Hi,
I once owned a 5.5 a while back. What I remember the most about it, in a positive way, is its bass performance. Imaging, soundstage, tonal balance was good too. But for my own taste and preference, I found the midrange to be too laid back. I had to exert effort to listen to the music and found my mind wandering about if I did not. It was unengaging for me.
I replaced it with a Conrad Johnson Premier 10, which did not have as much bass output and control, however in totality, it was more engaging and involving. I use it with a Premier 11 amp, so there may have been some synergy there.
In fairness, the 5.5 I had was the original one and VTL has since upgraded it without changing the model #.
FWIW my musical taste and system leans towards female vocal performance and not optimally for large scale classical music or hard rock.
Good luck
I once owned a 5.5 a while back. What I remember the most about it, in a positive way, is its bass performance. Imaging, soundstage, tonal balance was good too. But for my own taste and preference, I found the midrange to be too laid back. I had to exert effort to listen to the music and found my mind wandering about if I did not. It was unengaging for me.
I replaced it with a Conrad Johnson Premier 10, which did not have as much bass output and control, however in totality, it was more engaging and involving. I use it with a Premier 11 amp, so there may have been some synergy there.
In fairness, the 5.5 I had was the original one and VTL has since upgraded it without changing the model #.
FWIW my musical taste and system leans towards female vocal performance and not optimally for large scale classical music or hard rock.
Good luck