How critical is placement for Vandy 2 ce Sig. ?


I'm looking to replace my B&W 703's and am considering Vandersteen 2ce Signature. I don't have much flexibility in terms of location. According to the Stereophile review, the Vandy's must be biwired and need at least 5 feet clearance from back wall. I have only about three feet and don't know it this will be a problem. Anyone know about either of these issues? Thanks!
stuartk
I have these peaskers and they need room to breathe in order to stage properly. Give em at least 18 inches sides and behind (perferably more here, I use about 30 inches). Also aim them somwhere between straight ahead and a little turned inward but if you can just barely see the inside edge, then you've gone too far in my experience.
Hi,
I've owned a pair for 5 years or so. I have them against the wall and they sound wonderful. Soundstage is high and wide and detail galore. I've had them hooked up to a Pathos Classic One and now to two Decware SETs rigged up in mono blocks. Vynil and CDs no matter, they sound great!
I still own a pair of 2cis which are simial to the 2ces. Years ago they were my main speakers in a very large room and were out 4 ft. from the front wall and 5 ft. from the side walls. The sound stage was very broad and high and the bass clean and tight. Later I put them in an office about 2 ft. out from the front wall. I still found the sound stage large and engaging. I have also listened to these speakers as clost as 18" out without noticable loss. So, I would not be concerned about 2 ft. While it is commonly said that Vandy's need a large space and room to breath, my experience is they perform as well as any other speaker in and around walls.
Placement is critical for all speakers. However, the Vandersteen website contains a very detailed FAQ section which discusses placement issues. If a question isn't answered, you can submit one and it may even be answered by the man himself! If I recall, you don't need five feet of clearance. Your three feet may be okay, but it's hard to tell what might be apporpriate for your set-up because of all the variables involved.