Klipsch KG4 v. Vandersteen 2ce NOT Sig


Category: Speakers

Currently own the Klipsch - have an opportunity to purchase a pair of Vandy's - rest of the system is McCormack DNA-125, Manley Shrimp, Cary 308t, AZ wiring, Shuyata power - smaller townhouse, listening to lots of jazz and opera but tastes all over the board -
Am I moving up with chain with the Vandys or should I stay where I am at?
128x128jimlisa98
To all, thanks for for the input - I will do some more listening and report back with my findings -
I've owned both and can say they are indeed different animals. The Vandy's are more open and laid back IMHO. The KG4's are more dynamic, some people say "in your face" because of the horn. For my musical taste(blues, classic rock mostly) I favored the KG4's which I feel are overlooked and under-appreciated. Both are excellent choices depending on your ears.
I am driving the Vandys (2ceSigs) with a TAD60 Amp, TAD150 sig pre. Using amperex 12AU7s and tung sol 6550s in the amp, I do not find the Vandys to be laid back at all. My amp is 60 watts per side and I listen alomost exclusively to classic rock. Reason that I like the Vandys is that they are very revealing and well balanced (in my system) and do not cause listening fatigue. I can get them to play very loud with little gain on the amp.
I power Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs with a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated in a large vaulted room and they are not compressed or limited dynamically. They do offer a different perspective into the soundstage relative to my Thiels in that the stage is pushed further back than forward, but all the dynamics are intact.
The Vandersteens are much better suited for the amp and preamp that you are using over the Klipsch's. The KG4's and other Klipsch's are really at their best with low powered SET amps and you would be quite amazed at how they sound with low powered tubes on them. I agree with Beernut that you have 2 different animals in the Klipsch's and Vandy's; however, given the amp you are using, I'd give the nod to the Vandys in this application.