2. amps-preamps
  3. 1299986282

Any tube rec's on Vandersteen 5's

Fellow Agoners, I'm looking for tube recommendations for the Vandersteen 5 series. I am looking to spend no more than $2800 used and think somewhere between 80 to 100+ watts might be sufficient.

Have Joule LA150 mk 2 pre and Ayre CX7e CDP and some synergistic and Nordost cabling and nice Nordost conditioning systems. Also have decent vinyl system that comes and goes based on room availability.

Looking for something on the warmer side of ARC VS series.
I'm considering the VAC musicblocks. I've owned an Avatar SE in the past and liked it with my devore 9's, but am wondering if the VAC Vandersteen combo might be a tad warm.

I really look for dimensionality in a pure band setup format but tonal accuracy is also important to me.
bjesien
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
The speaker is 8 ohms and friendly to tubes.
dawgfish
157 posts
 
I also have Vandy 5A's and they sing with the Ayre SS amp I use. But that's neither here nor there, given that your question is about tube amplification.

Within your budget, there is currently a pair of VTL MB125s on the 'Gon. I've heard other VTL amps work well with Vandy speakers and I think these might be a real match.

I have no relationship with the seller.

However you choose to go, enjoy those great speakers. Happy listening!
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I had the VTL 750's on the 5A's as well. I still would go with the Quicksilver in your price range.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
One of the best sounding rooms at CES a few years ago was Vandy 5s with Elrod cables and Joule Electra electronics. Think the source was a VPI Scoutmaster, but not sure if I recall correctly.

VZN100s would be a great match, especially since you already use a Joule pre. Cheers,

Spencer
audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
We have taken customers VTL 450s in trade which are fine amps toward the Quicksilver Balanced V4s
The QV4 V5 combination just works and with Tungsol KT 120s puts the V4s amps on another level add in semi cool run Temp & issue free operation.
FYI yes i am a dealer for both
Cheers Johnnyr
More to discover