Robert Harley Reviews the Model Seven XTRM - NOW ONLINE!

The Vandersteen Audio Model Seven XTRM is technically innovative, reflecting original thinking rather than following a “me-to” cones-in-a-box approach. It is the culmination of 47 years of continuous development that can trace its fundamental design principles to Vandersteen’s Model Two from 1977.  Link to review HERE.

One of the Five Most Significant Introductions per Robert Harley at AXPONA 2024

RH-2 Vandersteen

Vandersteen L5-ACC Linestage Preamplifier

A preamplifier from Vandersteen? After 47 years building loudspeakers, why would Vandersteen make a preamplifier? The answer is that this is the preamp that Richard Vandersteen wants for his own system but isn’t available on the market. So, he created a preamp with several unique features and thought other listeners would want those features as well. The result is the L5-ACC, with “ACC” an initialism for “Audio Control Center.” The L5-ACC offers features not normally found on a preamp—features that are implemented in a novel way.

First are the bass and treble controls, realized not by switching in an equalization circuit but by using relays to add circuitry in parallel to the signal path. The result is tone controls with no sonic penalty. Sensibly, the controls have limited range—just enough to nudge a system or a particular recording in the right tonal direction. The bass control offers boost of +2dB, +4dB, +6dB, and cut of –3dB, and the treble control offers +1dB, +2dB, –1dB and –2dB adjustment, all in discrete steps rather than being continuously variable as with most tone controls. Any combination of settings can be stored in one of three presets, accessible on the remote control. The presets are handy for creating your own loudness-compensation circuit for low-level listening or adding a bit of bass boost to some older records, for examples.

A feature not found on modern preamps, but that Vandersteen thought useful, is a mono-blend circuit to reduce the “ping-pong” mixes prevalent in the early days of stereo recording—drums 100% in the right channel and the lead instrument 100% in the left channel, for example The mono-blend circuit reduces that exaggerated stereo effect and is selectable on the L5-ACC remote control in four steps including full mono. Finally, the L5-ACC incorporates a matrix that takes out-of-phase information from each channel, inverts it, and mixes it back in on the theory that this out-of-phase information restores the natural ambience encoded in the recordings. It’s like the “Hafler Hookup” popular in the 1970s but without rear speakers. The L5-ACC will begin shipping in Q4 this year with a price of $15,000. Vandersteen created a great-sounding room with the L5-ACC, Audio Research electronics, AudioQuest cables and power conditioning, and his own excellent Kento Carbon loudspeakers. Come to think of it, I’ve never heard bad sound in a Vandersteen show demo.

Excerpt for the full report found here: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/axpona-2024-robert-harley-on-electronics/

Axpona 2024 is a wrap.

"AXPONA 2024 PREMIERED THE NEW LS-AUDIO CONTROL CENTER

April 14, 2024 - Schamburg, IL.  Vandersteen launched the new L5-ACC Preamp Audio Control Center.  A  sampling of the reactions:

"Those are the best highs I have ever heard."
"YES!!!"
"When can I get one?"

Look for the new Preamp at your local dealer.

T-Shirts were also a hit, and you can get one by clicking here.

Ultra Fidelis set the system at a spectacular level of expertise,  


It is always great seeing our industry friends.  We caught Robert Harley for a quick photo with Richard and the March issue of The Absolute Sounds featuring a review of the Model 7 XTRM.

Richard Vandersteen with Robert Harley

Vandersteen's Fall Tour Announced Today!

FALL TOUR 2023

VERONA NJ VANDERSTEEN DEALER

RICHARD VANDERSTEEN FALL TOUR ANNOUNCED

THREE STOPS mark the beginning of a new tour.  There is a new product to show in the prototype and a new category.  This will be a don't-miss opportunity to hear Richard discuss the latest product and everything Vandersteen.  Each stop will have plenty of time for questions and answers as well. 
THE FIRST STOP IS FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, ON OCTOBER 30
Monday, October 30, 2023,  from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Fort Collins specialty audio retailer Audio Alternative (1849 Michael Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80526) will host featured special guests Richard Vandersteen, Founder and Head Engineer of Vandersteen Audio, and  Brad O'Toole, owner of Sound Vibes and World Wide Sales Representative for Vandersteen.  After a brief presentation and questions and answers, there will be a premier sonic unveiling of the all-new L5-ACC Audio Control Center Preamp.  This system will feature fully powered Vandersteen loudspeakers employing the Vandersteen High Pass Amps.    Please RSVP at sales@audioalternative.com 
THE NEXT STOP IS ATLANTA, GEORGIA, ON NOVEMBER 2
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, 6-9 pm, Atlanta specialty audio retailer HiFi Buys Atlanta (3157 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA) Featured special guests Richard Vandersteen, Founder and Head Engineer of Vandersteen Audio, and Global Sales Director Brad O'Toole.  After a brief presentation and questions and answers, there will be a premier sonic unveiling of the all-new L5-ACC Audio Control Center Preamp.  This system will feature fully powered Vandersteen loudspeakers employing the Vandersteen High Pass Amps.  This is a premiere event, so RSVP. 
Please RSVP at  hifibuys.com/events/.
THE FINAL STOP IS VERONA, NEW JERSEY, ON NOVEMBER 4
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, New York/New Jersey specialty audio retailer Audio Connection (615 Bloomfield Avenue Verona, NJ) will host Vandersteen Audio in two sessions.  One session will start at 12:15 PM  and another at 3:00 PM.  Featured special guest Richard Vandersteen, Founder and Head Engineer of Vandersteen Audio, and Global Sales Director Brad O'Toole.  After a brief presentation and questions and answers, there will be a premier sonic unveiling of the all-new L5-ACC Audio Control Center Preamp.  This system will feature fully powered Vandersteen loudspeakers employing the Vandersteen High Pass Amps.  This event requires RSVP by emailing audioconnect@verizon.net or calling ‭(973) 239-1799‬
 
About Vandersteen Audio
Vandersteen Audio designs and manufactures time-and-phase-correct loudspeakers and superb electronics.  Every Vandersteen loudspeaker is true and accurate to the signal received from the amplifier, with unsurpassed natural musicality and "Dimensional Purity." All Vandersteen products are proudly designed and manufactured with the sun's power in the USA, in Hanford, CA. 
 
116 West Fourth St. | Hanford, CA 93230 United States
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The Audiophile Zone Hosts Richard Vandersteen on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 2-5 PM

Central California has a great new Vandersteen dealer.  The Audiophile Zone in Los Osos, California, will host an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 2-5 pm features a presentation and Q&A with Richard Vandersteen. The focus will be on the more affordable speakers up to the Treo CT, but Richard is happy to discuss any product.  This dealer will host in his home, so RSVP is mandatory.  Please email sales@audiophilezone.com  to reserve and receive the address.

About Vandersteen Audio

Vandersteen Audio designs and manufactures time-and-phase-correct loudspeakers and superb electronics.  Every Vandersteen loudspeaker is true and accurate to the signal received from the amplifier, with unsurpassed natural musicality and “Dimensional Purity.” All Vandersteen products are proudly designed and manufactured with the sun's power in the USA, in Hanford, CA.  

Vandersteen Shows at Axpona 2023

Ultra Fidelis Hosts Two Vandersteen Speakers Live in room 1234 - the Vandersteen KĒNTO Carbon and the VLRCT.  

The KĒNTO Carbon loudspeaker and M5-HPA High Pass Amplifier represents our most popular fully-powered loudspeaker solution.  The amps even come with the interface cable, so all you need to do is connect your balanced cables from your preamp to the Vandersteen M5-HPA," said Brad O'Toole - Global Sales Vandersteen.


VLRCT



"The Vandersteen VLR CT is a true bookshelf loudspeaker," said Richard Vandersteen.  "It is meant to be inches from a wall and can be placed at any convenient height.  Just don't point them directly at you, and you will have great sound from our least expensive product with, the Carbon Tweeter."


