@karl_desch
If anyone knows how to position Vandy's, it's Johnny.
As well as setting up the correct crossover values.
As far as amps go, I run my Treo's with Atmasphere MA-1's in the winter and Ayre MXR's in the summer.
A bit of overkill, but I always wanted to compare Tubes vs SS.
Bob |
@karl_desch ,
I know Mr. V. believes his speakers sound better on a granite block.
I have my Treo's on maple butcherblock at the moment.
I was going to try Townshend Podiums, but the outrigger feet made that unusable due to my limited floor space. (They went under my preamps- and made a noticeable positive difference).
In any case, I think the Gaia provide much the same 'uncoupling' as the Townshend Podiums. And, I think your observations to be much the same as my experience using the Townshend Podiums under my preamps.- A cleaner, more defined sound, with the bass tamed but not muted.
Overall, better.
Bob |
@karl_desch ,
I would opt for a higher power Atma amp for the Vandies.
The M60 would probably work, but I think the MA-1 would be a better choice. I would PM Ralph Karsten (Atmasphere here on Agon) and get his opinion. His phone number is on his website, and he does pick up (or his assistants).
For SS amps, if not Vandersteen, then Ayre would be 1st on the list.
Frankly, anything with zero feedback seems to make Vandy's sing.
Bob |
@tomic601 ,
What is your opinion regarding the Vandy M5 amp and the Ayre MX-R?
Does Mr. V's amps offer a significant improvement?
Bob |
@mr_m ,
I have the same combo, but non CT Treo's.
I am going to upgrade to the new Sub 3's, as soon as I can sell my 2 wq's.
I think that will definitely put me in the Quatro level.
Like you, I am extremely happy, but the pursuit of 'better' sound keeps me changing things.
Pretty sick, eh?😜
Bob |
@karl_desch ,
I have my Treo’s near the middle of the room (front to back), and near the side walls (left/right)-unfortunately the only place I could put them.
It was a significant improvement over having them near the rear/back wall. YMMV.
@mr_m .
Considering you get a decent price for the 2wq’s, It almost cuts the price in half.
And, for me, I sold a lot of stuff I bought, but wasn’t using, so my purchase is entirely funded by all the things I sold.
@tomic601 ,
Thanks for responding.
Not to rush judgement, but did you notice any significant change when you moved to the Vandy amps?
As some might know, I run Atmasphere in the winter ( to warm the living room), and Ayre in the summer to keep the AC from increasing my electric bill.
Though not a scientific or well done comparison, I will say the Ayre KX-R (non Twenty) sounds ’better’than my Atma MP-1.-Sorry Ralph.
Though not by much.
The Ayre seems to offer more detail and cleaner bass than the Atma.- What the Twenty upgrade will do, makes me nervous.
I was very surprised by this discovery as I think Ralph’s products to be some of the best out there. In fact, I hope to get a pair of his Class D monoblocks as soon as they are available.
Bob |
@rpeluso ,
+1, Jim (Tomic) is rare pleasure here on Audiogon.
And, I really have to find time to visit him and his systems.
Bob |
@karl_desch ,
Great post.
The Vandy amps are on my dream list, but owning not only the Atma MA-1's, but the Ayre MX-R's, I feel truly blessed.
If at all possible, I would try to audition the Ayre KX-R preamp.
I have no experience with the ARC preamp you listened to, but my experience with the Ayre really floored me.
Bob |
@karl_desch ,
I hear you, and, no, I don’t want to scramble your brain
But, preamps can make a huge difference in what you hear.
Cables, too.
For me,
I just trust the great information John Rutan gives me.
So, for the present, I will use my Atma’s and Ayre’s until I can score a Vandy amp.
With AQ cabling, too. (Read my other posts on William Tell and Thunder). Of course, you can also PM me.
After chasing this dream for over 40 years, I feel I should acquiesce to those with more experience.
It saves me time and money.
Bob |
@karl,
Yes, feedback seems to affect the performance of Vandy speakers.
It seems all the companies that use zero feedback seem to work with Vandersteen- Ayre, Atmasphere, Aesthetix.
And, Vandersteen.
Belles is also a good fit, but I don't know if it has zero feedback.
I do know that the little Belles Aria Integrated paired with the VLR's is a superb match.
Bob |
@tomic601 ,
I use the KX-R (non Twenty), and find it to be a fine preamp. It even bests my Atma MP-1, which is no slouch either, though if I played around with tubes and made some additional upgrades, I bet it would get even closer to the Ayre.
Funny, I asked Mr. V. about a preamp at the Kento demo at Audioconnection, but he was very cagey.
I think I will proceed with the KX-R upgrade when finances allow, or they have an upgrade special.
B |
