Have you had a chance to audition Vienna Acoustics Liszt? They excel in the kinds of music you like, and are competitive in price (new/used). |
I've heard *of* them but never heard them. It looks like there's a dealer in Buffalo, and that's probably too far to shuffle off to. But I have heard great things; I'll keep them in mind! |
@OP,
I won't lie to you, I am a Vandy fan. I heard the 2's in the early '80's and never forgot how good the sound was.
I now own a pair of Treo's, and find them to be the best speaker I have ever owned.
Regarding the external crossover-
I think they are included if buying new, but, as I have only bought used, I can't say for sure-ask Johnny.
I have my speakers in a less than desirable position, but I am always amazed at how they 'disappear' into the room.
Bob |
I am a big fan of Vandersteen, own the 7 mk2 his high pass amplifier and a pair of TREO-CT. I also run Quad ESL, Apogee and Thiel in other systems.
The Quattro with CT are certainly a world class speaker at extreme value. I am not sure if the filters are included - I would certainly negotiate IF you get to that point. Powered bass with 11 bands of analog EQ per channel is incredible- takes load off your main amp which helps in all manner of ways - clarity, soundstage, distortion... and tunable bass gives you more placement flexibility. Our Treo system is in a condo so Not needing a subwoofer Kept us away from the Quattro.
johnny is a great guy and very experienced dealer and setup expert - love trading texts and conversations about great music with him.
Best to you and please don’t hesitate to reach out for help in your search. Enjoy your quest and the music !!! |
You guys are great. Thank you! Yes, that "flexibility" and ability to "disappear" are very important to me. I'm not sure why I haven't looked more carefully at the TREO; I'm on that.
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In the TREO CT you get the same tweeter and Mid as the Quattro and you could add the sub 3,s later
i believe the Quattro has advantages of DBS inside the internal crossover, JohnnyR can confirm |
I have never owned them but have heard the whole upper level line of numerous iterations a good number of times, except the Kento. The quatros are really, really good at chamber music and vocals. I do not think they give up anything to Harbeth along those line. Plucked instruments, not so much because the attack is muffled. That is the main reason I could not get along with them, but I like horns and electrostatics. |
Choosing the right speaker is such a personal thing that only you can decide what works best. .I've been a Vandersteen guy for a long, long time and I've never felt the need to stray to another speaker manufacturer. You won't find a more honest or knowledgeable audio expert then John at Audio Connection. I've been dealing with him for well over 25 years and he's as enthusiastic about audio today as he was back in the good old days.........if nothing else I can guaranty that you will leave his store with far more insight into the science and artistry of audio then you came in with......Good luck with your search!!
Bob F. |
I am always amazed at the loyalty of the Vandersteen crowd.
I first heard them in the '80's and never forgot how good they sounded.
I was happy to find after 35 years, that they were still in business, and still making the 2's.
That a speaker should remain in production for so long indicates a great design.
@bobfr ,
+1 on John Rutan. One of the best.
Bob |
The high end dealer in my town that I deal with primarily is a big believer in Vandersteen. I spent an hour or two with my own music on a thumb drive auditioning different speakers and I could just never quite get there with the Quattros. They were in a relatively small room powered by really excellent electronics but to my ears just didn’t sound right. I play almost exclusively classical music. I ended up with Magnepan 20.7s. Prior to the maggies, I’ve owned Thiels (my second favorite after the Magnepans), big Soundlabs, Acoustats, Celestion and others. I have lusted after a pair of Harbeths -- interesting that you mention them -- primarily for a second system. One of the problems with Vandys for me is I’ve watched them climb in price higher and higher and having seen that progression from regular money to significant investment its hard to swallow their current pricing for me. But I have a feeling I’ve never heard the Quattros truly properly setup "right-sized" to a good room. At the end of the day I find the big Maggie 20.7’s the best reproducers of classical I’ve ever heard. I attend symphony concerts regularly year round so I know what music sounds like. You have to go to the 20.7’s to get decent bass however. The 20.7’s are less expensive than a pair of quattros. The other thing I found about Magnepans with classical music is they they respond extremely well to tubes, specifically ARC. There is a delicacy and presence that is truly remarkable with the right electronics and Magnepans. |
@pwhinson ,
Like the ads say, YMMV.
Though I disagree with your opinion about Vandy's '
climb in price higher and higher', I do agree that Maggie's are pretty sweet sounding speakers.
If I had the space I would own them, too, but my Vandy Treo's work in my small space perfectly.
And, if you are using tube amps, a pair of Sound Lab speakers would be a better choice, in my opinion, as Maggie's present a more difficult load on an amp.
Like I said, YMMV.
And, if it sounds good, it is good.
Bob |
Not all but many Vandersteen dealers also carry and love Maggie :-) |
I would pass on the Quattros and buy a nice pair of used Model 5As I got mine for around $6000. Happy Listening. |
Thank you, everyone. I've never been a "hobbyist" in the sense of going through multiple speakers, buying and selling used equipment, and for that reason I have almost always bought new speakers (or demos, sometimes) with the intention of keeping them for a while. At the very least I'll want to do an audition of any speaker before buying even a used speaker.
It looks like Audio Connection is open again, and I'll try to find the time to get down there soon to hear the Treos and the Quatros. I've owned Maggies for years so that should make it easier to compare at the store. (I love Maggies but this house just doesn't have a room that can accommodate them.)
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If you have limited funds, Audio Connection also has demo/used Quatros and 5As for sale. Johnny R is A++
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Thanks, Ron. That's a very helpful idea. Funds are always limited! |
@northman - if you go let me know in advance and I will meet you there. |
Sure! I don't have much of a sense of when it'll be, things being what they are... |
I was a Vandy dealer for many years and know Richard very well.
Will never forget what he told me, I paraphrase: "The Trios are 2s and the Quartros are 3s. All the rest is cosmetics!". |
@mglik ,
Well, to me, the Treo's are a better 3a sig, the Quatro's are the best value before a 5/Kento.
@OP,
I'd meet with you too, if you go on a weekend.
Audioconnection also carries Maggie's.
Bob |
Actually no, not any more. The Treo has the carbon tweeter, no 2 or 3 does.
the Quattro since inception has powered bass w 11 bands of EQ and a DBS crossover which no 2 or 3 has.
spoke with RV today , will ask him about your “ quote” tommorow.... |
Thanks, all. With only a hint of a wink I told my internet-savvy, teenage son that I've got new friends, men whom I met on an internet forum, and they want to meet me. He rolled his eyes and said, "only on an audiophile forum could that not sound creepy." Seriously, it's terrific to find such passion out here. |
Chatted w RV today, the comment is very old before improvements to models above the 3.
also an error on my part Quattro does not have a DBS crossover.
have fun ! Enjoy the music :-) |
