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Advice on replacing Vandersteen 2's

A close friend of mine needs to relace his old Vandy 2's (they are probably the original 2, dating from the late 80's). He needs something smaller and more decor-friendly. The rest of the system is modest: the small Eagle amplifier, a Bryston pre, Rega TT, JVC 1010 CDP. Nevertheless, this system really sings. It has tremedous drive, tons of bass, and never fails to sound musical on just about everything.

My friend is not an audiophile but he is very much a music lover. He doesn't sit in the sweet spot and listen critically to the system. He bounces around the room and the house when music is playing, and sometimes he plays along on his alto sax. He listens almost exclusively to jazz, mostly be-bop.

The Vandy 1C is his gut instinct, but I want him to explore some other possibilities. Let's say under $2500 new. I'm wondering about speakers from Totem, the Meadowlark Swift, Triangle? Any suggestions?
drubin

Showing 2 responses by drubin

drubin OP
3,277 posts
 
Thanks everybody.

Moving up the Vandy line doesn't make sense since he wants smaller and more handsome.

I used to own the Spendor 1/2 and I think he wasn't too impressed (nor was I for that matter).

Duke, to my mind, you are the E.F. Hutton of Audiophileland--when you speak, I listen. BUT...would we be able to audition the Heil unit anywhere in the SF Bay Area? (Guess I'll go to the web site and find out.) Also, I owned ESS Heil speakers once and I simply can't imagine...

Paradigm is an interesting suggestion. I like their stuff.

Keep 'em coming.
drubin OP
3,277 posts
 
I should have provided this information: his room is 13' x 19'. The speakers will go on the short wall, on either side of a fireplace. My guess is about 2' out from the side walls and maybe 12-18 inches out from the back wall.

Again, imaging is not important. What has been so great about his system with the Vandys is its drive and pace and energy of live music. It just has the snap and power and sparkle that can fool you, from the other room, for instance. My own systems, for all of their nuance and refinement, never quite deliver the illusion he gets, and that's what he likes. He needs to replace the Vandys for aesthetic reasons, not because he is unhappy with them.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions.
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