Speaker Recommendations - from Vandersteen 5As


I have been using Vandersteen Model 5 speakers in my system with excellent results.  I like the open sound, balanced top to bottom sound, sound stage 3D dimension, and having deep bass that is adjustable.  They really have a huge sound that is also very musical.  I used to own Alon V MKII speakers and the Alnico mid-range driver produced a better mid-range sound  compared to the Vandersteens in that one aspect.  That mid-range was just pure magic and the Alons had more impact but were not close to being as balanced of a speaker.  I recently sold my older model 5s because I got a great deal on a much better cosmetic condition Vandersteen model 5As.  To me the 5As just don't sound like my old model 5s.  I have not really had the chance to play around with them that much and my system unfortunately changes in some ways because my Audiomeca CD transport bit the dust.  That was one hell of a great sounding CDT.

I am looking in the $7500 price range and usually purchase used.  I have plenty of dealers in the NYC area that I can visit and people that I know so I will be taking the time to take a look around.  I do like the size of the Vandersteen 5s so that if something I would be considering.  I was thinking of a short list and thought Verity Parsifals, Sonus Faber, Legacy, DeVore, etc.  I tend to focus on piano so I need a speaker that really can produce that sound first before I look elsewhere.  I probably lean towards a musical sound maybe slightly warm, open on top with air.  I can adjust the sound by changing caps and resistors in my components so I guess I just need a balanced sounding speaker with a great mid-range that can also product deep bass.  

Also note that I build my own DAC (separate power supply), preamp (separate power supply) and power amp so I can build anything for any speaker.  Right now my DAC is a DHT design, preamp 6SN7 design and amp is a hybrid 6SN7 design.  My system is dead quiet and the components are reference quality compared to the best that I have compared them to at local dealer showrooms.  I only spin CDs right now through a transport and I am using a Metronome CD1A  transport with a separate power supply.

So knowing that I am in the NYC area, what speakers in the price range should be on my short list to go our and hear?

I probably sound like an A-hole but I would really like some recommendations.  If you are in the local area, I would enjoy the company if you are interested.  I'll buy the pizza and beer!

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
Full disclosure:  I have and truly enjoy Vandy 5A's.  I'm just wondering if you've (a) gone through the process of tuning the bass equalization to your room, and (b) looked at whether the batteries in your crossovers and filters are getting a little long-in-the-tooth.  Either adjustment could have an impact on overall balance, I would think.
Happy Listening.
@bstat i thought you were in the twenty tweeters fan club now ?
just got home to Treo and having fun listening to tunes..the boat stereo, while essential....hurls....it has about twenty tweeters.....MOABS mother of all boat speakers ? ha
not disparaging them at all, I am sure they are fantastic 
hope you guys have fun.  I do wish I could have gotten down there, but the MS fatigue has really hit me this summer.  Have fun.
I just got back and met with Bigkidz. It's nice to put a face with a name.

We listened to the VLR's, Sub 3's, Belles Integrated, Ayre Codex, Bluesound Combo.
Very nice, but I thought the bass was a bit exaggerated-I don't know if it was the Sub 3 settings or just the room (it got better if I pulled my chair forward). Thankfully, Johnny switched over to an Aurender streamer, and I have to say things got much better. Now, I am looking at Aurender, sigh...😉

@ctsooner .
Have you gotten The Memory Player set up, yet?
I really have to get Sam to look at my Mini and finally get it set up.
Bob
Same here.  The sub had great tone but may have been slightly exaggerated.  Room, set-up,???   The Aurender also sounded very nice witht eh Codex.  Hopefully we can set up another date so more people can come.
Hello bigkidz remember way back when we both had Talon Raven C's w/Pass Labs X250's....there's a pair of Tannoy Kensington GR's here for $8k that might fill the bill.  I got Stirling GR's and am smitten, great w/tubes!
@bigkidz , 
I am glad you concur.
I don't think I am the most discerning listener, but I do know when I think things are a bit unbalanced.
I also hate to say anything negative, especially when in front of potential buyers.
I need to PM Johnny.
B
Joseph Audio Perspective.  Legacy model on AG for under $8K.  And they can be upgraded to the graphene driver version.