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7es-3 + Line Magnetic vs Vandy Quatro + AR VSI 55?

So I was looking into buying a system with the Harbeth 7es-3 + Line Magnetic 501-a gold series integrated + Line Magnetic 502ca dac. I auditioned this and quite enjoyed it.

Lately I found a used deal for Vandersteen Quatros + Audio Research VSI 55 integrated for about the same money.

Which direction would you go? I heard a pair of Quatros a couple of years ago and liked them, but I have never heard the AR VSI 55 much less in combo with the Vandys.
aceofhearts
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
The ARC has unquestionable brand cache and would be very easy to sell if you didn't keep it. Word of mouth says the LM amplifiers really are good sounding(which you've heard and verified) and well built. Sound quality would be my top priority.
bjesien
1,237 posts
 
You need to listen with your own ears and mind. I've owned entry to mid level Audio Research gear and was never satisfied with the sound. It's smooth and gentle on the ears but I never found the golden tones that I value. More silvery and a little sterile to me.
I paired the gear with Vandersteen 5's and the vsi 55 with I believe Devore Super 8's and Nines. I really did enjoy the Ref amps with Verity Parsifals at a shop in Boston. Still though, they didn't have the warmth I've come to enjoy.

Admirable company, great products, not for me. I should add that I've enjoyed VAC, Luxman, Mastersound amps more. Nver heard of Line Magnetic.
audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
Bjesien
Agree,Good advice,he should listen with his own ears.
Regarding your ARC comments ((I really did enjoy the Ref amps))) Could the difference you heard of possibly been
the Cables you had In your system?
I saw in a prior post you were running Synergistic and Nordost cables.
We found Synergistic to have rolled bass and Nordost
to be lean and clean.
Cheers JohnnyR
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