Equipment Presented

System A:

  • AMG Viella Forte Turntable w/12JT Arm

  • Lyra Atlas Lambda Phono Cartridge

  • Audio Research Reference Phono 3SE Phono Stage

  • Aurender N30SA

  • Audio Research DAC9

  • Audio Research REF6SE Preamp

  • Vandersteen M5HPA Monoblock Amplifiers

  • Vandersteen Kento Carbon Speakers

  • AudioQuest Cabling

  • AudioQuest Niagara 7000 for Head End

  • AudioQuest Niagara 5000 for Amps/Subs

  • HRS Isolation

System B:

  • Click the photo for the video.

Vandersteen VCC-2 reviewed

 AudioReputation reviews the VCC-2 and matches it with the V2W, VSM, and Model 3A Signature for a full setup.  It is a good review, conscientiously done, with total independence.  

For the full article, click here

Vandersteen at Tone Studios in Indianapolis

This store is the only place you can audition three fully powered systems with Vandersteen High Pass Amps. This evening the Quatros, the KĒNTOs, and the XTRM loudspeakers were all powered by Vandersteen's own High Pass Amps. It was the first time Richard Vandersteen had listened to one model speaker right after the other, exclaiming, "they are all the same, they just get better as you move up!"  Maestro Mark, the owner, played some genuinely spectacular music for the evening.  

To see the video, click here.

Vandersteen Visits Ann Arbor

Now serving all of Michigan from Ann Arbor, Overture Audio's sound studios are amazing.  Not only did we have a great seminar with many Vandersteen enthusiasts, but we had some great tunes play to ensure the M5-HPA fully powered KENTO setup was ready for all kinds of music.  The Model 2's also sounded "in their element," and the Treo CTs played Chopin as if he were there.  This is a short slide show preview.  We hope to see you there sometime.  Click on the picture below to see the video.

Ultra Fidelis Hosts Vandersteen's Evening of Music

The recent expansion means more rooms to enjoy! This video summarizes the October 27, 2022, event at the Ultra Fidelis showroom near Milwaukee. If you have never visited, they feature the Vandersteen Model 7 XTRM and the full line of products for an audition. {Click on Picture for Video}

Richard Discusses Why Measurements Matter

Click here to see the video

For years Stereophile Magazine has published Loudspeaker Measurements.  This database yields a wealth of information if you know how to interpret these graphs.  In this video, Richard discusses the three primary measurements he uses to ensure his designs are neutral and meet the demands of Vandersteen speaker engineering.  You will learn why a step function is central to our designs and why it matters sonically.  You will also learn how to look at a waterfall plot and determine if that sound is for you and if your speaker is truly "quiet'"  This is also an indicator of the ability to convey the emotion of the music through the nuances and silence between the notes the gives the texture and rhythm intended by the artist.   The final graph presented is the impedance curve.  With this graph, you can answer the question, will my current amplifier work with this speaker?

Richard and Brad Hit the Road.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 5–9 pm Ann Arbor, MI specialty audio retailer Overture Audio will host Richard Vandersteen, Founder and Head Engineer of Vandersteen Audio, and Brad O’Toole, Founder of Sound Vibes and Sales Representative for Vandersteen.  A group presentation with a question-and-answer session starts at 6:00 pm. The feature for the evening is The Absolute Sound’s 2021 Ultra High-End Loudspeaker of the Year KĒNTO Carbon, shown in its fully powered version employing the Vandersteen M5-HPA amplifiers.  Space is limited, so RSVP by emailing events@overture-audio.com

Overture Audio - 5040 Jackson Road - Ann Arbor, MI 48103 - (734) 662-1812


Thursday, October 27, 2022, 7–9 pm, Wauwatosa, WI specialty audio retailer Ultra Fidelis will host Richard Vandersteen, Founder and Head Engineer of Vandersteen Audio, and Brad O’Toole, Founder of Sound Vibes and Representative for Vandersteen and HRS. A group presentation with a question-and-answer session starts at 7:30 pm. The Vandersteen feature for the evening is The New Model Seven XTRM, shown in its fully powered version employing the Vandersteen M5-HPA amplifiers. Ultra Fidelis also makes all products available for a private audition by appointment. Space is limited, so please email dominique.evans@ultrafi.com or call the store at 414-221-0200 to reserve a spot.

Ultra Fidelis - 7125 West North Avenue - Wauwatosa WI 53213 - 414.221.0200


Saturday, October 29, 2022, 5–9 pm, Indianapolis, IN, specialty audio retailer Tone Studio will host Richard Vandersteen, Founder and Head Engineer of Vandersteen Audio, and Brad O’Toole, Founder of Sound Vibes and Representative for Vandersteen. A group presentation with a question-and-answer session starts at 5:30 pm. The Vandersteen feature for the evening is The New Model Seven XTRM. Tone Studio also welcomes appointments for extended music listening private auditions. Space is limited, so please email markusch@sbcglobal.net to RSVP or call the store at 317-696-1742.

TONE STUDIO - 623 E NORTH ST. – INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204

Vandersteen Receives Ultra-High-End Loudspeaker of the Year

The Absolute Sound Magazine Awards the KĒNTO Carbon Ultra-High-End Loudspeaker of the Year.  Reviewer Andre Jennings further adds the speaker possesses "extraordinary cohesiveness."  Solidity, timbre accuracy, and highly realistic and truthful bass also describe this speaker.  We know the bass is unique and represents a path now followed by the new Model 7 XTRM. 

Richard Vandersteen Interview with the Philadelphia Area Audio Group

This excellent interview covers the origins of Vandersteen to the succession plans. The reasons for the design mandates and how Richard designs and listens. Why does the new Vandersteen Model 2 not have treble and bass controls? Why is Vandersteen making amplifiers? What is the ideal cable to use with Vandersteen? What is Richard Vandersteen's view of the future of audio?

For Video Click Here

How It's Made: Vandersteen Treo CT

One of Vandersteen's most popular speakers, the Treo CT represents most of the elements of its siblings.  This video shows the steps from MDF raw stock, to finished product.  Each step represents a careful attention to detail reflecting many years of thought and experience by the designer, and by the craftspeople fabricating, assembling, testing, and packaging to assure the best product arrives to your listening space.   Enjoy by clicking here.
 

World Premiere Review - The Absolute Sound's Andre Jennings Reviews the KĒNTO Carbon

KENTO Carbon

Andre Jennings is a quiet and unassuming audio enthusiast turned reviewer, with a deep technical understanding of electoral elements, both analog and digital.  His review of the Vandersteen KENTO Carbon reflects that knowledge.  Just for a tease, "The Vandersteen KENTO Carbon is no exception; as you will read, it synchronized with the room in imaging and soundstaging pretty quickly, establishing itself in the top tier of loudspeakers I’ve reviewed. "  Read the rest of the review here.

The Frist Time Listener to the Model 7 MkII

Remember that first experience where a system "blew you away."  Thanks to our dealer HiFi Buys, you can revisit that moment with Jon as he experiences their Beatles room for the first time.

Click here to see the video

SUB THREE earns Golden Ear Award from Tas and Andre Jennings

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2019-golden-ear-awards-andre-jennings

Vandersteen Audio Sub Three Subwoofer
$2490
For more than a decade and a half, I’ve owned a pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofers to enhance bottom-octave bass support in my approximately 43′ x 18′ x 8′ listening space. These subwoofers have integrated successfully with stand-mount two-way speakers in addition to large panel speakers, as well as many varieties of full-range cone speakers. Vandersteen Audio has improved on the performance of the 2Wq with its current replacement: the Sub Three. Featuring an analog-based 11-band equalizer, triple die-cast 8-inch drivers, a sealed enclosure, adjustable “Q” control, speaker sensitivity level-matching control, a 325W amplifier, and a switching, power-factor-corrected, regulated power supply, the Sub Three operates using a unique inverse-crossover arrangement that requires a first-order crossover between the preamplifier and amplifier to gently, and predictably, roll-off the low frequency before it gets to that amplifier. This approach frees the amplifier and speakers to perform upper bass, midrange, and treble duties without having to cope with the current-demanding mid-to-lowest bass the amplifier would normally have to supply to the speaker. Attached to the output of the amplifier, the Sub Three internally applies an inverse-crossover and restores the bass via its built-in subwoofer amplifier, while taking on whatever characteristic the main amplifier imparts on the speakers and subjectively creating a better blend with the speakers being used. The resulting sound, when fully integrated, is cohesive, powerful, and natural.

