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Vandersteen-like "In-between" speakers

I have a pair of Vandersteen 3A signature speakers that came on loan from my brother and I have to give them up in about a month. I am using them with a McCormack DNA-225 and they sound great. I have heard from others that Vandersteen works well with McCormack.

I don't want to spend more money than I have to, but I have about $6K set aside to buy my own speakers. This amount is much more than the 3A signatures. There is no way that I can stretch to buy the Vandersteen 5 or 5A's. A friend of mine has them and they are fantastic.

Can anyone suggest a speaker in my price range, which falls between 3A and 5A, that will give me the same "flavor" as the Vandersteens and will mate well with McCormack? I listen to all kinds of music except very little classical - mostly rock, jazz, bluegrass, vocals.
motdathird

Showing 5 responses by motdathird

motdathird OP
77 posts
 
Thanks you Marakanetz but I don't think I would want to spend another $3K to get something that might be just "no worse" than the Vandys. I'd expect definite improvement! :-)

I have thought about buying my own 3A sigs. I am not one who is all that thrilled at the idea of using a sub. If I were to go that route I would probably just get a really good pair of monitors with a sub. I have always liked floorstanders but am leaving open my options
motdathird OP
77 posts
 
In response to Newbee, these are a few things I like about the 3A'a.

They seem to get the soundstage and imaging right like the level of voices and positioning of instruments. But, this might be due more to positioning and placement.(?)

They have very tight but not "bloaty" bass, at least in my room.

The highs are detailed without being hard. This is something that might be a plus when using with any SS amp.

I find they are very detailed and musical at low volume levels. Many times I listen in mid-evening when my kids are doing homework and cannot turn the crank up too much. Some speakers I have heard are weak at low volume.
motdathird OP
77 posts
 
I have to say that Sdcampbell makes a very attractive statement when it is said that less emphasis on cabinets equals more sound for the money.

No speakers better for another $3K seems that there must be a big void in this price range. Do others agree?

I have not even considered electrostatic speakers.
motdathird OP
77 posts
 
Thanks to all for the advice and those that have kept focus on considering the questions asked regarding the 3A in comparison to the 5A and what might lie between (having no interest in the 3 or 2ce).

If sticking with the 3A/2wq option the choices are new and used. I would, of course, like to save as much as possible but I would need to find these locally as to possible avoid shipping damage and costs. This could take awhile since I know my brother is not going to sell his! Buying new would be the easiest way to go.

The other option is to find something else in between the 3A and 5A and the consensus seems to be that there is little that will be too much better in that category based on what I like. This is about what I figured but I am still open to further suggestions.
motdathird OP
77 posts
 
Part of my concern with using subs is practical. It is another connection to be made and more wire to buy. Also, I've always understood that sub placement can be tricky in a lot of rooms, especially using two. But, the right placement can work wonders. I wonder if these Q's will be a tradeoff. Some sort of convenience for lack of flexibilty of positioning.
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