Zargon, thanks for the input. The 5A path seems right. One thing I like about Vandesteen is he has a design philosphy that he can articulate (on speaker boxes, on subwoofer integration, on multiple drivers covering the same frequency. on time and phase etc). Not only articulate, but one that has been consistent for 20+ years. Also a reason I like CAT equipment.
It sounds as if the 5As have some type of equalization programming to improve the bass/room interface. In some of the material I have read, the argument for using of subwoofers on corners for best room/bass acoustical interface seemed to make sense (the ideal location for mids and highs is not the same as the best location for producing bass). Also the the idea that having the subwoofers in a separate box would improve the on the deleterious effects of low frequency interference with the mid range and tweeter - I assume that some of the additional cost of the 5As is dealing with implementing a mechanical engineering solution to this problem.
The strength of those principles suggests that much of what went into the 5As (besides better drivers? crossovers? and fine cabinetry?)are electrical and mechanical solutions to inherent problems resulting from all the drivers being in one box. It sounds as if Richard succeeded admirably while producing a speaker aesthetically better suited for most rooms. I would think if the 5As sound better that the 3A/2w approach it would be due to better parts and tolerances, as "natural" principles seem to favor the use of dual separate subwoofers as a solution to some typical speaker design problems and compromises.
It sounds as if the 5As have some type of equalization programming to improve the bass/room interface. In some of the material I have read, the argument for using of subwoofers on corners for best room/bass acoustical interface seemed to make sense (the ideal location for mids and highs is not the same as the best location for producing bass). Also the the idea that having the subwoofers in a separate box would improve the on the deleterious effects of low frequency interference with the mid range and tweeter - I assume that some of the additional cost of the 5As is dealing with implementing a mechanical engineering solution to this problem.
The strength of those principles suggests that much of what went into the 5As (besides better drivers? crossovers? and fine cabinetry?)are electrical and mechanical solutions to inherent problems resulting from all the drivers being in one box. It sounds as if Richard succeeded admirably while producing a speaker aesthetically better suited for most rooms. I would think if the 5As sound better that the 3A/2w approach it would be due to better parts and tolerances, as "natural" principles seem to favor the use of dual separate subwoofers as a solution to some typical speaker design problems and compromises.