Hi Bs..., As much as I like both the Vandersteen 2Ce & 3A sigs.-- and I own both, I must respectfully disagree a bit with Eldragon and Lihifi above. I suggest that either is just too big for a 12 X 15 room, IMHO. I used the 2Ces with a McCormack DNA-1DX in a 12 X 14 room for 3 years, and while I enjoyed the system, it could not be played at more than low to low/moderate levels without overloading the room with bass. (I also like a broad range of popular music). Looking back on it, the music would have been much better served by a small floorstander such as the Thiel 1.5 that you're considering or maybe even better, a good quality small/medium sized stand mounted speaker with in room bass down to about 40-45 HZ-- at most as some others have suggested. I should have looked at B&W, Proac, etc. I agree with Carl in that room treatment is also essential-- I didn't use much in those days, but should have. Also, your McCormack DNA.5 is a great amp-- I have one in a second system that I plan on having upgraded too. I think you're on the right track. Happy hunting.
Best of the small speakers
I'm looking for a small, preferably floorstanding speaker that will integrate well with my current system and room. My main source is a California Audio Labs CL-20 DVD/CD player, through a Rotel RC-995 preamp, into a McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe (which will be upgraded to Revision B by Steve McCormack himself in the very near future). My current speakers are Magnepan 1.6QRs. While I absolutely love many of the Maggies traits, they don't seem to integrate well into my fairly small listening space. As far out from the wall as I can move them, about 30 inches, I still get what sounds to me to be a fairly ragged frequency response. For reference, I have pretty electic listening tastes, from baroque to bebop to bluegrass, but the majority of my music is fairly complex, with many simultaneous melodic or rhythmic lines, on both acoustic and electric instuments. Accurate, timbrally-true bass is more far more important to me than rattling the windows. Any suggestions for speakers roughly in the Maggie's price range ($1500-$2500) which you feel would fit well into my system would be appreciated. Just trying to narrow down my shopping list. One speaker which has drawn my attention is the Thiel CS 1.5s, but I know there must be others I am missing! Thanks in advance for the help!!!