mikej

Responses from mikej

vandersteen 3a sig ss vs. tube
Hi, I've auditioned the 3A Sigs. with Quicksilver mono-blocks (similar to the ones Richard Vandersteen uses at home), Theta's original Dreadnought and the BEL 1001 Mk IV and Mk V. So far, my preference is for a pair of BEL Mk Vs. A single BEL is n... 
Replacing Vandy 2CEs w/ Monitors--Can It Be Done?
Hi Shersta, Assuming you can't for any reason justify the 2Ces as floor standers then I suggest you get the Vandersteen VSMs. Couple them with a V2W or 2WQ sub (depending on your pre-amp) somewhere on the short wall and you'll get great sound. If ... 
Solid state amp ultimate stop...
Brown Electronics Lab (BEL) - Still the best SS amp I've ever heard. I prefer it to tubes so far as well. The problem is that tubes are very different in some ways. In any case, I've put these amps up agains serious competition and they've always ... 
Avalon Ascent IIs vs. Vandersteen Model 5s
Hi, You can easily follow the instructions in the manual along with a Sterophile test disk to tune in the speakers. You're much better off working with a dealer, but it can be done.Good luck! 
Your ''best kept secret'' speaker choice ?
Believe it or not...Vandersteen VSM Signatures sound REALLY great. My next living room system will use them for the front L/R along with non-Signatures for the surrounds. (Center will probably be a VCC-5.) Cheers, Mike 
Speaker Suggestions for ARC VT100
Vandersteen Model 3A Signatures are a great pairing with that amp. I've heard it and liked it a LOT. Good luck!Mike 
speaker suggestions for modest arcam alpha system
Vandersteen 1Cs. Great resolution with a full range sound. 
Aethetix Calypso or CJ Prem 17LS2
Hi, I've listened to both in my system and the Aesthetix is by far the most neutral. If you want the "CJ sound" then you should go for that one. If you want a neutral pass through for your source components get the Aesthetix. 
Avalon, Vandersteen... which to move to?
Quick note on Vandersteen 2Ce Sig vs. 3A Sig.:The 2s are much easier to set up in an average room size with moderate power, etc. They just sound fantastic in most systems/rooms. However, with a little practice you can easily set up the 3s to strut... 
mark levinson service
I sent in my No. 37 CDT and they set the expectation up front that due to the move they would be 6-8 weeks for the repair. All of my calls were answered or returned. Although they were delayed in returning the unit due to internal paperwork issues... 
Best overall Speakers for $2,500.00 or less, New?
Get the Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures. You've described them to a "T" above. Also, you can get them new for under $2000 and spend the rest on great speaker cables. 
Vandersteen question
The 3A Sigs reequire more power than your amps can provide. You may drive them into overload and clipping on crescendos without realizing it. That in turn can damage the speaker. I suggest working with your dealer to trade up to the Quicksilver V-... 
Vandersteen question
8-9 feet for me is near field. Sorry...I wasn't specific.The best I've heard them sound was from about 15 feet away in a HUGE room. Unfortunately, that room isn't mine... ;- ) 
Vandersteen question
Room size with the 3As is more a matter of giving them room to "breathe". I listen nearfield with mine and have no problems with integration. However, they do better in larger rooms so they don't over load it or run into bass problems. (Any full r... 
Vandersteen question
I can't give you an engineering perspective on this...rather a practical one. You can only drive your amp up to it's ability to output power. Therefore, it's less important how much gain your preamp has as to how much power your amp can generate. ...