The vandersteen 5a are superb reference speakers and are destined to become a classic. They are very flexible, can be easily suited to most rooms and do not require a boatload of power to drive. If they are working out for you in your room with your amp, then I would keep them. If you want to try something different, keep in mind that you will be taking your chances getting a speaker as room and amp friendly as the 5a's. If that does not bother you, then go ahead and get something else but hold on to the 5a's until you are sure the newcomer is a step in the right direction. Otherwise you may be sorry you got rid of the vandersteens. There are not too many speakers out there that can better the 5a's. |
I heard the XRT28 a few times and they are just awesome speakers and will make the hair on your back of your neck stand up. The 5a can get a little boring sometimes. I can see why you are thinking of changing. Same thing happened to me. |
thanks for the responses. I do have to say that I've never been bored of the 5A sound, maybe just the look ;) The deal wants my 5A's + 2K... I'm thinking I should just leave well enough alone.... |
he problem (or salvation) from changing to the xrt28's is you become a member of 'blue meter cult'. the rest of your system will be sacrificed to be replaced by the stuff with the big blue meters. it is possible to stop at the speakers, but mac already knows the odds of that are not good. the 5a's are indeed an end all audio product.....but mac is a religion, and starting with speakers puts you squarely in the choir. |
you would not be able to talk me into trading the 5A for that model, as poster above said you are more than likely going to regret losing such a adjustable room friendly speaker.....but its my favorite in full disclosure. |
he problem (or salvation) from changing to the xrt28's is you become a member of 'blue meter cult'. the rest of your system will be sacrificed to be replaced by the stuff with the big blue meters. it is possible to stop at the speakers, but mac already knows the odds of that are not good. the 5a's are indeed an end all audio product.....but mac is a religion, and starting with speakers puts you squarely in the choir. |
Leave well enough alone!!! The 5A's are a great speaker if you're into music & not the gear. I'm a season ticket holder to a major Symphony & the Vandersteen's are pretty close in tonally,sound staging & coherency of a full Orchestra. Full scale weak? Yes but all but the big boys are{ Genesis I , Infinity IRS , Wilson & Big horn systems}
They are correct not all jacked up in the highs for that so called air the reviewers push in the mags.Well that's my 2 cents, with that & a couple a bucks you can get a cup of coffee |
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After hearing the XRT1ks twice in two diffferent systems lately i too am considering switching to the Mcintosh speakers. This is coming from someone who has never considered Mcintosh speakers in the past. The ones i heard are much nicer than the 5As IMO. (I am a big fan of the Vandersteens) I wonder how close the XRT28s would get me to the XRT1ks? Anyway they are also very room friendly and the Macs I heard (XRT1K) are awesome.
I would try them with your amps before making the change. I am guessing they would do better with more juice. Keep us informed. |
The Vandies may appear boring however that's because they don't really do anything wrong.
The McIntosh titanium dome tweeters have that initial "sizzle" and excitement however after 6-8 months with them you may be longing for the Vandies back as that sizzle starts to eat your eardrums.
Keep this in mind!
Best,
Paul :-) |
Xrt28 uses 32 1 inch soft dome tweeters, eardrums will remain intact. ;-) |
Paul,
Have you had a chance to hear the Mac speakers mentioned? there was zero sizzle when I heard them. They have a sweet treble and great bass, with the best midrange i have heard from any speaker yet. |
Based on my own experience, Beemer is right on the beam. Keep the Vandys. |
Vandersteen 5A, no question. |
