Thinking about purchasing vandersteen 5's what's a

I've seen used ones for around 50% of retail, but it's true they don't come on the market that often. If you have a pair lined up I wouldn't pay more than 5 to 6K in this market. There are many great speakers selling for well below 50% of retail. The Talon Khorus is an excellent example of a great speaker that's being given away due to our economy. Also, keep in mind that in order for the 5s to be properly set up you will need the test equipment that is provided by the dealer for adjusting the woofers response in your room. If you have not already done so read Robert Harley's review in The Absolute Sound. He covers this in some detail. As another possiblity you should go to the VMPS website (vmpsaudio.com) and read Martin de Wulf's and Peter Moncrieff's reviews of their RM-40. I too was very interested in the model 5s until I read these reviews. Two of the best reviews I've ever read on loudspeakers (and I've read a lot) and both by excellent reviewers with publications that do not advertise...they tell it like it is. Check it out.