Best surround speakers w/Vandersteen 2c & vcc1

My HT system has Vandy 3A Signatures with a VCC-1 Signature center channel, but for various reasons (mostly wall space problems) I chose not to use the Vandy surround speakers. After trying several types of surround speakers -- different brands, both dipole vs. direct-radiating -- I bought a used pair of M&K SS-150 THX tripole surrounds for about $500. I think they are an excellent match, both tonally and in their dispersion pattern, with the Vandy speakers. M&K has several models that are cheaper than the SS-150's, but if you can find the SS-150's for sale on Audiogon (there was a pair listed last week), and your budget is sufficient, I recommend these speakers as a good alternative to the Vandy VSM-1's.

I use a pair of B&W 302DM in the rears; while I'm very particular about music, the 302's do a great job in my room for HT. And the cost was right. I admit to have been thinking about a pair of Vandy 1C's (used). But right now I'm happy...and the money might be better used on a center upgrade. Speaking of which...

Sd, did you compare the VCC-1 sig with the standard VCC-1? Worth the upgrade? Any thoughts on the VCC-5?

Thanks.

-- Greg

Hi, Greg:

I originally owned the regular VCC-1, but had it upgraded to the Signature version. In my opinion, this was a rare situation with Vandy speakers where the upgrade was not worth the extra cost ($500 -- which doubles the price of the VCC-1). My advice is to stick with the VCC-1 and spend the other $500 on upgrading to the 2Ce Sig or the 3A Sig.

I have not heard the VCC-5, only read about it. My impression is that the VCC-5 is intended, and best suited, to use in a large room, where there is a wide spread between the two main speakers. The VCC-5 is $2000, which makes it a pretty pricy center channel. It does, however, have a bigger, more sophisticated enclosure than the VCC-1, and has 3 drivers (versus 1 in the VCC-1).

Sd,

Thanks. I already have the 3A Sigs...so, I'll hold off. I'm still trying to get my 3A's to disappear, but unfortunately, I'm not sure why I can't get them to image as well as some have written about (maybe my transport being a sony s7000). I thought they were great until I heard the silverline sonatinas at a friends. It's almost as if the tweeter output has better dispersion than the midrange driver (dome vs. cone)...whereas the sonatinas are both domes. All cables and other components...as far as I can tell...are NOT weak links...including A/C outlets to polycrystal rack to I/C's and DACT passive attenuator.

As for the price of the VCC-5's...yeah, that seems high - I can't understand why they're 2g's. I have heard one other person state they are fantastic - that person claimed to hear things not heard though the VCC-1 (not sure if sig).

Thanks!

-- Greg