Speaker Question...first post on the gon


Hello. I'm wanting to put together a dedicated 2 channel system that is capable of simulating a "live" performance with blues, jazz and rock. With that being said, I value dynamics secondary to soundstage/imaging. I haven't had the opportunity to audition any speakers worth mentioning. Unfortunately, with work and other activities and a lack of dealers in my area, auditioning speakers is not even a viable option so I am hoping to make informed decisions in the used market, and with any luck find what I'm looking for the first go around. Currently the speakers in my hd (a/v?) uh, the room with my tv lol, have been pulling double duty with music. I have a Definitive setup with BP7001SC for L/R and BP3000 center and some smaller Definitive towers for rear. After much work with placement and a pair of Parasound HCA1500's bridged mono to the fronts with a small tube buffer between the amps and an H/K reciever I'm using as a pre/pro, I've managed to achieve pretty decent and dynamic soundstaging with 2 channel, for the types of music I listen to, or a decent improvement at least. I have a Parasound 5250 amp that can handle all 5 channels for movies, so for now I'm wanting to start with the 2 HCA1500's I have which are 630w at 8ohm bridged mono and use these for amplification. What speakers in the used market for $5000 or less, (preferably less :) will give me the bottom octaves at least on par with what I'm used to from my powered towers, tight/snappy midbass and a remaining audio spectrum that is musically dynamic but not fatiguing and with the ability to achieve focal imaging that essentially eliminates the sense of speakers as the source? I'm currently lookin on the gon at a pair of Vandersteen 5's (not 5a...not sure how different) and a pair of Vandersteen Quatros, mostly because I'm fairly confident that they will not disappoint in the lower octaves. Any opinions on these as well as any other speaker recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
soundynamic

Showing 4 responses by chadnliz

I will only warn Vandersteen wont play loud so not sure if that is your goal for dynamics. My father has the Quatro wood signature model and they are 90% of a 5A.
The poster said he wanted to be able to simulate live rock, while Vandersteen will play loud depending on how loud he is wanting the Vandersteen may or may not be the right speaker. I love Vandersteen String and you know that as well as anyone, hell I even heard your speakers at your home in Jersey but that isnt to say they are right for everyone. Just trying to give the guy lots to think about.
Well even if you run an amp in its stereo mode as John noted its not powering the woofer and has a much easier time playing than many might think so you may not need a boatload of watts due to its easy draw. My father runs a Aesthetix Atlas amp to his Quatro and if its an 8ohm load he is only going 200 watts, it has never even hinted that it was not enough power.
I only cautioned Vandersteen because of a few small words in the original post..."rock at live performance levels" and that could mean 120db to some so if OP will clarify that may clear things up. Vandersteen is an amazing company I champion all the time but not sure its a good speaker for those who want to crank to abusive levels. Its a shame some do want this because its both dangerous and somewhat insane but some do want that so I suggest accordingly.
I almost bought a pair of those myself a few years ago but went with VMPS instead, I think you will like them and Ty is an absolute prince in this industry, very kind, very knowledgeable and very approachable. I think you going to have alot of fun with these new speakers but do let us know what you think once you get them. Enjoy my friend!