Stereohile's John Atkinson Reviews the Quatro Wood CT.

The November 2019 Issue of Stereophile features a review for the Quatro Wood CT by John Atkinson. He concludes, "the Quatro Wood CTs opened a clean, wide, deep, detailed window into the acoustic of London's Royal Albert Hall. That's primarily what I want from a pair of loudspeakers—not deep bass (which these Vandersteens do have); not wide dynamics (at which the Wood CTs excel); not clean, uncolored mids and highs (something the Vandersteens readily offer); but a stereo virtual reality engine to connect me with the music I want [to] listen to. On that ground, a pair of Vandersteen's Quatro CTs scores big-time."

Click here for the full online review.

Munich 2019 - Jason Victor Serinus Shares His Thoughts on the Munich HiFi Show Vandersteen System.

Vandersteen System in Munich 2019

Jason Victor Serinus is also Inimitable. Thanks to Jason we learned a new word that truly describes Vandersteen's view on product design. "If it is not unique, why build it?" - Richard Vandersteen. Also, thanks to our show friends Brinkmann Audio and Harmonic Resolution Systems Inc. as well as the generous cable loans from AudioQuest. We look forward to Munich again next May - where the audio world meets for friends, music, and business.

Read the complete coverage here.

Munich 2019 - Part Time Audiophile's Marc Phillips comments on the Munich Showroom.

Marc Phillips of Part-Time Audiophile notices how the Model Seven can fill a space with proper levels of bass and musical balance in his show report, stating: "The combination of Vandersteen, HRS and Brinkmann at High End 2019 was impressive, and I look forward to seeing more of these products in the future."  

We won't disappoint Marc, as we will be back in 2020 with these great show partners.

Read Marc's comments here.

Axpona 2019 - Marc Phillips notes how the System NINE works in a large space too.

Marc Phillips admires how a system can shine in a large space.  "Big systems in big rooms can sometimes be too much of a good thing, especially when you miss some of that inner detail in all that real estate, but the AudioQuest, Vandersteen and Channel D room excelled at detaching from the room and playing the tunes the way they were meant to be heard." 

Read the complete comments here.

Powered Bass Room EQ Setup Video

Richard takes some time to go through the setup procedure for all powered bass speakers including the Quatro, Model 5 series, Model 7 series, Sub THREE and Sub NINE.  The process takes about 45 minutes.  

Why Does Vandersteen Use Powered Subs with Room EQ?

"I believe the foundation of music is bass. Without bass, we don't have music."--Richard Vandersteen 

It is sometimes assumed that Vandersteen's top speakers are fully active, when in fact they feature a thoughtful and sophisticated implementation of powered subwoofer technology. In this video, Richard Vandersteen sits down with Brad O'Toole to discuss a few of the fascinating topics that were raised during the 2018 Munich High End Show, including the challenges of seamlessly blending a subwoofer into a high-performance speaker system and the significant advantages of employing Vandersteen's passive first-order high-pass filter. As you'll see, every successful speaker design involves a number of carefully considered compromises and expertly executed visions. The proof, as always, is in the listening! 

Richard Vandersteen in Conversation with John Atkinson

During the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, held January 9-12 in Las Vegas, Richard Vandersteen sat down with Stereophile magazine's editor, John Atkinson, to discuss the intersection of value and performance, the importance of the time domain to loudspeaker design, and the fascinating origins of Vandersteen Audio.

You can listen to the full conversation above and see the original post at Stereophile.com. Just don't expect Richard to reveal the viscous membrane! Some things are best-kept secret. 

The Absolute Sound's Top Picks in High-End 2017: Model 2Ce Signature II, Treo CT, Model 5A Carbon

The Absolute Sound has published its latest online buyer's guide: Top Picks in High-End Audio and Music 2017! The excellent issue includes recommendations and praise for three Vandersteen Audio loudspeakers: the classic Model 2Ce Signature II, compact Treo CT, and exceptional Model 5A Carbon (seen here). 

In addition to all of the outstanding gear, the guide contains several pages of music recommendations to keep hungry listeners satiated throughout the new year. 

The Absolute Sound's Top Picks in High-End Audio and Music 2017 can be downloaded for free HERE

The Truth About Pistonic Driver Cones

Because You Need To Know The Truth About Pistonic Driver Cones …

Bringing paper cones to a super-speaker today is like bringing a horse and buggy to a Formula One race. Materials and performance have evolved and so must loudspeakers, especially at the high-price super-speaker level. Crucial to avoiding performance-killing distortion in loudspeakers are driver cones rigid enough to remain pistonic throughout their pass band, i.e., the range of frequencies each driver is required to reproduce.

“Pistonic” refers to the motion of the driver cone in response to the audio signal from the driver’s voice coil. If the driver cone stays rigid and moves in and out in truly pistonic fashion, distortion is avoided and the purest replica possible of the signal from the amplifer is produced by the speaker. If any part of the cone flexes or bends in the opposite direction of the signal, part of the cone is out of phase, and distortion is output from the loudspeaker.

In the dramatic video above, Richard Vandersteen talks through a comparison of two midrange driver cones using highly advanced imagery from a Klippel analysis. Klippel allows us to see the cones’ behavior in response to audio signals in real time and evaluate their performance. One cone is Vandersteen Audio’s “Perfect-Piston™” midrange cone, which is a patented ultra-rigid carbon-fiber/balsa core design. The other is a very expensive paper driver cone that is employed in some very high-end speaker designs …

This Is Your Driver Cone On Paper …

What’s truly shocking in this video is that so much audible distortion is readily visible at 1.4kHz with approximately half of the paper cone flexing out of phase. 1.4kHz is of course well within the crucial midrange frequencies this driver cone would be expected to reproduce in any speaker design. This range comprises so much of the soul of the music we love, and the sad truth is that this midrange cone is incapable of faithfully reproducing music in this critical band.

The video shows too that the paper cone is in complete chaos at 5kHz, the middle of the “presence region” of the frequency spectrum. The presence region is above the midrange but well within the overlap region where the midrange driver transitions to a tweeter. This range has a distinct effect on vocals and instruments, as recording and mixing engineers are very aware of.

The types of gross distortions demonstrated in this video are audible not only as a loss of resolution, but also as noise and dynamic compression. When the driver cone motion becomes chaotic, sounds are still produced in the areas of the cone that are in “breakup mode.” But those sounds aren’t related to the musical signal. Sound you can hear that bears no relation to the signal is pure distortion. Or, in a word, just noise. And the paper midrange in the video is producing a LOT of it.

The paper cone distortions demonstrated in the video also soften transient impact and blunt dynamic peaks. Loudspeakers simply cannot deliver full dynamic range when large portions of the driver cones are not moving with the signal in pistonic fashion. The orchestra can no longer play at full power when the loudspeaker’s driver cones are in “break-up mode” and the cone’s motion is chaotic.

Speaker distortions such as these are often explained away as sins of omission. In fact the “lossy” nature of these distortions might smear enough musical information to hide flaws in other components in an audio system. While speakers with paper cones exhibit compromised dynamics, they can often be played VERY loud which fools less experienced listeners into believing they are hearing real dynamic range. But all distortion factors increase as the volume goes up, especially in power amplifiers. There is no free lunch.

