Two big sounds got-ta face off

I've heard 5A's with 22 watt's.

the VAC is a hearty 32W's for sure but,you may be right.new amp may be needed.a used darT would be real nice..

According to the Vandersteen site (they recommend a minimum of 50W), as well as owners' comments, you are likely to run out of steam with the VAC. I've heard the 5As with a 150W SS amp, and I frankly wouldn't opt for anything less. Perhaps others disagree, but I don't think 30W will allow you to hear them at their best.

>>this may not be on the fair side as one speaker is nearly twice the cost<<

Not true at all; you are comparing apples to oranges. One speaker's retail is based on a factory direct price; the other speaker's retail is set in conjunction with a national (actually world wide) dealer network which includes a susbstantial margin for the retailer.

this will be fun for sure,i'm thinkim' a real gloves off scrap! [maybe not?].on the flip side,this may not be on the fair side as one speaker is nearly twice the cost.i think it's a flavor thing.

i did buy the Zu's,and am presently feeding them with the little VAC 30/30.signal coming fron an Opus 21 modded buy Steve @ GNS.i really like the Definitions,make no mistake there.they truly sing.but,have a real itch with the 5A's i gotta scratch.in house taste-test.will A-B with same gear.

I would bet the Vandy 5A would blow away the ZU, but wrong or not I would love to find out.

gonna be interesting.. Keep us posted.. Do you plan to run both on the same amp for comparison? One might be better than the other depending on the amp feeding them I would guess. Also, are you using the Standard definitions with built in plate amps?

i have the chance to buy both,try them,and keep the keeper

Sounds like you'll have an answer once you've done this, not a note sooner. :-)

i think they each have their strong points to look at,i have the chance to buy both,try them,and keep the keeper,i know what the Zu can do,i was just lookin' for some Vandy points i should know,thks.

Whow, two such different speaker designs... can they be compared fairly?

I hate to be a Zu basher but I have heard the Zu at several shows and I hear a bad horn coloration in them. Yes they are dynamic and alive sounding but I have to say that the Vandersteen is a better speaker although it has its flaws as well.