If you are considering Vandersteen IIs, you should really consider used Treos CT or Non-CT. Mine are beautiful, the highs are extended, and the lows are a pleasant surprise. My prior speakers in this system were Vandersteen 2CIs.
Decisions, decisions, decisions
I initially had a short list of potential speaker upgrades for my 2-channel set-up and I find myself in a bit of a quandry. I've narrowed the list down to 2 speakers and neither are remotely like one another. I currently have some mid-level Polks and they're "ok" in that they get the job done for low-level listening enjoyment but I really want to step it up a bit. I can justify $4K for my budge which puts me in a bit of a sweet spot for my preference for stand-mount speakers vs floor-stand speakers. However, my short list consists of either the new Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 stand-mount or the Vandersteen 2ce Signature III. Because the SF Sonnetto II G2s are brand new, a used option is out of the question. The Vandy 2ce III's come up used occasionally but where I live, previewing either one is not a viable option because there aren't any nearby dealers. That being said, I can get both of these from Audio Advice. If I went with SF Sonnetto, I would probably supplement those with a subwoofer down the road after sometime. At that point, I'm nearing the price range of the Vandersteen's. The question I have for the forum is does anyone have experience with the SF Sonnetto II pre-G2 and what are your thoughts about them?
I have a Marantz integrated at 50W and my only concern w/ the Vandersteen's is not having enough power to get great sound out of them without adding an amp (while I have a vintage Adcom GFA-2 at 100W/ch) that I could use, I"m not against getting an amp for either the SF's or the Vandy's.
I listen to a wide array of music genres but lean towards rock, jazz, electronic/industrial, dub, funk, and classical with some pop and old-school country thrown in on occasion.
I've the impression that those with the Vandersteen 2ce's are very pleased with the SQ. But does anyone have experience with both speakers?
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If it were me, (and admittedly I am not familiar with all the different upgrades of Vandersteen 2CI, 2CE, etc), I would look to upgrade both electronics and speakers and buy used as you can save quite a bundle on used gear. The Adcom GFA2 is an old early-mid 80’s amp that may need recapping? With a $4K budget, you could easily get a great amp, preamp, and speakers, solid state or tube. There are lots of choices that will simply blow away an old Adcom GFA2 and 50 watt Marantz integrated. I recently saw a PS Audio 200C that is a Giantkiller of an amp. B&K EX442 or 442 Sonata is another Giantkiller of a map. Lots of possibilities here. |
Just checked quickly on US Audiomart and for about $1000-1200 you could get: 1. A Tandberg stack - amp & preamp; 2. Aragon 2004 & 24K preamp; 3. Muse 100 amp & Morrison Elad preamp; 4. B&K M200 monos, Threshold CAS2 or Monarchy SM70 class A monos 5. Marsh amp and preamp All of these would be significant upgrades from your Adcom amp. Lots of really good choices in the $500-800 range for used amps & preamps
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@bipod72 I had Vandersteen 2CE signature IIs for a number of years before moving into a smaller home, where the listening room simply would not accommodate them. I auditioned a boatload of stand mounted speakers at that time. One of my favorites were the SFs. But, in the end, I chose the reference 3A de Capo speakers with the matching stands. The primary reason I made that choice is that the design shares elements of Richard Vandersteen‘s design of the 2CE’s and the sound resembles the Vandersteens. They use proprietary drivers and have no crossover circuitry; there is only wiring to the woofer and a single filter between the amp and the tweeter. I’ve been listening to them for eight years, and remain enamored of the sound. If you prefer the Vandersteen sound, I encourage you to consider them. They are well within your budget, particularly if you can find a used pair. |
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