Get down and listen to the rear firing woofers to see if your speakers are in fact funtioning at the low end. Sounds simple, but check polarity if someone else has had a chance to get at your system. My 2Ce's are just 15-18 inches from the wall due to the moderate size of my room. They do not boom, but have sufficient bass that shows up when the program material calls for it. I also have a Sunfire sub. that cuts in below 40 Hz. but the level is set pretty low as it can get obnoxious with some material, and most material doesn't even seem to activate it. You might get bigger bass in a big room from model 3's. Plus that model can be upgraded by mfr., as the 2's cannot be. Try someones elses electronics with it, if possible, if only one at a time. I get all the nice bass I need with Hafler stuff. And a modified SONY higher price player.
Vandersteen 2Ce and bass performance
I recently bought a 7-month old pair of Vandersteen 2Ce speakers and stands. I am running them with an Adcom 545 MKII and GFP555 Pre Amp. They are biwired with Monster M1.4s bi-wire. The room is large and hard (windows, maple floors, drywall, and brick). I'm hard up for more bass. I'm particularly concerened with the fact that so much of the musical stage is convincing and yet the kick drum in so much of my music sounds reticent. The speakers are reputed for "excellent bass extension," and I do not remember this reticence when auditioning other 2Ces in a local dealer. Suggestions for how to evaluate or improve this situation?? Any help is appreciated.