;s That would give you the benefit of the onboard subs. Though the CT tweeters are great, I think even finding a non-CT model will still be a significant upgrade to your system-and your ARC should have enough juice for either Treo or Quatro.
You don't mention your preamp.
Bob
nolacap OP
84 posts
 
Bob, Thanks for the feedback. My preamp is a Bryston BP-26 with benchmark DAC3 and VPI Aries/Lyra Kleos/Pass Labs Ono.

Do you think the subs in the Quatro could load my room? It's an odd-shaped room, 16x32 with openings to a hallway and entryway. 
dawgfish
157 posts
 
Not sure why Bob thinks the Quatro's "give you the benefit of the onboard subs" vs. the 5A's.  The 5A's also have on-board, powered subs.
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