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Vandersteen 5a - Setup help needed

Hello,

First of all let me apologize for my English as its not my first language and if something does not make sense, please let me know.

I recently heard pair of Vandersteen 5a playing Pink Floyd and was stunned by the sound. System was driven by Sound Research preamp/amp -  not sure about specifics. By pure coincidence I was on vacation in Florida and found a pair for SALE! I pulled the trigger without even thinking how it will work for me.

Here I am and have no idea how to make it work with what I have:

Arcam AVR850
MCintosh MA250 integrated amp
Cambridge Audio 851n

I tried reaching out to local dealer and Vandersteen and was told its not possible due to crossover situation. However Arcam Avr850 does have a preamp out and ability to connect power amp. I tried tech support and nothing so far...any help will be much appreciated. If what i have is not in any way compatible....what would be a budget configuration I could use? 

Thank you
olegus

Showing 3 responses by olegus

olegus OP
3 posts
 
I do have the crossovers and I tried reaching out to Vandersteen, but was told they don't have any experience with Arcam and it wont work. However I don't understand why it wont work if i have preamp out and theoretical amp on the other side. 

I also tried local Vandersteen dealer with not luck as well...other than an offer to purchase Parasound preamp/amp. I don't mind doing it, but on top of being another 3-5k...more equipment will be added. I'm hoping that someone/somewhere did connect 5a with Arcam or another receiver and can provide how they did it.
olegus OP
3 posts
 
Here is the link to exact MA252 I have  https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/integrated-amplifiers/ma252

This one defiantly does not have pre out/in. I reached out to McIntosh to see if there is a trick to make it work and was told it was not possible.
olegus OP
3 posts
 
I sent email to Vandersteen support ( I think it was Richard who replied) and basically provided all of the equipment I have and asking which if any configuration can work. My McIntosh is 100% integrated it listed as one on McIntosh site and it says that on the front panel.

Yes, I do have this filter with RCA connections. I did not see anything in Arcam manual allowing me to do use software for high pass filter, but even if it did it would be to risky. He and you both pointed to possible damage if it does not work somehow.

Currently Arcam AVR850 is running with with P429 power amplifier. Basic atmos setup.  I see more pre amp out available and was thinking to add another amp and create zone2 which would use that instead of other stuff being connected. Zone2 theoretically will be 5a's

Also I have Cambridge 851n which is digital pre amp and there is 851w stereo amp available for it. That is another path I can take.

I asked if local Vandersteen dealer would provide setup and was told only for things I purchase from them....

I'm trying not to loose focus and get it to a finish line and with all this help I'm confident something great will come out. I did not see any setup videos and any links would very much appreciated.
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