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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: What is interesting about the design?
Post Subject: What is interesting about the design?Posted by Paul S on: 4/15/2007
I should begin by mentioning that I actually liked Vandersteen's original 2C, within its limits, driven by a nice soft pp amp, like the CJ MV50.  But to me V's designs got/get worse with every "improvement", right up to and including the last 3s I heard.  For one thing, one had to get past that horrific "beryllium" (or whatever it was/is) tweeter in order to even consider the rest of the "design".

It is true, of course, that certain initially-bad-sounding speakers can be tweaked and/or "developed" to "sound good" by drawing/building on their strengths and ameliorating their faults.  But I have not heard to date from the fancier Vandersteens anything that made me hanker for the 5s, reviewer prattle notwithstanding.  I can say the same for any Thiels I have heard, which may put this into better perspective for you.  Almost the antithesis of what I listen for, with a strong emphasis on the "parts-du-jour" and seemingly no consideration for motive, etc., generally short on lyrical expression, to my ears.

What do you want to change about your current speakers?  What are you looking/listening for that you think might be realized in the Vandersteen 5s?  They want LOTS of power, don't they?

Best regards,
Paul S

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