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Vandersteen 5A or Sonus Faber Stradivari Homage

I am trying to decide between the Vandersteen 5A and the SF Stradivari. I have been into this CRAZY hobby for about 25 years and have owned speakers such as the Revel Studio V1, SF Cremona M and currently own Magnepan 3.7s with Vandersteen 2WQ subs. I listen to a variety of music, but mostly Rock and Pop music. I love a warmer sound to handle the poorly recorded Rock and I enjoy being able to listen fairly loud at times. Of the above I have owned, the SF Cremona were the best all rounders. The maggies although very good bloat at higher volumes. I should mention I use Levinson Mono blocks and Bryston processor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
troyseaward
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Hello Troyseaward
Did you purchase used Five As?
Did you insert the High Pass units?
How did you determine the proper dip switch settings for x 5 High pass?
Open up and check the date on the batteries to make sure they are good.
Laser check tilt.
Did you spike the speakers?
Are the cones tight.
Cheers JohnnyR Vandy dealer
troyseaward OP
11 posts
 
I purchased them used from a reputable dealer. they are 5 years old in like new condition. Batteries were changed 2 months ago. I used the chart to tilt them and installed the cones finger tight. I installed the filters and my Levinson mono blocks have 50 kilo ohm input single ended and it shows to have NO dip switches on. Have have no idea what to with the tone test cd or the 11 bands on the back so I have them at straight up default. I do have a SLM. After doing all I could do by ear, they sound good but not quite what I was expecting. Bass not as powerful as I thought it would be. I find I need to turn the setting high and it seems like the subwoofers make a bloating sound at a higher volume on certain tracks.

Is it just the way they are or have I done something wrong?
Any help is greatly appreciated. I am going to have a chat with my dealer over the phone to get some help.
audiodude1aol
18 posts
 
The adjustments are hugely important. Take the time to get it right. You'll be amazed.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Do what JohnnyR says. I can PROMISE you that there is none better in setting up a Vandy set up. I've been to nearly all the dealers in this country that do high end over the years and he's as good as anyone.

Time for me to get my own list together to sell everything off so that I may get my Treo's, lol.

The 5's are as good as advertised, promise. Just natural sounding and not etched or too 'detailed' which often is just distortion. Promise that once dialed in, you'll love em.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
(((Batteries were changed 2 months ago speakers 5 years old))
Were the Inside the speakers3 9volt X over batteries in each speaker done also?
You will need a voltage meter to confirm you have the dip switches set correctly as in the manual. track 27 1 v ac
trk 30 .707 confirm
Only after that can you begin to get the target numbers to set your in room compensation properly.
You can call me at 973-239-1799
JohnnyR
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