Revel Salon 2 vs Vandersteen 5a Carbon

Another vote for the 5A carbons from a happy owner. tomic601 said it all with very few words.I will say the same thing with more words.

When I first heard them I was hard pressed to tell the difference between the 5A carbons and the 7s. Now I can tell. But on most recordings its not a big difference. The 5A carbon has the same mid range and sub as the 7. 

The powered bass properly tuned to the room differentiates these from almost everything on the market. I could never go back. You can play music with subterranean bass as loud as you want because the main amp isn't powering the low bass. Its pants flapping, tight, not boomy and definitely not one note. You will hear things you never knew were there. The sound stays relaxed and airy because the main amp never gets pushed.

The carbon clad balsa wood mid range is magic. IMO the only thing better is the 7 but its a lot of money.With the 7 you are paying for a better cabinet and two more drivers made from balsa wood. 

Finally, these speakers transformed my wife's attitude. She used to tolerate the big stereo in the living room. Two days after the 5A carbons were setup I came home to find her listening with the lights dimmed and a candle going. She greeted me with "You have to hear this song on these speakers." Now she invites people over to listen. Complete transformation and she helps me evaluate electronics. 

If you want a pair the best source will be a dealer with a customer upgrading to 7s. You won't find them on Audiogon except very rarely. Audio Connection is a good one and there are others. 

Thank You.

Bought my 5As for under $6k and they are an excellent speaker.  Hard to find something in that price range that will be much better.  I build my own components so I can't help you there.  I was really impressed by the model 7s and if I was going to spend that kind of money that is where I would look for my next speaker.  Not sure how much improvement you get from the 5As to the 5Cs and it depends on the used prices.

Happy Listening.

I have MC462 and Revel Salon2, they are both excellent. I auditioned the Triton years ago, Revel Salon2 was sure the better one. But you need space for the speakers to breath, I would recommend speakers at least 3ft from the front wall, and 8ft to the listening position.

Revel Salon 2 is still one of the best speakers in the world, especially for the money!!!  To this day, when I go to High End Audio Shows, or to any of my local High End Audio shops, I very rarely hear any other speaker, regardless of price, that I would trade them in for.  You just get it all with the Salon 2 speakers.  The Salon 2 is one of those end game speakers that once you get them home and set up properly, they just make you forget about the rest because you're so content with there, top to bottom, absolutely spectacular sound.  They're just that good.