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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 7 responses by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
IF you want to get it up and running with the ARCAM 429 amp the input impedence is claimed to be 10 K Ohm 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
Yes your zone 2 approach will work.

download and read the 5a manual

you must know the input impedence of the power amp you use for zone 2

that power amp must have rca inputs.

consult table on M5 filters to set dip switches inside each M5 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
Looked at your 386 page ARCAM manual, argh..
there is a software implemented filter ( section E-26 ) however no slope is specified and you must have 6db per octave to get the magnificent 5a subwoofer to work properly.

So I would NOT recommend that approach.


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
I can’t get your ARCAM manual to download but you MIGHT be able to implement the 6db per octave high pass filter with software inside the ARCAM and therefore use the the 2x130
wpc internal ARCAM power amp. Goof up and turn off that high pass by accident and you will damage the 5a
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
Yes !!! The arcam serving as a preamp with the high pass into a power amp will work!!

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
Please confirm your gear part numbers, McIntosh makes an MA252 which does not have pre out / power amp in. To use this you would need to modify it and imo done properly will sound great w 5a. 100 wpc is probably the minimum.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,166 posts
 
First download and read the 5a manual !

you must use a high pass 6db per octave filter between your preamp and power amp and to properly configure the filter you must know the input impedence of your power amp OR be able to use a voltmeter while playing the Vandertones disc or download test tones.

When you purchased the 5a did you also get the M5 high pass filters ? IF so are they RCA or XLR ?

Do not run your 5a full range without a filter !!

properly setup the 5a are world class.

Jim
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