Vandersteen 7 mark ll or big Kef blades

@hifiman5 

I'm stunned.

OP, if you can afford the Vandersteens... they are absolutely outstanding.  In the uber expensive department speakers I've heard, properly set-up they are just unreal.

The Blades are OK.  I've heard them outperformed by lower priced speakers.  They are not bad, just wouldn't be my first pick in that price range. Frankly, I would to the legacy's over them on a pure sound basis. I like the Vandersteen 5a Carbon a lot better at that price point.

If I had a killer loft apartment in NYC, wanted something to look unique and sound decent, I could see getting the Blades, they certainly make a statement.  

If you go to the shows and meet with Legacy, talk to them.  They have always offered nice deals to show attendees I've found.  

But, if you are going to drop that much cabbage on speakers... ultimately I would make sure to listen to them.  

looks like the 5a Carbon is now out of production....used would provide stellar value.... before buying Blades seek out used 5a Carbon or talk w dealers about what Vandersteen model ( forthcoming ) will replace it..

Just my $ buck-fifty..

Jim and Dave
Global Vandersteen Fan, sometime not for profit vintage crack audio dealer....

@tomic601

Did not know that on the 5a Carbon, those are a really good speaker.... something to watch for used down the road. Wonder if a replacement is coming? 

Quattro CT is really a nice speaker, and all I probably need for my space. But they just never, ever show up used. Likely the sign of a good speaker.

 @dep14 There is a replacement in work for the 5a carbon - fall delivery

yes used Vandersteen with carbon are rare as hens teeth.....

owning both 7 mk2 and TREO ct
i can tell you how special they are....

enjoy the music, that is what it’s all about

Add my vote for the 7s.

I have 5A carbons. For 25 years my wife put up with my audio habit and its intrusion into our living room. She would listen but it was never a big thing for her. Three days after the 5A carbons were installed I came home to find her listening with the lights dimmed and a candle going. The first words out of her mouth were "you HAVE TO hear this song on THESE speakers." A complete transformation in attitude and interest. Now she listens to her favorite music after I upgrade or tweak and gives her opinion. Her latest text started off with "the system is sounding particularly amazing today" .... (this was after adding a couple of AQ Hurricane AC cables .... another story....) 

The 7s tunable bass, balsa wood drivers and stealth enclosure combine to make one amazing sounding speaker. I spent a couple years going shows and dealers before I pulled the trigger on the 5A carbons. There is only one speaker upgrade I want and its the 7s. This year hopefully.