Aewhistory...you must have pissed him off somehow. I have found him very pleasant and helpful.
Vandersteen 5?
Hi All,
A relatively local shop has a used pair of Vandersteen 5s for sale. I was originally in the market for Nautilus 803s but these Vandersteens are just barely in the price range. I am guessing that they are older (I have no idea how old yet). The upgrade to Vandersteen 5a is way out of my price range. Would the original 5s be a nice speaker? Will I need to put much money into mantaining them (e.g., replace the subwoofer powersupply or replace the crossover's batteries)?
I have a Krell 400xi, VPI Scout, ZYX Yatra, Innersound Phono, a 14 x 16 dedicated music room where I usually play classic rock. My favorite stuff was a Class A Krell / Nautilus 802 setup that a friend owned (out of my price range). I am upgrading from Matrix 802s.
Thanks,
Jim
A relatively local shop has a used pair of Vandersteen 5s for sale. I was originally in the market for Nautilus 803s but these Vandersteens are just barely in the price range. I am guessing that they are older (I have no idea how old yet). The upgrade to Vandersteen 5a is way out of my price range. Would the original 5s be a nice speaker? Will I need to put much money into mantaining them (e.g., replace the subwoofer powersupply or replace the crossover's batteries)?
I have a Krell 400xi, VPI Scout, ZYX Yatra, Innersound Phono, a 14 x 16 dedicated music room where I usually play classic rock. My favorite stuff was a Class A Krell / Nautilus 802 setup that a friend owned (out of my price range). I am upgrading from Matrix 802s.
Thanks,
Jim
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- 17 posts total
Ljs_fin, as far as Krell and the reviews are concerned, a review is worth something only till you have not auditioned an equipment. Once you have had extensively listened to an equipment, no reviews hold nothing. I have heard the 400xi in at least 5 different setups extensively and thats how I am able to say something about them. BTW, none of those 5 setups have the 400xi today. |
Pani, I agree with you regarding the reviews but cited them because they raised no obvious defects. Regarding the audition in 5 different setups, I don't challenge what you heard for yourself but it is no useful information for anyone else because there are too many variables -- room, speaker, front-end etc. I am simply suggesting that the OP try his Krell before committing resources to another amp over something more important such setting up the room properly. |
Stringreen, as always, YMMV. Actually, I'd met him twice before that episode for a Vandersteen audio event at a local retailer and actually found him to be brusque then as well. Interestingly, before he arrived the first time I asked some of the Vandy-veteran folks what he was like and, to paraphrase, the opinions I got were basically that he was an genius, but a real ass. So far, both meetings and every phone call has borne that out. However, as you noted, the dude may just not like me. Still, I'd argue that ANY customer calling for service should never be verbally attacked. He did this to me multiple times (I wrote about it here recently with somewhat greater detail HERE ). Apparently having burned out a tweeter on one of his precious model 3's was enough to earn this sort of ire. As I've said, wonderful product, lousy human being; but I'm glad that your experiences are better than mine. And the 5's are wonderful speakers. |
I don't think people change even though it's been 7 years, so I will add my 2 cents worth- I love his designs but Mr. Vandersteen is a total prick. The man has absolutely no people skills (at least on the phone; I have never met him in person). I've talked to him at least 3 or 4 times over the years, didn't ask for him but for some reason he picked up every time. Next time if he picks up again I am going to ask to speak to one of his techs instead. |
- 17 posts total