Need Speaker Recommendation 1600

Since you seem to buying with a home theater need in mind, I'd recommend one of the brands you are already considering: Vandersteen. The Vandy 2Ce's or 2Ce Signatures are an excellent all-round speaker that work very well in both audio and HT systems. Combine them with the Vandy VCC-1 center channel speaker and you'll have a system that should please you. I have owned several different sets of Vandy speakers -- I currently have the 3A Signatures and the VCC-1 Signature center speaker -- and think you will have to spend considerably more to get better audio quality.

At $1K, I agree with Tracer's recommendation for the Alon IIs, they have a nice open sound and very good bass extension. If you can bring them out a little from the wall in your setup it would be a plus, as they have an open baffle and benefit from being away from the wall. At the price you're looking at you may be able to get lower bass, but I don't think it would be as good as the Alons' bass.

A friend bought a pair of Diva's 5.1. I was very impressed. Your budget would afford the 6.1, which I have not heard, but bassed on the 5.1, I think they would be hard to beat for the money. You can try these risk free (except for shipping expense) and hear for yourself--always the best thing with speakers.

Alon II.There are several pair available here and on Audio Review at around 1K used. Hear before you buy anything else!
Tracer

I am currently selling a pair of Snell Acoustic E.5mk II's and a pair of Snell Acoustic QBX 25 speakers. Both are floor standers and are incredible speakers for the price. The E.5's are $2000 retail I am selling for $1500 in factory sealed boxes w/ full warranty. The Qbx 25's are in factory sealed boxes they retail for $1200 and I am selling for $900 w/ full factory 5 year warranty.

Email: james_tollison@hotmail.com