Calling on Vandersteen 5a owners

I own 5's with the cherry finish (not glossy). Some of our other LR furniture is cherry, and the wood on the Vandy's works beautifully with the other pieces. The speakers finish darkens over time (about 6months), so they will look different out of the box compared to how they'll look after 6mo's. I don't know if this is true for the glossy finish, however. Talk to the people at Vandersteen about whether the finish will darken in the glossy finish. The wood on the speakers is very high grade and quite attractive, but the speakers themselves will never win any beauty contests. As much as I love the sound of the 5's, I'm probably going to have to switch them for a speaker with a better WAF and good sound/apperance combo. I'm thinking Avalon Opus in the quilted cherry right now. Any other suggestions for great looks/sound at under $20k?

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"!!!

Hi Michael, That's a possibility. However, I think she is wanting something with lots of beautiful wood and little black grill cloth, which is why I've been considering the Avalon. This will be a long search, which ain't all bad to an audiophile!
Cheers,
Bruce

Steve and Mike, Thanks again for your suggestions. I will definitely keep the Thiels and Quatros in mind. I hope to be in Chicago in the next month where I will check these out at the Vandy and Thiel dealers. I'm also considering the Sonus Faber Anniversario speakers, but at $27k, that is a real stretch. My wife would have to say she would rather have those in our living room than to take another vacation...ever. Or eat out, or replace old furniture, or...(you get the idea).