Harmonic Technology vs Acoustic Zen Recomendations

This much I can say, the Pro-Silway Mk IIs that I loved so much with a tube preamp were however a little too fatiguing with an all solid state system and Thiel CS 1.5s. My room is pretty well damped, but I must sit only 8 ft away. More distance might help. The Vandersteens are supposed to be darker, and may make a better match. If you go with the Thiels, Cardas or MIT cables may be a better match. I'm beginning to believe that the cables that get raved about with most speakers aren't necessarily a good match for phase and time aligned speakers.

Mike R.

I would stay with the ht pro silways. The az silver ref does sound a little more open and detailed, but probably not worth the extra cost. Vandersteen speakers, not being hyper detailed, do not tend to benefit as much from the last 'nth' spent on ultra-expensive electronics. (one of their many charms - my current speakers are ultra-hirez audio physics, but I've owned several vandersteens).
A GREAT speaker cable for the vandersteens is the sumiko ocos.
Theils can verge on brightness. Haven't owned them, so can't help. Have heard they sound best with ultra-detailed, expensive front ends.

I would like to second Z's comments. Vandersteens do really 'come into their own' with certain solid state amps such as the mccormack dna-1 (far and away the best amp I've used with vans), or the 300w adcom 5802. If the van 4 is an active subwoofer design (like the 5's), you would be best served by the smaller, but sweeter voiced dna 0.5. I know I'm answering an unasked question, but I would spend the cash. If you can direct drive from that 1650 (most upper crust denons do if I recall), you could run direct to the amp and get great sound.

Zaikesman, you are correct about the "quest" for better electronics. Always, the more the better, within a budget. However, this is one very special L-02A, possessing sonic qualities very atypical of the traditional "Kenwood" venue. It was their research laborartory equipment, costing many thousands each when produced. Only few were ever sold. Not many know of them. And yes, that was not a typo on the 10,000 dampening factor; has a separate power supply. I will have an opportunity to directly compare the L-02A to more traditionally well-known high end electronics.

Back on the subject, I really appreciate everyone's contribution on the cable recommendation. It seems as though there is a difference of opinions as to the potential benefit of the extra dollars spent on the Acoustic Zen. I will get a hold of a pair of AZ to compare.

I have both the HT Pro-silway MKII as well as the AZ Matrix. Conclusion, HT Pro-silway is now doing surround duty while AZ Matrix takes over the front left and right. AZ is much, much smoother and more dynamic with at least an octave lower in the bass region while the midrange is pure and just so right. The highs are detailed without the edge and harshness of Pro Silway. Actually, HT sounded anemic compare to the Matrix. I cannot imagine anyone preferring the Prosilway over the Matrix especially after a thorough comparison. Easily worth the $100 retail more for the AZ. Go for it!