[chargerfan]

I had Vandersteen 5a speakers for about 8 years and now have the Model 7s. Both speakers depend on proper placement from
the back and side walls in order to get the best from them. My 7s were set up with the Vandersteen jig and laser device. The
result was excellent. The jig got toe in just right. Both speakers need what used to be called "moxie" in an amplifier like the
Aesthetix Atlas Sig monos or the Ayre MX-R. Tube amps will work if they have the power and current. Vandersteen is coming out with a new and improved high pass filter that he told me will be a big upgrade. This could be available any time now. Also at The Show in Newport Beach, CA in June he will show the 5a Carbon model that will be available for original owners as an upgrade. Thanks for this Circle. It is long over due.

[jeffreybehr]

YW.

Based on the 2 models' rated sensitivities of 83.5dB (7) and 87dB (5A), I'd think the 7 would require at least double the amount of power as the 5A.  Said another way, if the 5A sounds great and doesn't clip with a 100-Watt amp, the 7 would require a 200-Watt amp, all other things being equal.  I have an old Audio Technology model 510 peak-reading Voltage sensor calibrated and intended to be a power indicator.

Its zero-dB point can be set to 25, 50, or 100 Watts into 4, 8, or 16 Ohms.  I just connected it to my Monarchy SE-160 poweramps; it'll be interesting to see just how much power my 5As are drawing at my highest listening levels.

I have a Bosch-brand measuring laser (claimed to be accurate to 1/16") and a 3-line laser square; they're very helpful at setup, especially the measuring laser.  Does VA have an alignment jig for the 5A?

[zybar]

So how much power are the 5A's asking for at the peaks and steady state?

For a while I ran 60-100 watt tube amps (Bella Extreme 100's) with the 5A's and they did really well except when the db's started to get into the low to mid 90's they could get a little hard sounding and start to fold in on themselves.

With my Atma-Sphere MA-1's + Speltz Zeros I get 140-165 watts of Class A power that produce the best sound I have heard with the 5A's.  I have no issues with hitting peaks over 100 db's.  For obvious reasons, I didn't listen at this level for very long as I didn't want to damage my hearing.

George

[jeffreybehr]

So how much power are the 5A's asking for at the peaks and steady state?
George

Don't know yet.  Will check tonite.

I'd love to have a pair of Atma-Sphere MA1-Mk.3.1s, but...

[Russtafarian]

Welcome chargerfan!

Russ

[kenreau]

I had Vandersteen 5a speakers for about 8 years and now have the Model 7s. Both speakers depend on proper placement from
the back and side walls in order to get the best from them. My 7s were set up with the Vandersteen jig and laser device. The
result was excellent. The jig got toe in just right. Both speakers need what used to be called "moxie" in an amplifier like the
Aesthetix Atlas Sig monos or the Ayre MX-R. Tube amps will work if they have the power and current. Vandersteen is coming out with a new and improved high pass filter that he told me will be a big upgrade. This could be available any time now. Also at The Show in Newport Beach, CA in June he will show the 5a Carbon model that will be available for original owners as an upgrade. Thanks for this Circle. It is long over due.

I notice this is ~ 2 years ago.  I am curious if Vandersteen did come out with new high pass filter design for the 5As.  Anyone know?

Thx
Ken