Greetings From New Owner of 5As

[Sbank]

Just a quick hello from the new (second) owner of a pair of 5As. 

First, I'd like to thank @Richard Vandersteen for not only creating such a wonderful product, but for all the attention to writing a superior user manual that covers things like how to properly unbox the speakers in detail. With so many other high end audio products I've owned it seems like the higher the price, the less relevant information is included in the manual. 😉 This forum is a testament to real commitment towards ensuring Vandersteen owners are getting the most from their gear in the service of music. Many forum members comments here contributed to my decision, so thanks to you all for your knowledge, questions and enthusiasm.

Second, I'd like to thank Jon at Ultra Fidelis who provided me with the perfect pair for my situation and a great purchasing experience. No question is too small for Jon and he ensured the purchase of a pre-owned item felt to me like I got royal treatment. Everything about my dealings with Jon led me to appreciate his grace, humor, patience and studied product knowledge, a rarity these days. 

Lastly, immense thanks to my great friends, @TomicTime and @bkeske, who have shared their experiences and insights, as I wandered down a long path to select my speakers which are replacing long-in-the-tooth Sound Lab electrostatics that I've enjoyed for many years.  As a lurker here for a few months pre-purchase, I know many of you appreciate the kind spirits and helpful nature of these two super souls. I am happy to rejoin the Vandersteen owners family amongst such amazing compadres. Cheers,

Spencer aka "sbank"

PS: Better photos to come as I complete my setup. 

[bkeske]

@Sbank Fantastic Spencer!! Welcome aboard buddy, finally 😎👍🏼
 

Brian

Edited September 4, 2023 by bkeske

[bkeske]

@Sbank BTW Spencer, you can also add your current photo within a post here in this thread…..and then include better ones as you progress with setup.

Brian

[stratocaster]

@Sbank congratulations on the new acquisition.. looking forward to the pictures and your impressions as the speakers belt out your favorite tunes..

[TomicTime]

welcome Spencer ! i am sure your system and curation will yield fantastic sonics and you will be excellent contributor to the fellowship that is Vandersteen Audio, the super dealers like Jon and of couse the owners….. best to you in music

[Brad O]

Welcome, Spencer!  Congratulations on getting a great pair from such a knowledgeable dealer. 

[stebaht]

Awesome! Congrats on the new setup. I also have the 5a s in the same finish it looks like. You’re going to love them.

[Sbank]

Work in progress...

[nymarty]

Congrats on your new to you 5A’s !  Enjoy them.  

[Stringreen]

enjoy your 5A's.   I have a pair as well.......be careful as to your setup and luxuriate in the music.

[stratocaster]

Great system. Are those fabric things under the speaker temporary?

[Sbank]

Yes, just for initial placement until installing the spikes.

[Oregon]

Sweet!

[GdnrBob]

Looks nice.

Aesthetically speaking, I would move the plants to the corners behind the speakers, and maybe put the speakers a bit inside. Then you can get rid of the reflector/absorber. Though 'His Master's Voice' would need a new home..

2 cents...

B

[SAGNI]

Congratulations! The 5A/s are beautiful hi-fi sculpture. 

[ctsooner]

Congratulations and yes, Jon is a great dealer.  Just a wonderful person who loves music. 

[Stringreen]

On 9/6/2023 at 10:49 AM, Sbank said:

Yes, just for initial placement until installing the spikes.

Vandersteen makes footers that go under the spikes...   I have them under my 5A's and made a positive difference

[ctsooner]

Same. Got them when I went to the granite plinths. 

[Sbank]

Will add those to my long term plans. I already had some Herbie’s footers, so using them for the moment.

[ctsooner]

17 hours ago, Sbank said:

Will add those to my long term plans. I already had some Herbie’s footers, so using them for the moment.

Richard makes inexpensive vanderfeet for the speakers. They have a special felt that holds the speakers in place better than anything I’ve tried to date. All who have gone this route seems to love them.  Other footers seem to not work as well for many of us.  Worth trying and you can sell the others and cover the cost or even out some money back into your pocket. You never know. 

[GdnrBob]

Though I have used a number of Herbie's products. The 'Vandershoes', do work with our speakers. They aren't that expensive. So, if you do try them, I would be interested in your opinion.

Bob

[Sbank]

"Vandershoes" in the house!

[Stringreen]

if those plants are living plants they would help your listening experience....if they are artificial flowers, they will probably do nothing.

[Sbank]

8 hours ago, Stringreen said:

if those plants are living plants they would help your listening experience....if they are artificial flowers, they will probably do nothing.

If they aren't living, I've been wasting a lot of water 😉

[Bruskie]

Welcome  to the forum @Sbank. Lots of wisdom in these threads.

Your listening room looks fantastic!! I too use plants all around my listening space (Palms and snake too) to great benefit, both visually and sonically. Enjoy those 5As.

Bruce