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Vandersteen Kento Specs Released

From Vandersteen email:

Featuring  a carbon tweeter, the Model Seven MK II midrange, new 9-inch subwoofer drivers powered by 400-Watt Linear Amplifier and increased midbass adjustability resulting in a more open and expansive soundstage, and greater bass authority than the now retired model 5A Carbon.

Vandersteen Audio is very proud to premiere the KĒNTO Carbon, the newest Vandersteen loudspeaker. The previous model at this price level, the Model 5 represented the first Vandersteen speaker with an adjustable powered subwoofer built into the full range enclosure to pursue the ideal time and phase alignment of all drivers. The original Model 5 had been in constant production for over twenty years, where it was firmly ensconced as a Stereophile Class A Recommendations, and was a perennial TAS Editor's Choice and winning universal praise from reviewers and consumers around the world. All of which is testament to the fact that it’s a tough speaker to improve upon! However, Richard and Nathan Vandersteen, the architects of this ambitious project, found that using side-firing 9 inch drivers allowed for further bass and mid-bass integration adjustment in any space. This breakthrough along with the existing carbon tweeter and newly combined with the patented Model Seven midrange yields results never seen at this price point. Early measurements and listening show this speaker’s performance will be a good part of the Model Seven Mk.II and a significant step forward with it’s new proprietary technological features. This speaker is priced at an introductory price of $37,500 per pair in painted or wood veneer finishes, and will be available early in 2020. A small deposit will hold your place and you can decide your finish later. See your Vandersteen dealer for details.

KĒNTO Carbon Specifications
Tweeter
Exclusive Aerodynamic Dual-Chamber, Transmission-Line Loaded Carbon Dome with Ferrofluid Voice-Coil Cooling

Midrange
4.5” Patented Perfect Piston™ Midrange with 3-Layer Carbon Fiber/Balsa/Carbon Fiber Cone, Die-Cast Aerodynamic Basket with Neo-Magnet Assembly and Ferrofluid Voice-Coil Cooling

Mid-Woofer
6.5” Woven-Fiber Cone and Precision-Formed Magnet Assembly Copper Faraday Ring

Subwoofer(s)
(2) 9" Aluminum Drivers with Long-Throw Motor Assemblies
Phase
Positive
Subwoofer Amplifier
400-Watt Class B High-Current Amplifier with Fully Regulated Switching Power Supply

Recommended Amplification
40-200 Watts Into 8 Ohms

Frequency Response
23 Hz – 40kHz +/- 3 dB
Sensitivity
85 dB, 1 meter/2.83 volt input
Impedance
4 ohms +/- 1 ohms
Crossovers
First order/6dB per octave, 200Hz, 900Hz, 5kHz
Input Terminals
Barrier strips, 1/2" max width
Dimensions (WHD)
12” x 47” x 19”
Weight
110 lbs. Ea. Net
Country of Manufacture
Made in the USA in a solar powered factory

cedargrover

Showing 5 responses by ctsooner

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I can see where many wouldn't like the woofer cover.  That said, I have my Quatro's painted in black metallic.  I promise you that you wouldnt' even see the cover in that paint job.  you can also get the lighter colored or gray colored cloth's.  

I begged Richard to make the Quatro with carbon fiber tweeter and mid, but was told it was so expensive to do, that it didn't make sense.  Then he figured out a way to give us the 7's in a smaller enclosure for those who can't fit or afford the 7's.  Compared to the rest of the under 40k market, I have a feeling that these will become a best value as all Richard's gear is.  

I'm using The Memory Player server/DAC and it's the best digital I've ever heard bar none.  There are so many ways you can go when pairing a speaker like this. Fairly easy to drive, so you can go tubes or SS like the other Vandy's.  I bet it crushes it with Richard's new amp (a birdie who was at the show fell in love and said he couldn't believe the room filling bass and quality of it.  

I can't wait to hear it.


ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
The mid and mid woofer are woven fiber units.  The bass is a carbon/celluos cone.

Richard went with those 7 drivers (also matched to the same tolerances I bet to get identical L/R speakers.  I was told that it is very close to the 7's and not to the older 5's.  Dramatic change and why the price went up a bit.  
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Bob, that will be fun for you I'm sure.  I can't wait to hear the Kēnto.  
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
It's not the same base at all.  Design is similar (HRS in there I think), but it's contoured to the speakers as you can see.  

Richard has already started his tour of the country for the Kento.  Pretty cool.  I know he'll be at Audio Connection in NJ on Nov 2. Not sure of the rest of his schedule.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
lol... too funny Jim.  It's true though.  Bob, yes, I'm should be able to go, health considering.  

Spoke with someone else about Kento last night.  He said they are as good as any 50k speaker he's ever heard.  That takes up a lot of territory, lol.  Oh, he's never been a Vandy fan.  He also said that RMAF was great this year with a lot of nice toys.
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