5A Vandersteen

So the Kēnto has been released to the wild.  Rick had an amazing set up at the RMAF from what I was told by a few who attended.  Heard that the new push pull aluminum woofers mated with the same carbon fiber drivers of the 7 is a killer combo.  

Can't wait to hear them myself, but those of us with Vandy's already have a great idea how they will sound considering it's the 7 in a bit smaller and easy to place cabinet.  With the right paint job or wood veneer, they will look super to boot.

It does not have the 7’s tweeter, it has the 5A Carbon’s tweeter and midrange. The midrange is the same for all three. This is based on looking at all the specs on the Vandersteen website. Not mentioned for the Kēnto is if the crossover’s are battery biased. I’d like to understand better how exactly the side firing woofers allow for better room integration. I can only surmise that in the upper bass, say band 9 - 11, that you’re going to get less left side for the left and right side for the right potentially unwanted side wall, as well as rear wall reflections as opposed to the floor firing arrangement, but I’m not really satisfied with that idea. Bass is supposed to be omnidirectional up to a certain frequency, so maybe that’s key in understanding this.

I upgraded form 5s to 5As because my 5s that I purchased used were cosmetically in poor shape.  I had a guy lined up to redo the speakers for a very reasonable price but found a great pair of 5As for cheap, not $5K but close enough.  I really never did a side by side comparison but if my memory is correct the 5As have a little more detail as mentioned already and possibly in ways more separation but that can also sound a little thin.  I have not had the chance to really adjust them so that could be a simple change.  So for what others paid new for the 5As, you can get them relatively inexpensive.  Properly set-up they will sound better than most $30K & under speakers today.  I know that Audio Connection will be the first dealer to get them in so I hope to hear them soon.  I heard the 7 MKII and fell in love with them.  I just cannot justify spending that kind of coin because I just don't listen as much as I want right now plus I'm too cheap.  If someone wants to sell me a pair cheap, I am interested!

Happy Listening

I just spoke with two folks who spent considerable time in the Audio Alternative room with Vandersteen.  Both were amazed.  They do use the same top drivers as the 7's and also use the 7 amp.  they have the same type of HRS vibration control and that 3" granite integrated plinth is beautiful (I think it is).  

They both said that the sound is much much closer to the 7's than the previous 5's.  Full notes with plenty of air around them.  Both said they are the best under 50k speakers they heard at the show.  I found that interesting since neither is a Vandy fanboy.  

look the 5 and the 5a are and always will be towering achievements of sound and value. BUT the carbon drivers are pure water clear !!!! i know this AFTER living with 7 MK2 and the magical 5 parts in signal path model 7 amps. Yes the 5a will outperform the Quattro CT to about 100 HZ, after that all bets off, so it is a matter of taste and room...and your tuning...I continue to obsess with placement, vandertones, noise reduction, power panel grounding, etc.....fun...and the music just gets better!!!!! fun...BTW, the TREO CT is a real hoot....40 wpc NAIM power, drop dead easy....