Vandersteen 5a or Eggleston Andra II

As much as like the Vandersteen, and they are excellent, the clarity and neutrality of Eggleston appeal to me more. Another speaker you may want to consider is the Merlin VSM-MXe which also uses the same Esotar tweeter. The speaker is much smaller than the Andra 2 and much easier to drive which may give you some more flexibilty in choosing an amplfier - 30 tube watts should be enough. Since you mention the subwoofer capabailities of the VS, the Merlin may not be able to provide the kind of bass you desire, but it does go to 33Hz -2db, and is exceptionally balance throughout the frequency range, but it is ideally suited to a small to medium size listening room, it won't move air like the two you are considering.

There would have to be something very wrong with the Vandy system for the Eggleston's to be in "another league". With these two excellent speaker, it just has to come down to the type of sound you like, they do have different signatures, and both are valid and each will appeal to a different audience. I do think Shadorne does make a reall good point regarding Ludwig anf if you like the recording he produces, his recordings and the EQs and miking would certainly reflect what he is hearing in playback.