Steve and Mike, I am in complete agreement with you about the sound quality of the 5's (and 5a's). Everyone who has heard our system has raved about the sound, which is truly sublime and deeply involving and satisfying. However, I can't ignore the fact that as we have made improvements in our home decor, my wife has become, in her own quiet sweet way, increasingly unhappy with the appearance of the Vandy's in the LR, and there is no other place to put them except build a listening room in our unfinished basement. Before you say, "Buddy, you just solved your problem!", let me just say that separating myself physically from my family to pursue my passions is not a tradeoff I'm willing to make. My wife's happiness is more important to me than keeping the Vandy's when I could have speakers that sound 90% as good, but look 1000% better to her. Life is all about priorities... And it is not as though I'll be miserable with any other speaker. As long as I buy wisely we should be able to get speakers that are mutually satisfying. At least this is what keep telling myself, although putting on a favorite LP, turning off the lights, and savoring the sensation of beautiful music emerging from the 5's does weaken my resolve to "Do the right thing"!!!