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Vandersteen 1C to 3A Signature

I currently own the 1Cs, paired with a Naim Nait 5i. I like the sound, have had these speakers for the better part of 15 years and I still love their presentation, the openness and sense of space they provide. They are fabulous to my ears.

Which isn’t to say they are perfect, they don’t like being played too loud (seem fragile, break up at higher volumes), and the bass isn’t as deep or (more importantly) as defined as it could be. Also I sometimes hear some lack of refinement in the tweeter (although at other times it sounds positively glorious, especially with horns and flutes).  So after refinishing the basement and adding a big TV with prewired surround sound I found a used Vandersteen center speaker, so I’m thinking of moving the 1C to the basement and getting a different (hopefully better) speaker for upstairs. I did a bit of research and it appears Spendor is supposed to be a good match for Naim, so I was able to borrow a pair of S8E to try out. You can tell the speaker can handle much more power and can play cleanly at those high levels, and the sound is nicely balanced throughout the frequency range, but they sound like boxes. The Vandy’s don’t. I think I’ve written off Spendor, Proac, Totem and the like, as the design looks similar.

I should probably stick with Vandersteen or similar sounding speakers. I have an opportunity to buy some 3A Signatures, but am afraid I will lose the lithe nature of the 1’s which I like, so I’m looking for opinions on this, and maybe for suggestions of other models that would sort of fit into the sound I’ve tried to describe. Thanks
128x128phaco

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
+1 on contacting John Rutan (audioconnection).
+2 on looking at the Treo's
I own the non-CT version (after owning the 3a sigs), and find them to be significantly better- sound wise.
@patrickdowns,
Nice Post!.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
@OP,
If you have the Vandy 1's, I would suggest buying a pair of Vandy subs. Now that the new Sub 3 has come out, you can find a pair of 2wq's for close to $1k used.
These might add the 'punch' you need. They also relieve your amp from the power demands of the bass frequencies.-So, you might notice an improvement in performance
 they don’t like being played too loud (seem fragile, break up at higher volumes), and the bass isn’t as deep or (more importantly) as defined as it could be. Also I sometimes hear some lack of refinement in the tweeter (although at other times it sounds positively glorious, especially with horns and flutes).

The best part is that you can use them with any other speaker- Like the Magnepan LRS's which I know will benefit from adding subwoofers.

Once again, please reach out to Johnny Rutan (audioconnection). He won't try to sell you anything, but will offer the best advice to anyone who like Vandersteen. PM me if you want his number.
Bob

gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
@OP, 
The 3a sigs are great speakers. I know you will love them.
As far as recs for power amps-
(I would still contact John Rutan...)
But, if you'd rather not,...
Then a Belles Aria Integrated would be  on my list. It sounds great with Vandersteen's. I heard it at Audioconnection. 75wpc, should be good to run the 3asigs, unless you really want to blast it☺).
And, please do join the Vandersteen forum- It's on the Vandy website, just look for the tab up top.
B
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