Vandersteen 5A or Eggleston Works Andra II

The conclusion one could draw from the posts thus far is that both speakers have their supporters, with different rationales offered for their preference. The best advice is to do extensive listening tests with your favorite music in your own home with your own equipment and these speakers if at all possible. One thing that hasn't been mentioned that you are likely to find if you do the audition in your home is that the McCormack amp and the 5a's are a Very synergistic combination. If you can't listen in your home, take your amp with you and listen to the speakers through your amp at the dealer's. That will help you decide (it did for me--I bought the Vandy's).

You really do have to listen to both speakers. If they had somewhat of a similar sound then maybe it would be easier to weigh in with an opinion based on personal experience, build quality v.s. price, product support, etc. I have listened to both speakers and they are very, very different speakers and you will have to decide which sound you prefer.

Interesting comments. Auditioning these speakers in my own setting is out of the question but I have briefly listened to the 5A in a dealer setting but not really critically. I definitely need to spend more time with it. I think I can get it connected to a DNA 225 possibly.

On the Andra, I hope to audition it when I do make a brief stop at a friend's place out of state where he has paired the Andra 2 with a DNA 500. He raves about the synergy between the two. I will make sure to take some program material.

Thank you for all for the comments. It appears that both speakers are very highly regarded. The Vandersteen possibly being a bit more forgiving in setup.

I might be able to land a sweet deal on the Andra 2 that I wont be able to match on the 5A. On the other hand, it appears the Vandersteen holds its value very well since they seldom show up on A'gon. How about the Andra 2?

On sound quality, a lot of A'goners say Vandersteens are laid back, what kind of sound should I expect from the Andra 2?

I am acutely aware also of the heft of the Andra's at 250lbs. Scary to say the least. Might need a winch on hand to manhandle the beast!

Please keep the comments coming because I want to get this right. All comments appreciated.

It is tough to beat the 5A. It will definitley work in more room applications. The Andra 2 is a nice speaker, but I sold it to move to the 5A. I have no regrets, the Andras were much more difficult to drive. I had a 200 watt tube amp, and honestly felt they either needed a big VTL ( maybe the 450) or solid state. If you are not planning a venture in to tubes, the Andra may be a nice choice. The Vandersteen is also supposed to be a nice match with Mccormack.

Anyone use the 5A with the grills off? I find the 'moving blanket' cloth surrounding the drivers to be kind of cheesy. Can you replace it with a more attractive alternative? Thanks to anyone who might know.