To Vandersteen or not to Vandersteen

^Your criticism is not without merit, and there are others to boot. Perhaps that's why I chose Thiels. But, still it wasn't an easy decision and dollar for dollar I still stand by my earlier declaration. Once again, YMMV.:-)

if I were in your shoes I would try to hear some of the GoldenEar products - per the recent raves in the mags...

Shakey,

Vandersteen has never been my cuppa either. I like something with more jump factor and the feeling of live musicians in the room. Their top of the line might do it (although the original Model 5 didn't overly impress when it first came out) but I have never heard the 2 or 3 sound more than average.

Funny I always felt the same way after hearing the model 5's at a dealer for many years. About a year ago I purchased a pair of 5's that needed some work. So I finally got around to finishing that task. Plopped then in my system and I was astonished how they sounded. The jump factor and the feeling of live musicians in the room was better than most speakers I had heard in my system or others. I was very taken back by what I was hearing and granted I did not set them up properly yet as instructed by the manual. Go figure, I have to change my opinion on them now. BTW, I build my own preamp and I think that what I am hearing is because of my preamp and how it mates with the Vandersteen 5's. I never heard a speaker with such a black background, detail, clarity and musicality like what I am hearing now. Anyone what to sell me some Vandersteen 5 carbons cheap?

So the point is that your speakers need to match your components to sound their best.

Happy Listening.

Simao....I strongly recommend you talk to Audio Connection in New Jersey. They are a Vandersteen and Maggie dealer. John who owns the place will give you lots of good advice. I have Vandersteen 5A's and are very happy with them.

I have the 3ASigs and I love the way they sound. The thing with Vandersteens is that you have to really take the time to set them up properly to get all of what they have to offer and they have a lot. It took much trial and error but the pay off is tremendous. I also would second the recommendation of contacting John Rutan @ Audio Connection in Verona NJ. John really knows the speakers and is more than happy to make sure you're getting the best results.I also own Maggie 1.6 and have gotten the most out of them as well and I must give credit to John for helping me. Happy Camper? Yes I am!