With the recent addition of the McCormack DNA-0.5 Gold Rev. by SMc Audio, and recent up-grade of my dedicated AC system with Virtual Dynamics cryogenically treated wires, breakers and outlets, I feel that my system is essentially complete.
The Vandersteen 5s are tremendously versatile speakers with spectacular bass and excellent mid-range clarity-- also very non-fatiguing. Although they weigh 185 lbs each, they are noticeably smaller than the Vand. 3Asigs. they replaced.
The 100 wpc McCormack amp works very well with the V5s as they are an easy to drive 8 Ohm load, and it only has to drive 125 HZ and above (the 3 upper drivers). This Gold Rev. McCormack has a "deliously rich" mid-range and great rhythm. The sweet sound of the Vandersteen speakers and McCormack amp combo is nicely complemented by the quite neutral Line 2 SE pre-amp.
I love the neutrality yet musicality of the Levinson M37 transport and 360S DAC. I've become a real believer in Synergistic Research wire and use it throughout-- except for a Cardas AES/EBU digital cable.
This system comes together in a very musical way, and what I especially like is that it sounds good with audiophile quality music as well as regular ol' R&R and Pop CDs. The V5s can "boogie". I've sometimes thought that the weak link in my system was the SF Line 2 SE pre-amp, but I then found NOS tubes that I really like and it's become a super pre-amp in this system. I recently went back to long speaker cables-- the slightly warm sounding Syn. Res. Sig. # 10. I have a dedicated AC system, with Virtual Dynamics cryo'ed products which greatly lowered the noise floor.
From here I may try other components, wires, and tweaks occasionally, but I don't expect to end up with a more costly system. New cost (MSRP) of this system is in the low $40K range. I'm going to work on looking for music for awhile:>) Any comments or questions regarding this system are welcome. Cheers. Craig.
Hi Matt; thanks for the good wishes. I'll probably post a review thread regarding my up-graded dedicated AC system using the VD cryo'ed stuff. Cheers. Craig
Good luck with the upgrades Gar; I look forward to hearing how it all turns out...'specially the cryoed wire and breakers. I use a PS Audio outlet, and really can't say I did any critical listening to determine if it 'sounded better.'
System edited: The addition of Vandersteen 5 speakers to my system over a year ago prompted some other changes to my system (see system). I went to the smaller very sweet, liquid sounding McCormack DNA-0.5 Gold Rev. amp, short ICs and long speaker cables. I'm in the process of up-grading my dedicated AC system with Virtual Dynamic cryo'ed wire, breakers, and outlets. The 1st half is done and is excellent sounding, so I'm looking forward to phase 2 in a couple weeks (if it sounds ugly I'll be embarassed, but will report it). Also, I put a 2 1/4" thick Boos maple cutting board and A'Gon member Rcreation's cork/rubber footers under the amp-- detailed yet sweet sounding. Cheers. Craig
Hi Mdomnick; I've used Syn Res Phase 2 ICs for several years now and chose them over comparably priced MIT and Cardas ICs and spkr cables. I've also used Kimber PBJ and Hero and do not consider them competitive with my "mid-priced" SR wires. I recently had my SR ICs up-graded to the newest active shielded X-Series and like them a lot. The newest X-Series are very smooth and detailed w/o being too bright or analytic.
I also traded my old MCC box (it quit working) for the latest MCC-3, w/ the much improved BNC connectors. Finally, I replaced my Sig. No. 2 cables with Sig. No. 10 X-Series bi-wired cables with active shielding.
In my experience, the main benefit of active shielding is the impressive soundstaging it presents, but even w/o active shielding, I believe I'd still use the Syn Res wires I have as they are well balanced, smooth, dynamic, and detailed w/o being too bright or analytic-- good bass too. Sound staging is good even w/o the active shielding, but great with it. Cheers. Craig
I recently got interested in Synergistic Research cables (maybe it was their homepage that got me interested) but am curious your impression of them. What other cables have you tried? Do you think active shielding is the magic that makes SR cables good, or is their lower line a good entry point?
Sounds like a great system. What kind of tunes are you spinning on it. Also if your not happy with the preamp try Audio Research, I have the LS7. A used LS2 would be even better. Since you like Levinson go with that,or stick with tubes I like that combo, solid amp and tube pre.(check out my system what do you think?
I haven't done a very good job keeping up with this thread, so an up-date. To answer Sugarbrie's question, I don't use the Monster Power Conditioner for anything but accessories-- I got it for the outlets. All components in my primary system plug direstly into dedicated outlets.
And Tim, you're right, but I haven't been doing "nothing" with my system. I've had my SF Line 2 up-graded to SE level, and now use a mix of NOS Brimar tubes and stock Sovteks in it. The up-grade was worthwhile but not dramatic-- the SE upgrade and Brimars add some needed warmth IMO. I've also added a nice "pro" level Marantz CD recorder, and an older Adcom tuner that produces nice clear non-fatiguing music. Next step may be to get the outlets for my speaker's amps dedicated. Cheers. Craig
The true question is are you still there Craig? its going to be coming up on a year soon since you posted this system, has the bug got to you?? Happy listening! ~Tim
Nice job Craig. Of all the speakers Vandersteen ever manufactured, the 5's are the only ones I haven't had the pleasure of listening to. From all the accolades I guess it is about time to search them out. Congragulations to you in putting together what I can certainly imagine is a musically satisfying system of the 1st order.
Hi, Sugarbrie. Your comment has much merit in many areas of the country that have "dirty power". On a relative basis, most of the Pacific NW has pretty decent power -- and since Craig lives on the Oregon coast, maybe he is luckier than many of us to have not only a fairly pristine environment, but also clean power. What say ye, Craig?
Hi, Craig. I'm envious of your Vandy 5's. Although I have recently rounded out my Vandy 3A Sig's with 2Wq subs, I recently spent some more time listening to the V5's at Advanced Audio in Tacoma, WA, and am now lusting after the V5's. You are right about the V5's special qualities -- an extraordinary speaker by any standard, and -- as high-end audio goes -- a relative bargain at its price. I was also struck by how much smaller the V5's are in comparison to the 3A Sig's. That would probably have a higher WAF -- maybe if I just don't tell her the price? Good listening to you, and drop me a private E-mail sometime. I'd be interested in hearing more about the V5's, but also about your McCormack amp. Best - Scott C.
Nice system Craig. I heard the 5's and thought that they had pretty prodigious bottom end for a relatively small speaker. Richard had set the system up and it sounded quite solid using ARC "backbone" components. I can understand why you're ready to start buying more music though. Your happy with what you have : ) Sean >
