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Vandersteen Model 7 in large room with power music

I will be listening to the Model 7s tomorrow at Audio Connections in NJ. My room is 32 x 18x 10 and I listen to a lot of power type classical music. These speakers have been criticized by TAS (Harley) for not being good at loud levels in large rooms. Anyone have any experience with this speaker in that situation? I now use RS1Bs which are very dynamic and are great in a large room but have no where near the transparency of even the Model 5As. Still I do not want not can I afford to spend big bucks on the large Nolas which I heard at Lyric and really liked although $45,000 would still be a large financial stretch for me. Comments. I would be using VTL 300s with the speaker and a Spectral 20 preamp.
ruxtonvet
dawgfish
110 posts
 
I have the 5A's and am in serious lust with the 7's. If my finances allowed the step up to the 7's, I surely would have taken it rather than opting for the 5A's, which are still awfully nice. But the earlier posters are right: the 7's are in a whole 'nother league.

One thing you might want to keep in mind is that the powered subs in the upper end Vandy's mean less strain on your amp, meaning that you may get more bang for your amplifier buck than you would with other "statement" speakers. In other words, a step up to the 7's might not require you to trade up in amplification, while a step up to other top-notch speakers might. Not definitely, but might.

Just something to keep in mind.

Happy listening.
sonofjim
557 posts
 
So what's the verdict? Did you hear the 7s? I agree with tdaudio. My room is very nearly the same dimensions as yours and I notice no problem with "image height" or dynamics with my 5As. Maybe my electronics play a role but, if anything, I find myself turning it down to keep levels comfortable. (tube front end with Ayre MX-Rs driving the speakers as Platinumplus aluded to) The 7s should be even more dynamic. Surely I'm
no genious at set up. I'd say try the 5A and save yourself $35,000. If you 're not happy, list the 5As on audiogon. I have several friends who
would like a pair.
emailists
607 posts
 
Is there anywhere in South Florida to hear the Vandersteen 7.

Either an owner or dealer?

Thanks.
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