Speaker Recommendations - from Vandersteen 5As


I have been using Vandersteen Model 5 speakers in my system with excellent results.  I like the open sound, balanced top to bottom sound, sound stage 3D dimension, and having deep bass that is adjustable.  They really have a huge sound that is also very musical.  I used to own Alon V MKII speakers and the Alnico mid-range driver produced a better mid-range sound  compared to the Vandersteens in that one aspect.  That mid-range was just pure magic and the Alons had more impact but were not close to being as balanced of a speaker.  I recently sold my older model 5s because I got a great deal on a much better cosmetic condition Vandersteen model 5As.  To me the 5As just don't sound like my old model 5s.  I have not really had the chance to play around with them that much and my system unfortunately changes in some ways because my Audiomeca CD transport bit the dust.  That was one hell of a great sounding CDT.

I am looking in the $7500 price range and usually purchase used.  I have plenty of dealers in the NYC area that I can visit and people that I know so I will be taking the time to take a look around.  I do like the size of the Vandersteen 5s so that if something I would be considering.  I was thinking of a short list and thought Verity Parsifals, Sonus Faber, Legacy, DeVore, etc.  I tend to focus on piano so I need a speaker that really can produce that sound first before I look elsewhere.  I probably lean towards a musical sound maybe slightly warm, open on top with air.  I can adjust the sound by changing caps and resistors in my components so I guess I just need a balanced sounding speaker with a great mid-range that can also product deep bass.  

Also note that I build my own DAC (separate power supply), preamp (separate power supply) and power amp so I can build anything for any speaker.  Right now my DAC is a DHT design, preamp 6SN7 design and amp is a hybrid 6SN7 design.  My system is dead quiet and the components are reference quality compared to the best that I have compared them to at local dealer showrooms.  I only spin CDs right now through a transport and I am using a Metronome CD1A  transport with a separate power supply.

So knowing that I am in the NYC area, what speakers in the price range should be on my short list to go our and hear?

I probably sound like an A-hole but I would really like some recommendations.  If you are in the local area, I would enjoy the company if you are interested.  I'll buy the pizza and beer!

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
So I believe it was probably Model 7?, which may be an older model I’m not too sure. Whatever it was it’s price was in the 5-7k range like the Spendor D7. Dealer said house sound of Vandy pretty consistent thru their lineup, fwiw, you just get more or less of it as you move up in price or down.

So I liked the Vandy’s either #2 or #3 (with Dynaudio) of the 20+ speakers I listened to - ie, really liked them. I loved the midrange smoothness, nice bass, pleasing treble, and general musicality of the Vandy speakers. Liked the tonality and found it much more similar to Spendor than different.

I loved all of these things about the D7 too, but to me at least the Spendor’s had just a little more enthusiastic presentation with their sound while the Vandy’s seemed a little more laid back for my tastes.

It’s interesting I guess because every D7 review I read the author started out by describing how Spendor speakers historically was a laid back, pipe and slippers sound - apparently that is the sound the brand was known for throughout 90’s and 00’s. But with the new tweeter of the D7’s I found them to be not so laid back in a very pleasing way to me. Just the sweet spot in what I was looking for that way.

Don’t get me wrong. The Spendor’s are not a forward sounding speaker like some might associate with Paradigm, Focal, B&W etc., (at least that’s how i perceived those brands in comparison to Spendor, Dynaudio and Vandy -- I’m sure some would disagree, these are just my opinions).

But for me the Spendor’s, while still sounding lush and musical, just had a little more energy for me than the Vandy’s did, and I liked that.

I liked the looks of Spendor much more also but that was a very minor factor for me -- 98% sound, 2% looks.

Again, just my impressions and everyone is looking for what they are looking for. Would never imply others are wrong if they disagree. Spendor D7 just worked for me and I kept coming back to it again and again thorughout the demos across several dealers and several months.
If you're in NYC area, besides Johnny Rutan at Audio Connection (NJ) I'd recommend visiting Thomas at New York Sound and Vision (LI).
Oops, not Model 7. I think it was Model 3. Sorry. I was just going off memory which is hazy and I looked at so many and it was awhile ago. But it was a $5-8k speaker in cost, that much I’m sure of (cause I remember thinking these were the direct compare across the brands as close as it got) and I did compare them over an extended period of time (well over an hour) because the Spendor’s and Vandy’s were side by side and I could do very nice A/B.

Unlike Dynaudio which was at another dealer
I guess the Spendor D9 would be a better comparison for you than D7 against Vandy 5a, though Spendor D9 still quite a bit cheaper. I haven’t heard D9 or 5a, fwiw - those were outside my budget. But offered my comments since arguably relevant concerning house sounds of the brands. Good luck
@bigkidz .
I looked at your system, but see you are using your own (hand built) equipment, and since I don't know how it sounds, it is something I can't comment upon.- Though I would sure be interested in listening to it.😉

I never heard of the  NY Audio Syndrome Audio Group. A quick Google showed nothing. And, I would be interested in joining in, too.

I think Stringreen, and others have made good points regarding the possibility of the drivers/crossovers not being up to spec. 
Stringreen also made a great post saying that you should be able to send back only the amps/drivers/crossovers and save on the shipping. I, too, would have a hard time justifying sending back my whole speaker.
As you are a very capable fellow, removing said items should be a walk in the park.😁
Sorry if the emojis are goofy, but I like to play with them...

Bob