These may be acceptable compromises in entry level or mid-fi systems. At Vandersteen Audio, we see no reason on earth to accept compromises like these in statement loudspeakers at high prices.

Vandersteen Audio customers have always demanded more and so has Richard Vandersteen. Richard spent a decade on the R&D that led to Vandersteen’s patented Perfect-Piston carbon-fiber/balsa core driver cones, shown in the video to be truly pistonic and unflappable.

Vandersteen’s Perfect-Piston driver cones are handmade in Vandersteen’s California factory. They debuted in the Model Seven in 2009 and are still used in the Model Seven Mk II, Vandersteen’s current flagship. Driver cones descended directly from these amazing designs are also featured in Vandersteen’s Model 5A Carbon (Carbon Midrange and Tweeter), Quatro Wood CT (Carbon Tweeter), and Treo CT loudspeakers. For home theater enthusiasts, CT versions of the Vandersteen’s VCC-5 center channel and VSM surrounds are coming soon.

The video here dramatically demonstrates the distortion-free pistonic performance of these incredible drivers over a wide range of frequencies. It is not a coincidence that the Model Seven and Seven Mk II are on an unprecedented tear of great press and “Best of Show” accolades that is nearing a decade in duration. Other brands merely claim state-of-the-art components and performance. Vandersteen Audio proves it.

2017 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest: Andrew Quint's Best Sound

Reporting from the 2017 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, Andrew Quint of The Absolute Sound grants “Best Sound of Show" to the Audio Alternative suite, which featured our Model Seven Mk.II loudspeakers with Sub Nine subwoofers, driven by VTL amplification, and a front end comprising Brinkmann Balance turntable and Lyra Atlas phono cartridge. Cables and power conditioning were by AudioQuest and the equipment was supported by Harmonic Resolution Systems racks. Click HERE to read Mr. Quint's complete report.

Introducing the Model 2 Trade-In Program!

Introducing the Limited Offer Model 2 Trade-In Program!

Amazingly, over 100,000 pairs of Models 2s are out there in the world, sold since the speaker went into production in 1977. How GREAT would it be if all of you Model 2 owners out there had a clear path to upgrade to Vandersteen's latest and greatest? 

For a limited time- now until December 31st, 2017- participating Vandersteen Audio dealers will offer you up to $500 trade-in value for your Model 2 loudpseakers. Trade-ins are valid toward the Treo and above only.

Contact participating dealers for details. We expect the trade-in offer to make the most sense on Models 2s up through the Model 2CI as they are typically not worth more than $500 on the used market. The Model designation will be visible on the back plate right next to the serial number and are therefore very easy to identify.

Click HERE to locate your nearest Vandersteen dealer today!

Another Reviewer/Vandersteen Owner- Pete Roth and Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA!

Amazing- another major reviewer is a Vandersteen owner!

Soundstage's Pete Roth now has bought our Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA amps for his reference system, and you won't believe what he has to say about our flagship powered speaker system!

"The M7-HPA amplifiers have joined my Vandersteen Model Sevens, now upgraded to Mk.II status, to form the backbone of my reference system. The quality of sound I’m hearing from them is beyond what I could have hoped for, let alone expected, even a year or two ago."

Click HERE to read the whole review!

Another Reviewer Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is! Eric Neff and the Treo CT!

This INCREDIBLE review from Hi-Fi Plus' Eric Neff chronicles a reviewer's personal journey from the venerable Model 2 CE Signature to the Treo CT he now owns and listens to every day…

“The Treo CT’s ticked all the boxes and did so at an attainable price point. A sensible price and performance without compromise is the key, here, because once you have shown the new gear to your friends and they have gone home, we all want to be thrilled with what we are hearing when we listen by ourselves. The Treo CT’s will do that for you for many years to come.” -Eric Neff

Click HERE to read the whole review!

Quatro Wood CT Wins 2016 Brutus Award from Positive Feedback Online!

 

The Quatro Wood CT not only earned one of Vandersteen's greatest reviews of all time from Positive Feedback Online Editor Dave Clark, but also one of our greatest honors when Dave and his wife Carol couldn't stand to part with the review speakers and bought them. That wasn't all as Dave also selected the Quatro Wood CT as a Brutus Award winner for 2016. Thanks for testifying Dave and Carol!


Click HERE to read Positive Feedback Online's Brutus Awards feature.


 

NEW Richard Vandersteen Audio Seminars Announced!

Thursday March 16th, 7-9 PM: HiFi Buys, 3157 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta GA

Join Richard Vandersteen & the crew at HiFi Buys for an enlightening evening featuring jaw-dropping audio presentations and a panel discussion including reps from some of the best brands in the business!

Click HERE for more details from HiFi Buys.

Wednesday March 22nd, 7-9 PM: Ultra Fidelis, 7125 W North Ave., Wauwatosa WI

RSVP at 414-221-0200 or email jonathan.spelt@ultrafi.com

A special treat for Ultra Fidelis customers! 

In these times when it seems a challenge to find anything universal, one thing we can all agree on is that our music and home theater systems brighten and restore the zest in our lives. Join us for lighthearted conversation and share your passion with Richard Vandersteen and other HiFi enthusiasts on a most welcomed Spring night in East Tosa.

Click HERE for more details from Ultra Fidelis.

Richard Vandersteen Live and In Person: Winter Seminars Announced!

Wednesday February 15th, 7-9pm: Audio Alternative, 1849 Michael Lane, Fort Collins, CO

Please RSVP at 720-221-1496

Audio Alternative will host Richard Vandersteen and the debut of the amazing new Vandersteen SYSTEM NINE. SYSTEM NINE is comprised of Vandersteen's legendary Model Seven Mk II flagship speaker, the liquid-cooled M7-HPA amplifier and the brand-new SUB NINE stereo subwoofer system. SYSTEM NINE is the ultimate Vandersteen experience!

Thursday February 16th, 5-8pm: AudioConcepts, 11661 Preston Road, Dallas, TX

Please RSVP at 214-360-9520 or info@audioconceptsonline.com

Meet Richard Vandersteen and learn everything you ever wanted to know about Vandersteen Audio (and hi-fi in general) but were afraid to ask! Enjoy an evening of spectacular audio demos and soak in the decades of knowledge Richard will share with all of you. 

Vandersteen Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA Stereophile Editor's Choice Winners!

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Make sure to check out Stereophile's 2016 Product of the Year! Vandersteen's Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA amps were Finalists in their respective Product of the Year categories, and the Model Seven MK II was a Finalist for Overall Product of the year. In addition Editor John Atkinson gave both products Editor's Choice writing:

"Many loudspeakers have pass through my listening room int he last year, but the one I most missed after its return to its manufacturer was this expensive, full-range Vandersteen. Driven by its almost-as-expensive dedicated amplifiers, it produced sound that was consistently to die for.”

Click HERE to read the entire feature!

Click HERE to read John Atkinson's full review of our flagship Model Seven Mk II speakers and our liquid-cooled M7-HPA amplifiers.

Model Seven Mk II & M7-HPA Stereophile Class A Recommended Components!

"Best attainable sound for a component of its kind ... A Class A system is one for which you don't have to make a leap of faith to believe you're hearing the real thing." -Stereophile, October 2016

Stereophile's October 2016 issue saw Vandersteen Audio's flagship Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA amplifier recognized as Class A Recommended Components! This best-of-the-best pick is on the strength of Editor John Atkinson's over-the-top May 2016 review of the powered speaker system. 

A bass player himself, JA lauded both the extension and transparency of our powered bass, noting that the Vandersteen system made differences between components more audible: "The Vandersteen system was sufficiently transparent in the bass that I could readily hear how the dCS Vivaldi kept the intentionally phat bass-guitar lines better differentiated from the kick drum than did the PS Audio DirectStream DAC, especially when the bassist drops an octave at the start of a phrase."

