UltimateAVmag.com: How SCB Rolls, Part 2

Pictured here is the Vandersteen Model 5A, which is my reference loudspeaker. This pair is finished in striking carbon fiber. This speaker has bult-in powered subs and an 11-band EQ that allows its response to be tailored for flat response below 20Hz in virtually any room. This also allows you to put the speakers out in the room where they image best without sacrificing bass response as is typical as you move out from the room boundaries.

At HE 2007, as driven with the aforementioned ARC tube gear sounded fantastic. It was explosive, with powerful bass response and impact, but it was also balanced, natural and not at all overblown. The imaging was spacious and dimensional but also precise and utterly convincing. And the natural life and decay was sensational.

Yeah, I'm enthusiastic about these products from ARC and Vandersteen- so much so that I spent my own money (and a good chunk of it at that) to own them. So, if they're good enough for me I'm betting some of you might be impressed as well.

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Reader Comments

Posted Sat May19, 2007, 9:38 PM — By Rob

What product is the ARC equipment.

Posted Sat May19, 2007, 10:23 PM — By Steve

Let's not forget the Audio Store (Audio Connection of Verona, NJ with owner John Rutan) that show after show coordinates and presents these incredible, natural sounding demos featuring Vandersteen, ARC, Clear Audio and Graham Engineering this time around along with past demos featuring Cary Audio, Jeff Rowland, Wadia and Rogue Audio. If you didn't make it to the show, I highly recommend you stop by the store for an extended listening session.

Posted Wed May23, 2007, 4:57 PM — By Shane

Why do I feel like "Steve" might have a vested interest in Audio Connection?

In this photo, the power amplifier is by ARC, and in the system itself the CD player, phono stage and preamp were also by ARC.

A lot of reviewers talk up the word "audiophile" in their reviews. I walk the walk.

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