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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
jkmcc
17 posts
 
Thanks Bob, I’ll head over there at some point and introduce myself.

I spent a productive and enjoyable few hours today making adjustments to the speaker placement - a few inches further apart, toe in - very slight, and the low frequency and bass contour levels. I think I’m getting somewhere! All very exciting.
gdnrbob
4,458 posts
 
@OP, 
And, don't forget to pick @tomic601 's brain. 
He is very knowledgeable with Vandy placement. Also, PM John Rutan (audioconnection). He set up my Treo's with his assistant Samir. Considering that my speakers had to stay in literally one spot, he got them to really disappear. 
Bob
rpeluso
1,085 posts
 
Vandertones still available to download on the website, if needed.  
nightfall OP
193 posts
 
Yes, it is still available on the website, but only as an MP3. I haver no means of playing an MP3 on my system, unfortunately. I do have a streamer, and a NAS, but they only handle FLAC, WAV or DSD files. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,021 posts
 
you can use several programs to convert mp3 to .wav then play via NAS do a google search on converting...
i am working your CD but had a setback in getting access to it.
jim
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