Hearing that the "high frequencies seamlessly blended with their midrange," JA also noted  "delicious solidity to the sound even when the recording was mono ..."

JA concluded his extraordinary string of accolades by praising the system for "true full-range sound, superb transparency and soundstaging, and a magically palpable way with recorded voices."

Our Treo was also included in Class B, so all current Vandersteen products that have been reviewed by Stereophile are Recommended Components!

Click HERE for Stereophile's Recommended Components.

Click HERE to read John Atkinson's full review of our flagship Model Seven Mk II speakers and our liquid-cooled M7-HPA amplifiers.

Positive Feedback Editor Dave Clark Didn't Just Love Our Quatro Wood CTs- He Bought Them!

AMAZING new review of our Quatro Wood CT by Dave Clark, Editor at Positive Feedback Online! 

Dave said so many wonderful things, and in summary said, " ... the Quatros fit the bill for musicality, extended frequency response, dynamically spot on, and being drop dead attractive to look at. Thanks Richard. Much love to you and all at Vandersteen. The CT is a real winner. A real keeper."

Perhaps our favorite line is from Dave's wife Carol: "These speakers are simply awesome."

That's the mic drop! Thanks Dave! And Carol!

Click HERE to read the whole review!

Audio Connection Hosts Event, Introduces Ayre's New QX-5 On Model Seven Mk IIs!

Longtime and premier-level Vandersteen dealer Audio Connection of Verona, New Jersey recently hosted an event introducing the new QX-5 Twenty from our friends at Ayre Acoustics. The QX-5 was demoed on Audio Connection's Model Seven Mk IIs and a fine time and beautiful sound was enjoyed by all.

John Rutan and his crew at Audio Connection know how to build systems and can help you get the most out of the stereo you have today and the one you might want tomorrow. Visit the store and hear our best speakers sounding their best!

To read a full report on the event, click HERE to check out Michael LaVorgna's full report from AudioStream.com. Mike stays fit catching up with all the latest trends in the world of digital audio, downloads, streaming and more! If you get your music from digits, you'll want to keep with AudioStream! 

Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA Amps Sing for Stereophile Editor John Atkinson in May Issue!


Stereophile's May 2016 issue features a knockout debut for our flagship powered-speaker system, which is comprised of our flagship Model Seven Mk II loudspeaker and the liquid-cooled M7-HPA monoblock power amplifier! JA lauded both the extension and transparency of our powered bass, and concluded an extraordinary string of accolades by praising the system for its "true full-range sound, superb transparency and soundstaging, and a magically palpable way with recorded voices." To wow a seasoned listener like JA to this degree is very gratifying to say the least!

However, regarding the sonics John also said something else very very meaningful to those of us who've long appreciated the spatial detail and "dimensional purity" of Vandersteen speakers. In discussing the expansion of soundstage depth with a particular recording he noted the increased distance between two of the players, saying, "I can only conjecture that that the Vandersteens' time-coherent behavior ... allows the brain to more readily make sense of the aural cues in the recording reconstruct an internal model of the recorded acoustic." Amen!

As wonderful as these accolades are the conclusion is even more extraordinary. Not only is this $114k statement system called out as a value, JA says that in today's uber high-end market this sysem is actually comparable to the performance-driven value proposition of the legendary Model 2! 

Read the whole review HERE! Note that the online version has expanded text and many fanstastic images that weren't included in the print version!

This review of our best of the best products are a strong testament to Vandersteen's stature as a technology-driven company that offers its customers extraordinary performance and value across the broadest range of budgets in the industry! 
 

Landmark Review: The Absolute Sound on the "Uncommon Musicality" of the Treo CT!

The April 2016 issue of The Absolute Sound features the kind of review that only comes along so often, an absolutely wonderful take on our Treo CT from longtime TAS Associate Editor Neil Gader. The Treo CT was stylishly photographed on the cover and the feature opened on another gorgeous two-page spread. The review opening is a stunner in a somewhat existential sense for TAS writers and readers. the Treo CT is essentially hailed as an exemplar of the “the sound of live, unamplified acoustic music performed in a natural setting- traditionally defined in these pages as ‘the absolute sound’ …” The individual attributes are numerous, and perhaps best summed up to Vandersteen listeners as “he gets it!” We’ll simply refer you to the whole review HERE and leave you with Neil’s conclusion: "... you cannot get a more purely musical loudspeaker in this price range than the Treo CT. A true delight."

Vandersteen Model Seven Mk II The Audio Beat's 2015 Product of the Year!

Vandersteen Audio's Model Seven Mk II was awarded The Audio Beat's 2015 Product of the Year! TAB's Marc Mickelson presented the award at CES 2016, and we are all extremely gratified, and what a tremendous start to 2016!

TAB's European Editor Roy Gregory wrote a wonderful review last year that wonderfully captured the things that are unique and especially moving about listening to Vandersteens in general, and obviously the flaghsip Model Seven Mk II as the ultimate expression of Richard Vandersteen's speaker design philosophies. If you've not read it yet, you are in for a genuine treat, it click HERE.

Marc Mickelson and other staffers at TAB have listened very carefully to first the Model Seven and then the MK II at many shows. Apparently when Roy thought the Seven Mk II worthy, the rest of the team unanimously agreed!

Below is TAB's Marc Mickelson presnting RV with the award. Thanks again to The Audio Beat for the careful listening, the passion and the accolades!

Vandersteen Audio Relaunches the Model 5A Carbon w/ Analog and MQA at CES 2016!

Meridian MQA-Enabled DAC will also be featured with Vandersteen's liquid-cooled M7-HPA amplifiers, Balance turntable and electronics from Brinkmann Audio, AudioQuests's Niagara 7000 Power and More. 

Join Us in Suite 29-201!

Vandersteen Audio will showcase the newly revitalized Model 5A Carbon at CES 2016, finished in stunning Grigio Metallic Alloy automotive paint. Always a tremendous performer, the Model 5A Carbon now ships standard with automotive paint finish, allowing it to visually blend into any domestic environment with grace. The 5A Carbon will be powered by Vandersteen's radical new M7-HPA amplifier.

Sources for this system include ultra-high resolution analog from Brinkmann's flagship Balance turntable and a new and very welcome addition- an MQA-enabled Meridian 818V3 DAC. It's been some years since Vandersteen has demonstrated digital audio, and yes this means we think MQA is something special!
   

Suite 29-201 System:

  • Vandersteen Audio Model 5A Carbon Loudspeakers & M7-HPA Amplifiers
  • Brinkmann Audio Balance Turntable with 12.1 Tonearm, Pi Cartridge
  • Meridian 818V3 MQA-Enabled DAC
  • Brinkmann Audio Marconi Preamplifier and Edison Tube Hybrid Phono Stage 
  • AudioQuest Niagara 7000 Power-Line Conditioner
  • Harmonic Resolution Systems SXR Isolation Stands and Bases
  • System Cabling by AudioQuest

Amazing New Review of the Flagship Model Seven Mk II by The Audio Beat's Roy Gregory!

The Audio Beat's Roy Gregory has reviewed our flagship Model Seven Mk II, and we're beyond thrilled! Obviously the review is a rave, but what's truly unique about this review is the command of the language and Roy's ability to cast the emotional sensation of listening to these speakers into words. There is an "it" that our speakers have that everybody who listens to them can hear. Roy casts a brighter light on exactly what this elusive "it" is than any review we've ever read of our speakers! 

Thanks to Roy, Marc Mickelson and the entire team at The Audio Beat

Read the entire review HERE.

TAS' Robert Harley: Vandersteen/Optimal Enchantment Best in Show at THE Newport 2015!

TAS' Robert Harley knows high-end audio, and knows Vandersteen. Back in the day, he reviewed the original Model 5, and later sung the praises of the original Model Seven in a wonderfully comprehensive and enthusiastic review. Robert swims at the deep end of the high-end audio pool, devoting much of his time and energy as a reviewer to the cutting edge, cost-no-object segment of the hobby. His perspective on the very best of the best is a learned one, as he has so much experience with virtually all of the products that define the current state-of-the-art.

