Calling all Vandersteen Fans


A little over a year ago I owned he 1Cis for a short time. While I enjoyed many aspects of the speaker, I found their top-end was a bit ripe and sibilant, with multiple amps. I ended up having to attenuate the treble by 1.5db in order to enjoy them at all.

Lately I've been thinking about how well those speakers produced a realistic decay of instruments, the likes of which I haven't encountered in any other speakers. I'm wanting to give Vandersteens another chance and am considering the 2CE SigIIs, however, it appears they and the 3As have the same tweeter as the 1Cis. That and the measurements in the Stereophile review give me pause. I suppose it could be that I didn't allow the 1Cis enough break-in, or that I was actually hearing upper midrange distortion from their 8" midbass driver

I'm soliciting input from those very familiar with the brand. Would you say the 2 Sig IIs produce a warmer balance than the 1Cis? Do they in-fact share the same exact tweeter? 

Is a 100 watt/ch amp enough to drive 2CEs to satisfying levels in a 26×15' room?








helomech

Showing 4 responses by tomcarr

I had the 1s decades ago, and am loving my 2Cs for the past several years. Driven them with a Denon (100W/ch), Krell (150W/ch/8 ohms/300W/ch/4 ohms) and currently a Vincent (150W/ch/8 ohms/300W/ch 4 ohms). Clipping never happened, the only difference being the sound quality markedly improved going to a better amp. I don't know what levels you consider satisfying, but at what I consider satisfying, (peaks of 85-90 dB), I would say you should be ok with 100W/ch. Last but not least, did I mention I LOVE my 2Cs?

Tom
@tomic601 - you are indeed a gentleman. Very generous offer.
OP- Richard Vandersteen voices his speakers using AQ cables. That being said, I'm very happy with the sound of Anticables (also solid core).

Tom