5A Vandersteen


I am finding it a near-tragedy that this loudspeaker has been discontinued. It is/was a masterpiece (in my opinion), and was "near-affordable" for many. There are many great speakers to choose from, and this one was near the top. I have a pair, and mourn the loss.
rpeluso
I've have always felt like the Quatros were the best value in the line, especially the Woods (CT or ceramic tweeter).  I am using mine with an Audiokinesis SWARM subwoofer array which eliminates the need to go up to a 5 or 7 to get the better bass or power response - the SWARM is better because it is distributed and by being so addresses your room modes.  (I have extensive room calibration data to prove it.)

It will interesting to see what changes Roger makes to improve the Quatro - he has an excellent ear and he really understands the phase coherent multi-driver design better than anyone else.  The only thing that compares is a equalized full range single-driver on an open baffle with a bass augmenter, like Pass's SLOB open baffle design.

Vandersteen has a new model coming out this year.  Kento???? if I remember correctly.  Anyway I think in the $38K range.


I love my 5A's.....beautiful in the optional Kowazinga wood.  A furniture repair guy who I had come over to repair some furniture scratches (not the Vandy's) told me the finish is as perfect as one can get. ...so is the music.
There's a pair of 5As on USAudio Mart for $6500 that has been on there for 4 &1/2 months.  I presume therefore there has to be some price flexibility.  Upgrading them will be 2 1/2 times his asking though (if RV consents to waive his official policy of doing so for original owners of 5s - not unlikely IMO). 

Finding non-aluminum tweetered Vandersteens used is always a rarity & there are none on AG just now, but there is a Treo Carbon & a Quatro CT (on 50 days) on US Audiomart.  All of the above in the U.S.