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  3. 151822-77425

Your thoughts about an upgrade

I currently listen to vinyl and digital through a VTL integrated amp feeding Vandersteen Treo CT speakers. The November Stereophile review of Vandersteen’s Quatro CT Wood speakers and M5-HPA amplifiers (which is apparently not on-line yet) has made me think seriously about making the jump, which would also require a new pre-amp and lots of cabling.

My listening room is 12.5’ x 15’ and I’ve never turned the volume on the current system above halfway. I think I’m not hearing as much bass as I would like, but it very much depends on the recording I’m listening to.

I can probably go hear the new setup at the dealer and will do so, but I’d be interested in anyone’s thoughts on this move.
john_g

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
@OP,
Congrats on a great system/choice!

Break in is one of those things that varies, at least to me. Some things require a couple hundred hours to settle in, others more.
As for the Vandy's, I would suspect at least 200 hours. More would be better, in my opinion. You have both speakers and amps breaking in, so that is a lot of things that will be 'settling in'.
My only recommendation would be to switch to some AQ speaker cables.
Kimbers are good, but the new AQ cables really, really are very good.
As I have posted on other threads, I am not a cable guy. But, when I heard the Willaim Tell cables, I was blown away.
Alas, more money, but, I think you will be very happy with the results.
Perhaps Stereo Unlimited can loan you a set?
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
@OP, 
Great move. Though I would consider moving to Audiquest cables.
IMHO, they really compliment Vandy equipment.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
@OP, 
The Swarm is definitely one way to go, but I would suggest getting either a pair of 2wq or Sub 3 subs. I really like how the Vandy method relieves the amp from reproducing the power draining bass frequencies. ( I don't know if the Swarm method does this or not, though AudioKinesis should be able to confirm this)
I also own the Treo's (non-CT) and will upgrade to the new Sub 3's when I sell my 2wq's. I think it should get me to about 90% of a Quatro.
I would also consider moving to a zero feedback amp- Like Aesthetix, Ayre or Atma-Sphere.
Bob
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