I like them a lot. Just got my pair last night (ordered weeks ago) and with only 18 hrs on them I can already hear a lot of good stuff.
I must admit that Buettner seemed a little over the top in the TAS review. But I agree and I can't think of anything he said that I could take issue with. BTW, Buettner also writes for the Audio Perfectionist. Check out the website and subscribe if you are serious about the 5As. They are big fans of 1st order time-aligned speakers (e.g. Vandys, Thiel, Dunlavy) they go in-depth about the sound of each of them. One of the few sources that state their philosophy and speak their mind. Its good even if you do not agree 100%
I have some exposure to Wilsons. The issue the guys from the AP point out is that the WP7 (6, or 5...) does not have a true midrange (their statement, not mine) and (by inference) it suffers vs the 5A. I must say that the Watt/Pup was on my list initially. Didn't seek out a demo though a retail friend that use to sell Wilsons said the WP7 was a "lot of fun, plays loud and has great dynamics". Its notable that he did not talk about how refined the WP7 are vs other top competition which matches my investigations. I don't mean to beat up on the WP7s, I have to think they are indeed very nice speakers.
I think the Quads are wonderful but its a different ball game. Bass, loudness and high level dynamics make it an apple and orange comparison IMO
Never heard the Vandy 5.
Good luck
Terry
I must admit that Buettner seemed a little over the top in the TAS review. But I agree and I can't think of anything he said that I could take issue with. BTW, Buettner also writes for the Audio Perfectionist. Check out the website and subscribe if you are serious about the 5As. They are big fans of 1st order time-aligned speakers (e.g. Vandys, Thiel, Dunlavy) they go in-depth about the sound of each of them. One of the few sources that state their philosophy and speak their mind. Its good even if you do not agree 100%
I have some exposure to Wilsons. The issue the guys from the AP point out is that the WP7 (6, or 5...) does not have a true midrange (their statement, not mine) and (by inference) it suffers vs the 5A. I must say that the Watt/Pup was on my list initially. Didn't seek out a demo though a retail friend that use to sell Wilsons said the WP7 was a "lot of fun, plays loud and has great dynamics". Its notable that he did not talk about how refined the WP7 are vs other top competition which matches my investigations. I don't mean to beat up on the WP7s, I have to think they are indeed very nice speakers.
I think the Quads are wonderful but its a different ball game. Bass, loudness and high level dynamics make it an apple and orange comparison IMO
Never heard the Vandy 5.
Good luck
Terry