So, when Robert offers praise like "The recent update to Vandersteen’s flagship Model 7 has taken what was already a reference-class loudspeaker to new heights ..." we are rightfully flattered! And all the more so receiving the serious honor of "Best of Show!" 

Read Robert's entire report HERE. Thank you Robert!

A Show Report to Remember from Munich 2015

Yes, we are absolutely posting this Blog from Munich High End 2015 for its terrific coverage of our Model Seven Mk II speaker and M7-HPA amplifier. But the entire scope of reportage by Dennis Davis and Roy Gregory is also the best evidence of why we love and support what The Audio Beat is doing. In an audio world full of beige opinions and show reports that too often poorly mimic the travel section of a newspaper, here we find bold opinions and thoughtful discussion of not just the gear plunked down in every room, but the over-arcing trends that define the current state of the hobby. Truly great stuff!

To read about the system we at Vandersteen Audio put together with our friends at Brinkmann Audio, HRS and AudioQuest click HERE.

For TAB's full Munich High End 2015 coverage click HERE. 

Vandesteen and Optimal Enchantment Together Again at T.H.E. 2015!

Join Optimal Enchantment and Vandersteen Audio at T.H.E. Newport 2015!

Suite 341: Flagship-Level System Will Feature Vandersteen Audio's New Model Seven Mk II Speakers with M-7 HPA Amps & More

  • Model Seven Mk II features superior  midrange/tweeter integration and improved subwoofer system for more open, expansive soundstage and even greater bass authority
  • M7-HPA is 600-watt liquid cooled, tube-hybrid amplifier designed exclusively for Vandersteen Audio 's powered-bass speakers 
     

T.H.E. Newport 2015 Suite 341. Vandersteen Audio will be making its most ambitious showing at T.H.E. yet. Its flagship-level system will showcase both Vandersteen's new flagship speaker, the Model Seven Mk II, and Vandersteen's radical new M7-HPA monoblock amplifiers. Vandersteen's system will be built around a Basis Audio Inspiration turntable with Audio Research Corporation REF-Series front-end electronics, isolation stands and bases from Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) and cabling by AudioQuest.

The original Model Seven has been in constant production for over five years, an unprecedented run during which it's been firmly ensconced as a Stereophile Class A Recommendation, a perennial TAS Editor's Choice winner and has won universal praise from reviewers and consumers around the world.

The improvements with the Model Seven Mk II are driven by the discovery that mechanically altering the “acoustic lens” that surrounds midrange and tweeter aligns the acoustic centers of those drivers just enough to substantially decrease the amount of hand tuning required for the compensation network. The result is even more natural, open sound for a soundstage that is palpably taller, wider and more “3D” in its image focus and specificity. Further improvement was realized by weaving the voice coil leads directly into the spiders of the push-pull subwoofer cones in the powered subwoofer, strengthening the connection between the integral power amplifier and subwoofer, allowing increased linear excursion for even greater bass authority in the subterranean (100Hz and below) frequencies.

The M7-HPA (High-Pass Amplifier) is designed and built from the ground up to maximize the performance potential of Vandersteen’s powered-bass speakers, and represents a radical, ground-up rethinking of what a power amplifier and speaker system can be. (And should be!) Vandersteen has pioneered the use of subwoofer amplifiers custom-tailored to each speaker design in its powered-bass loudspeakers in conjunction with passive 100Hz high-pass filters for the ultimate performance. When paired with a Vandersteen powered-bass speaker like the flagship Model Seven Mk II, the M7-HPA monoblock forms a complete powered-bass speaker system in which the entire frequency range is driven by perfectly-tailored amplification.  

Please join Vandersteen and Optimal Enchantment for great music, great sound and great company!

Visit Vandersteen Audio and Optimal Enchantment at Suite 341 and Hear: 

  • Vandersteen Audio Model Seven Mk II Loudspeakers and M7-HPA Liquid-Cooled Monoblock Power Amplifiers
  • Basis Audio Inspiration Turntable, Superarm 9 Tonearm and Lyra Atlas Phono Cartridge
  • Audio Research REF 10 Preamp and REF Phono 10 Phono Stage 
  • Harmonic Resolution Systems Isolation Stands
  • AudioQuest Cables

Vandersteen's 2nd Room Features Treo CT, World Premier of Audio Research's GSi 75 Integrated Amplifier, CD6 DAC, World-Class Computer Audio with AudioQuest!

Join Vandersteen in Europe and Meet the Model Seven Mk II!

Vandersteen Audio's Model Seven Mk II Speaker and M-7 HPA Amps Make European Debut at High End 2015!

Vandersteen, Brinkmann & HRS at Atrium 4, E108

The Munich High End show is now the most significant date on the global hi-fi calendar, and Vandersteen Audio will be making its most ambitious showing yet. High End 2015 will mark the European debut of both Vandersteen's new flagship speaker, the Model Seven Mk II, and Vandersteen's radical new M7-HPA monoblock amplifiers. Vandersteen's system will be built around a Brinkmann Audio Spyder turntable with Brinkmann front-end electronics, isolation stands and bases from Harmonic Resolution Systems and cabling by AudioQuest.

The original Model Seven has been in constant production for over five years, an unprecedented run during which it's been firmly ensconced as a Stereophile Class A Recommendation, a perennial TAS Editor's Choice winner and has won universal praise from reviewers and consumers around the world.

The improvements with the Model Seven Mk II are driven by the discovery that mechanically altering the “acoustic lens” that surrounds midrange and tweeter aligns the acoustic centers of those drivers just enough to substantially decrease the amount of hand tuning required for the compensation network. The result is even more natural, open sound for a soundstage that is palpably taller, wider and more “3D” in its image focus and specificity. Further improvement was realized by weaving the voice coil leads directly into the spiders of the push-pull subwoofer cones in the powered subwoofer, strengthening the connection between the integral power amplifier and subwoofer, allowing increased linear excursion for even greater bass authority in the subterranean (100Hz and below) frequencies.

The M7-HPA (High-Pass Amplifier) is designed and built from the ground up to maximize the performance potential of Vandersteen’s powered-bass speakers, and represents a radical, ground-up rethinking of what a power amplifier and speaker system can be. (And should be!) Vandersteen has pioneered the use of subwoofer amplifiers custom-tailored to each speaker design in its powered-bass loudspeakers in conjunction with passive 100Hz high-pass filters for the ultimate performance. When paired with a Vandersteen powered-bass speaker like the flagship Model Seven Mk II, the M7-HPA monoblock forms a complete powered-bass speaker system in which the entire frequency range is driven by perfectly-tailored amplification.  

Please join Vandersteen in Munich for great music, great sound and great company!

Visit Vandersteen Audio and its Partners in Atrium 4, E108 and Hear: 

  • Vandersteen Audio Model Seven Mk II Loudspeakers and M7-HPA Liquid-Cooled Monoblock Power Amplifiers
  • Brinkmann Audio Spyder Turntable, Edison Phono Stage, Marconi Preamplifier 
  • Harmonic Resolution Systems Isolation Stands
  • AudioQuest Cables

Model Seven Mk II Debut Best in Show CES 2015!

We are very gratified to report that the Model Seven Mk II debuted at CES 2015 and was recognized as Best of Show by Marc Mickelson and Paul Bolin at The Audio Beat! The Seven was a hard speaker for Richard, Nathan and the Vandersteen team to improve on, and we appreciate the warm reception from the press immensely. But this award is especially meaningful to us coming from The Audio Beat because their show reports are so detailed full of persepctive. So many show reports are laundry lists of gear, and some Bloggers seem to be racing from room to room as though a quantity of posts is more meaningful to hi-fi enthusiasts than fewer, more thoughtful ones. Not so with Marc and his guys!

