Vandersteen 2C vs. Klipsch Cornwall

I agree with Viridian, EL84 amplifiers can be amazing and very magical.

I own a Manley Stingray which is an amazing amplifier. I also own a vintage Sherwood S-5000 which uses a variant of an EL84. The Sherwood sounds so good it makes you wonder where audio has gone in the last 40 years.

It's delightful to see so many responses debunking the open, airy, spacious (specious?) silliness so often attached to the "analysis" of speakers. I also own Cornwalls (III's) and would not trade them. They are dynamic, detailed, clear as a bell (horn?)and just damn good. And they really are fun. Just went by my "high end" audio shop a few days ago and listened to a pair of speakers which are on the "official" high end approved list and are priced accordingly. They almost seemed muffled and they certainly would not be fun, at least for me. To each his own. Cheers to all!!

Never heard the Vandy's but spent many hours with an amazing sound from Cornwalls, as owned by a friend, driving them with - of all things - a receiver. One or two clicks down on mids, one up on highs and magic!!! I heard these same speakers (after he sold them) in another house - NOT GOOD. I was so impressed with my friend's original sound I demoed a pair at home (on Crown amps - mistake!). Very midrangey and a quick return to the store. Moral of the story: In the right circumstances, Corwalls are VERY impressive. The dynamics are so much closer to live music! But, in the wrong system or room, not so good. I would suggest a tube amp.