Depends on your taste. I have never been able to "warm up" (pun intended) to Vandersteen. I started with Thiel CS2, then 2.2 and now CS2.3 and have always checked out the leading contenders before going back to Thiel. They do seem bright on some recordings but I find those CDs tend to sound bright on most fairly neutral transducers. Whenever I get the itch for something new, as I do now, I listen around and always give the Vandy's a chance. The latest iteration of the 2s sounds much better but still not my cup of tea. Too smooth and lacking in detail. However, Vandy owners most likely think the Thiels to bright. If you really like detail and precision, go Thiel. Soft and fuzzy, check out the 2Ci. Perhaps a different move is in order, give the Gallo Reference 3s a listen. So far, they are the best of the new bunch I have heard, but still feel mine (and the Thiel CS2.4) are much better.
Tim McTeague