Please make a point to read TAB's entire CES 2015 coverage by clicking HERE.

Read TAB's post on our system HERE.

Best preview quote ever: "The outcome was stunning- not just one of the best systems at CES, but one of the best demo systems we've heard, period."

Wow! And thanks!

  

Vandersteen Model Seven MK II to Debut at CES 2015!

Improved tweeter/midrange integration, improved subwoofer driver produces more open, expansive soundstage, greater bass authority 

  • Hear the Model Seven MK II at The Venetian, Suite 29-201


We are very proud to introduce the Model Seven Mk II, the newest Vandersteen flagship! The original Model Seven has been in constant production for over five years, an unprecedented run during which it's been firmly ensconced as a Stereophile Class A Recommendation, a perennial TAS Editor's Choice winner and has won universal praise from reviewers and consumers around the world. All of which is testament to the fact that it’s a tough speaker to improve upon! However, Richard and Nathan Vandersten, the architects of this ambitious project, found that mechanically altering the “acoustic lens” that surrounds midrange and tweeter aligned the acoustic centers of those drivers just enough to substantially decrease the amount of hand tuning required for the compensation network. The result is even more natural, open sound for a soundstage that is palpably taller, wider and more “3D” in its image focus and specificity. 
 

Although the crucial aspects of the cabinet construction remain, the tighter physical integration of the tweeter/midrange interface creates a more elegant appearance with the grill cloth on, and a look we are pleased to note also increases the visual similarity between the speaker and the upcoming M7-HPA amplifier. Another improvement was realized by weaving the voice coil leads directly into the spiders of the push-pull subwoofer cones in the powered subwoofer, strengthening the conneciton between the integrated power amplifier and subwoofer, allowing increased linear excursion for even greater bass authority in the subterranean (100Hz and below) frequencies.
 

The Model Seven Mk II is available now at $62,000/pr. US Retail. The original Model Seven can be ordered for 3 months at its current $52,000/pr. Starting March 1st, 2015 the Model Seven will be discontinued and the Model Seven Mk II alone will be the Vandersteen flagship. 
 

Original Model Seven owners wishing to upgrade their speakers can do so. US Retail for the upgrade is $10,000/pr. plus freight one way.


The Model Seven Mk II will be featured  in a superlative audio system at CES 2015, Venetian Suite 29-201, comprised of the following:

  • Vandersteen Model Seven MK II Loudspeakers
  • Vandersteen M7-HPA Liquid-Cooled Monoblock Amplifiers
  • Brinkmann Audio Spyder Turntable Configured with Two Tonearms, Lyra Atlas Stereo Cartridge and Lyra Kleos Mono Cartridge
  • Audio Research REF 5SE Preamp and REF Phono 10 Phono Stage
  • Isolation by Harmonic Resolution Systems
  • Cables by AudioQuest

Richard Vandersteen Live and In Person: Fall Tour Dates Announced!

Richard Vandersteen has announced his fall tour dates. This year's tour is the most exciting in years, and the highlight will be Richard visiting the dealers who demonstrate the flagship Model Seven to personally introduce Vandersteen Audio’s new liquid-cooled M7-HPA (High-Pass Amplifier) monoblock power amplifier. The M7-HPA and a Vandersteen powered-bass speaker combine to form a complete, full-range system in which all of the amplification is perfectly tailored to the speaker's driver components and electronics. This is a complete and radical rethinking of what a power amplifier and speaker system can be, and should be, and the revolutionary next step in power amplifier design and loudspeaker performance.

Join Richard on the following dates at the following places to see and hear the M7-HPA and Flagship Model Seven:

Monday, November 17th, 6pm: Don Better Audio, Shaker Heights, Ohio. RSVP to (216) 375-1393

Saturday, November 22nd, 2pm & 5pm: Audio Connection, Verona, New Jersey. RSVP to (973) 239 1799 

Richard will also be visting the following dealers for a series of fun and informative in-store seminars and playing music on the fantastic Model 5A Carbon:

Saturday, November 15th, 2pm: Advanced Audio Systems, Tacoma, Washington. RSVP to (253) 472-3133

Wednesday, November 19th, 6pm: AudioConcepts, Dallas, Texas. RSVP (214) 360-9520

    

RMAF 2014: Rocky Mtn. High On The Sound at Audio Alternative!

Show reports often read like the Travel and/or Leisure sections of a magazine or newspaper; entertaining but less filling. That's why Roy Gregory's RMAF 2014 show report for The Audio Beat is such a refreshing exception! Roy is not a guy who checkes off the boxes by peeking his head in and out of a room. He not only knows the gear used by manufacturers and dealers at a show inside and out, he provides extraordinarily substantive insights based on what he heard last year and this year as well as an educated perspective on how they compare. 

Yes, we know this is self serving as we are indeed pleased as punch with Roy's write up of our room at RMAF. But If you read Roy's entire post HERE we think you'll agree it's loaded with this level of knowledge and attention to detail from top to bottom, and that it honors the massive amount of resources the industry and its dealers put into shows like these!

Richard Vandersteen Live and In Person! Saturday, November 1st, Only at Optimal Enchantment!

On Saturday, November 1st Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica, CA, will host Richard Vandersteen, who will personally introduce Vandersteen Audio’s liquid-cooled M7-HPA (High-Pass Amplifier) monoblock power amplifier, the revolutionary next step in power amplifier design and loudspeaker performance. Richard will explore the ins and outs of his new amplifier design, which is built from the ground up to maximize the performance potential of Vandersteen’s powered-bass speakers and represents a radical, ground-up rethinking of what a power amplifier and speaker system can be. (And should be!) Richard will be in the store from 1:00 pm until 5:30pm on Saturday, November 1st. Please RSVP at (310) 393-4434 or optimalenchantment@gmail.com

Audio Connection/Vandersteen Audio Best of Show at NYAS 2014!

In awarding Audio Connection's room Best of Show at NYAS 2014, TAS's Alan Taffel touted the sound from Vandersteen Audio's Model Seven/M7-HPA combo as "stunningly live and musical." 

Summing it up, Taffel wrote: "Peerless." Read Alan's entire report HERE.

Congratulations and thanks to Audio Connection's John Rutan, and our manufacturing partners in the room: Audio Research, AudioQuest, HRS and Basis Audio, who provided the turntable.

Vandersteen Audio at RMAF 2014

Vandersteen Audio had another FANTASTIC Rocky Mtn. Audio Fest this past weekend in 2014, and for those of you who couldn’t attend but want more real details about Vandersteen’s showing at RMAF 2014, we’ve prepared our own show report for you. We hope you enjoy this and find it informative!

In addition, we’re using this post to shamelessly promote Vandersteen’s consumer newsletter, the first edition of which will land next week. If you sign up HERE that report will include exclusive information on the new Model Seven, and more. And it’s free!

There’s no consumer show that we do that isn’t in partnership with one of our great dealers, and such is the case with RMAF at which our perennial partner is Rick Duplisea at Audio Alternative in Fort Collins, CO. Rick’s store in Colorado is in a large, two-story home and forget that it’s a store, it’s home to some of the best sound we’ve ever heard anywhere and Rick always does a superb job making killer sound in far more difficult environs at the Denver Tech Center Marriott.

This year’s room was special in featuring so many amazing new products. We at Vandersteen showed an experimental update to the mighty Model Seven, which were powered by the very latest iteration of the M7-HPA liquid-cooled amplifiers, and our friends at Brinkmann Audio debuted a brand-new turntable design called the Spyder that can accommodate up to four (!) tonearms. The table was configured with two arms, with a LYRA Atlas cartridge for stereo and a LYRA Kleos Mono for mono records. Trick! Audio Research provided the preamp and phono stage, while AudioQuest provided all the cabling and HRS the isolation system.

