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Vandersteen 5a - Setup help needed

Hello,

First of all let me apologize for my English as its not my first language and if something does not make sense, please let me know.

I recently heard pair of Vandersteen 5a playing Pink Floyd and was stunned by the sound. System was driven by Sound Research preamp/amp -  not sure about specifics. By pure coincidence I was on vacation in Florida and found a pair for SALE! I pulled the trigger without even thinking how it will work for me.

Here I am and have no idea how to make it work with what I have:

Arcam AVR850
MCintosh MA250 integrated amp
Cambridge Audio 851n

I tried reaching out to local dealer and Vandersteen and was told its not possible due to crossover situation. However Arcam Avr850 does have a preamp out and ability to connect power amp. I tried tech support and nothing so far...any help will be much appreciated. If what i have is not in any way compatible....what would be a budget configuration I could use? 

Thank you
olegus
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@stringreen ,
Setting the High Pass filters to different settings will not damage anything.
The only result will be either too little or too much bass.
+1 on recommending John Rutan at Audioconnection.
Bob
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Yes your zone 2 approach will work.

download and read the 5a manual

you must know the input impedence of the power amp you use for zone 2

that power amp must have rca inputs.

consult table on M5 filters to set dip switches inside each M5 

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@OP,
You have some great speakers. If I were you, I'd sell my equipment and put the money into something better, like Ayre.
I understand that you don't want to spend more money, but in this case, I think it would be the best move.
Bob
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
IF you want to get it up and running with the ARCAM 429 amp the input impedence is claimed to be 10 K Ohm 
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
(((Setting the High Pass filters to different settings will not damage anything.))) This is not true for example with the 1,2,3 VLR and Treo series because they are full-range speakers / high passed settings are very important w/ Vandersteen subs you can adjust the dip switches to go one adjustment below main amps input impedance, exactly at or up as high as you need. When it comes to the Quatros, Five, New Kento, and Sevens series they all must have the high pass set perfectly @ 100 HZ, Kento 200HZ or it could be a costly mistake. Confirming this with a Voltmeter and Vandertones as read in Vandertones confirms how to set the proper adjustment settings. Best JohnnyR
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