If your VAC 30/30 can drive them, my vote goes to the Vandersteen 5A. Just about the best speaker I've ever heard. Sound is big, dynamic, coherent, sufficiently detailed and completely smooth and fatigue-free. They can rock when you want them to, and they can do the emotion and seduction thing as well. You will just melt with female vocals and emotional music. Even if I had more $ to spend, I'd probably still go for the 5A. It's one heckuva speaker that would probably be easy to own for a very long time.
And in the setup where I heard them it didn't take mega-buck gear to make 'em sound tremendous: modest Quicksilver amp, Cary cdp, unknown preamp (about $2000). Nice thing about these is that they have built in big SS amps to handle the bass, so all you need is a sweet and just reasonably powered amp to drive mids and tweeter. And the bass is tunable and adjustable to get it to mesh properly with your room.
And based on other options you are considering, your budget can definitely handle 'em. They list for 15-20k depending on finish. A current updated pair went on AG just last week for 7k. They don't show up used very often, and when they do they get snatched up quickly....testimony to how highly they are regarded. So if you target them you will probably need to wait for awhile. But you will eventually see a pair.
Another option is to buy a pair of regular 5's and upgrade them to 5A status. I believe upgrade parts are modular and the upgrade is easily done in the field. I don't know, but this may even be a more cost effective way to own the 5A. Or possibly just a quicker/easier way to get them if there is a scarcity of used 5As.
I would suggest caution before diving into horns. While there is no doubt your 30/30 could drive them with ease, and they will give startling dynamics and realism, I think they are a specialized taste that may, or may not, match your own. Many people find them shouty, forward and aggressive.
2bigbears......I've been reading you posts carefully, and my take is that you want a big expansive and immersive sound, that highlights warm and musical over dry and analytical. You want your listening to be emotional more than cerebral. You want musicality and involvement, more than you wanna hear the sheet music pages being turned. You wanna be seduced, and emotionally connected to the music. I think the 5A will give you all this.
Why the enthusiastic recommendation for this speaker? Well, I am in no way associated with Vandersteen, nor do I own it, or any Vandy speaker. I have no vested interest in any manner whatsoever. I'm just an audio enthusiast that was just completely wowed by it. I lust after it myself and will one day own it....if finances and circumstance allow.
