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, 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.