Suite 9030 has been Audio Alternative’s for years, and it’s a big room that was available for Rick because other manufacturers lost interest due to one side of the room being open and sucking out all the bass. However, having EQ’d powered-bass speakers at our disposal we’ve slain this dragon year after year and made killer sound, and this year the sound was far beyond anything we’ve achieved before.  It requires a few tricks in setup and bass EQ that aren’t typical- this year we ran the woofer levels hot during the EQ setup to increase the output across the 11 bands knowing the EQ allows much more trim than gain- but we nailed it even better than before.

This year we heard extraordinary transparency with pinpoint imaging and thumping, but totally controlled bass. The tonal purity, inner detail and musical texture was astonishing, and yet the system was completely natural and musically righteous. The micro-level dynamics when vocalists ramped up and down in power was mesmerizing, but overall dynamic contrast was immense! Rick Duplisea has an amazing and eclectic collection of music so we bounced from Diana Krall and Shirley Horn and Ray Brown to the Beatles, Murray Head and XTC and saw jaws drop.

At this show we saw more representatives from other companies in our room than we could believe and received more “best of show” compliments than we have at any other show we can recall. But perhaps the most meaningful compliments came from Rick’s customers, people who have heard Rick’s system at the show year after year. They simply could not believe the improvements they were hearing were due to some minor updates to the Model Seven and the new M7-HPA amplifiers! One of Rick’s customers was shocked to know that the ARC preamp and phono stage were actually a level down in the line from the system that was shown last year!

RV packed the house as he always does in his in-room seminars and informed people how and why he’ been using a high-pass approach to powered bass since the 80’s and how this concept evolved to designing his own High-Pass Amplifiers for use with his powered bass speakers. It was a real education for all who attended!

This is the third time we’ve played these more updated M7-HPA amplifiers, and the results were nothing short of astounding! We haven’t seen the blogs yet, but we are exceptionally pleased with the sound we made and the engagement we saw with show goers in general, and Rick’s customers in particular. 

Vandersteen's Liquid-Cooled M7-HPA and Model Seven Update at RMAF 2014

Please Join Audio Alternative Fort Collins and Vandersteen Audio at RMAF 2014, Suite 9030
The system Audio Alternative has assembled for RMAF 2014 is the ultimate expression of resolution, musicality and Dimensional Purity.In addition to the RMAF debut of Vandersteen Audio’s liquid-cooled M7-HPA (High-Pass Amplifier) monoblock power amplifier, the system will also feature an experimental update to the Model Seven loudspeaker. The M7-HPA is designed and built from the ground up to maximize the performance potential of Vandersteen’s powered-bass speakers, and together with the Model Seven represents a radical, ground-up rethinking of what a power amplifier and speaker system can be. (And should be!)

Enthusiasts can also join Richard Vandersteen for fun and informative in-room seminars that explore the ins and outs of his radical new amplifier design and this latest update to the company flagship.


The system will also boast the North American debut of Brinkmann's new turntable, the Spyder, which is a daring and versatile design that can accommodate up to four (!) 9" - 12" tonearms. The system will round out with Audio Research REFERENCE electronics, isolation by HRS and cabling by AudioQuest.

Richard Vandersteen's In-Room Seminar Schedule:
Saturday: 1:30pm-2:15, 3:30pm-4:15pm
Sunday 11:15am-12pm, 2:15-3pm


Suite 9030 State-of-the-Art Playback System:
Vandersteen Model Seven (Experimental Update)  Speakers
Vandersteen M7-HPA Liquid-Cooled Monoblock Amps
Brinkmann Spyder two-arm turntable, with LYRA Atlas Stereo and Kleos Mono Cartridges
Audio Research REF 5SE Preamp and REF Phono 2 Phono Stage
Isolation by Harmonic Resolution Systems
All Cabling by AudioQuest
 

AQ's Joe Harley on AQ's sound room and the ethos of high-end audio ...

Our dear friend Joe Harley shows the role reference-level audio systems play in developing a high-end audio company's products, and also shows what the high-end ethos is really about. 

We also remain very very proud that Vandersteen Model Sevens remain AudioQuest's reference speaker!

Join Richard Vandersteen at NYAS and Explore the M7-HPA Liquid-Cooled Amplifier!

Fulton Ferry Suite

10:30am - 11:15am and 2:30pm - 3:15pm on Saturday & Sunday

Join Richard Vandersteen for these in-room seminars at Audio Connection's Fulton Ferry Suite, where Richard will introduce Vandersteen Audio’s liquid-cooled M7-HPA (High-Pass Amplifier) monoblock power amplifier, the revolutionary next step in power amplifier design and loudspeaker performance. Richard will explore the ins and outs of his new amplifier design, which is built from the ground up to maximize the performance potential of Vandersteen’s powered-bass speakers and represents a radical, ground-up rethinking of what a power amplifier and speaker system can be. (And should be!)

See NYAS's website for more HERE.

CNET Bowled Over By The Sound At Audio Connection!

CNET's resident Audiophiliac Steve Guttenberg is knocked out by the sound John Rutan is making at Audio Connection, and called out Vandersteen's Models 1, 2 and Seven specifically as the heart of each respective system he listened to.

Read Steve's entire article HERE

Great work John!

Inside the M7-HPA Liquid-Cooled Amplifier ...

Not a full production unit, but we're getting closer!

The warm glow of tubes- the M7-HPA is a hyrbid design that employs tubes in the input stage. In spite of its complexity the M7-HPA has only four parts (per phase) in the signal path and all of the logic and protection circuitry is analog. NO DIGITAL PROCESSING OR LOGIC OF ANY KIND!!!! 

THE Newport- Best of Show from The Audio Beat's Dennis Davis

TAB's Dennis Davis liked what he heard at the show:

"... by Saturday the system was pulling into the competition as a Best of Show contender, sounding vivid and very dynamic. By Sunday, this had become one of a handful of rooms that were hard to leave."

Read Dennis' full report here.

Vandersteen and Brinkmann at Munich 2014- "Second to None."

Vandersteen lit up the Munich High-End 2014 show with our friends at Brinkmann Audio, and Part-Time Audiophile noticed!

Read the whole blog post HERE

Speakers were the Model Seven, while Brinkmann showed its new Spyder turntable, along with its Marconi preamp, Edison tube hybrid phono stage and Mono amps. Isolation stands and bases were provided by Harmonic Resolution Systems and cabling by AudioQuest

The sound was naturally detailed, three-dimensional and rhythmically very alive. Great system!

Vandersteen Audio and Brinkmann Rock Audio Alternative Atlanta

Audio Alternative Atlanta celebrated the arrival of Brinkmann Audio, with a fun night of vinyl played on the Brinkmann Balance, with Vandersteen Model Sevens, Ayre and Audio Research electronics.

Another look at the Sevens, with Arye and ARC and HRS isolation products.

Closer look at the Brinkmann Balance with Brinkmann 12.1 tonearm and Dynavector cartridge. A truly state-of-the-art turntable!

Vandersteen and Brinkmann's Shane Buettner (front right) and Andrea Brinkmann with Alan Jones (top right) and the great crew at Audio Alternative Georgia.

Riders on the Storm ...

TAS's Neil Gader was bowled over by our CES system, which included the Model Seven loudspeakers, and the sonic debut of Vandersteen Audio's upcoming M7-HPA liquid-cooled monoblock amps.

Listening to the Doors' "Riders on the Storm" Neil remarked: "the system conveyed a depth, and immersion along the lines of a quasi-surround effect reminded again, who needs more than two loudspeakers?"

Read Neil's entire blog HERE.

Vandersteen Audio is JA's Best Sound at CES!!

According to Stereophile's John Atkinson, while there was a lot of great rooms at CES 2014, "none were quite so musically perfect across the board!"

Thanks JA!

Read John's entire blog entry HERE.

Vandersteen Factory Tour

Lining up like soldiers, the Model 5 is part of this great tour of Vandersteen in 1998.


For the full article click here.