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How Much Power Do Vandersteen 5a's Really Need?

I just made a deal for a mint condition pair of these. I've long wanted a really good pair of Vandersteens but didn't have the budget to play in that space. I've read a number of discussions here, and otherwise, talking about this, though they were somewhat older. Despite the fact that the low end in these speakers is internally amplified, and one would think even SET amps, or certainly just about any good push pull tube amp would power these superbly, people generally seem to be throwing a LOT of power at them. Am I missing something?

Any input, expertise, or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
nightfall
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
people generally seem to be throwing a LOT of power at them. Am I missing something? 

Yes: the logarithmic nature of power. 10 dB doesn't sound like much but its TEN TIMES the power. 

Look at the spec- they are 87dB. You can let these guys blow smoke up your a$$ or you can save a ton of time trouble and $$ and cross them off your list.

Never buy speakers under 92dB. Just don't.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,222 posts
 
Although I am firmly entrenched in the "more efficiency, the better" camp, 140 tube watts should be fine to drive these speakers.

Oz


paullb
131 posts
 
I owned 5A’s for many years and drove them with both tubes and solid-state. 100 W should be fine for normal listening, but if you want to party they can really suck up the juice especially in your big room
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,021 posts
 
With your new speakers and your existing amp you have a road racing Porsche. Hyper low distortion , in room real world bandwidth and superb stereo imaging. IF you want loud hyper efficient get a dump truck - it’s a different task at rock concert levels in a large space.

my offer of help stands, Richard invented your great speakers - no better source, glad you spoke with him. He answers the phone, since 1977
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,222 posts
 
So you are saying all high efficiency speakers are "dump trucks"? Please tell me I misunderstood you.......
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