OK my two cents worth for everyone to ponder.
First off, I never really liked the Vandersteen sound at any dealer that I heard them at. A few years back I bought a used pair of Vandersteen model 5s that were not in great cosmetic shape. Now understand that I build my own equipment, DAC, preamp and amps. With my equipment they were a mind opening experience. The best, well I don't know but some of the best sound reproduction that I have heard. I recently picked up the 5As and the seller had just purchased the model 7s. Again very nice sounding and I could hear potential but $68K whoa. I happened to bring my DAC along to hear in the persons system. He had a Briscati DAC. Inserting my DAC in the system was a minding opening experience. The person told me within 30 seconds I never heard anything like this before. I sat there smiling and realized how good the model 7s were. I have money, but $68K is still a lot of money. I thought to myself, I cannot wait until someone sells a pair used for half the price.
So in the right system, the 7s were better than anything I ever heard to date. But I would have to hear the speakers with my gear.
Happy Listening.