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Vandersteen 2CE Signature II: Is it worth the price of $2700? Why are so many for sale?

I have seen several ads on both AG and Ebay for a "variety" of Vandersteen 2CE's  

Question: Is:the "latest version:"of the model worth its  $2700 price tag  considering the evolution of this design over the last 10 to 12 years

Vandersteen's website shares a few paragraphs about the upgrades made; but, has their really been notable or marked improvements in sound quality and overall performance?.

The amount of 2CE's for sale regardless of what version seems unusual,and even cautionary for buyers looking at a used pair ( taking into consideration age and condition)

Lastly, does this model compete with the performance of other speakers in its price range??

  Thank you, S.J.


 

sunnyjim

Showing 4 responses by 2psyop

2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,822 posts
 
Speakers are very subjective. One has to LISTEN for oneself to make opinions about sound. Richard Vandersteen is an intelligent speaker designer, but a potential buyer must still have a LISTEN to his speakers before making judgements. Often times, when shopping for speakers, one could make a map of say audio dealers within 90 miles or so of their home to plan many trips to have a LISTEN to many speaker brands and types to see what floats one’s boat with regard to quality sound. Also what cedargrover said.
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,822 posts
 
I have the 2ce Sig II. I had done what I offered as advice to the OP when I purchased the Vandersteen. I picked out audio shops within a 90 mile radius of my home and went listening to all brands. KEF, Klipsch, Totem, Magnepan, Paradigm, and at least 6 other brands that I cannot remember. The Maggie 1.7 and 2ce Sig II stood out. Both were very musical, engaging and great for my musical taste and equipment. I like Jazz, Blues and acoustical music. The Vandersteen edged out the Maggies by a short margin. Nothing can replace actuall listening sessions, particularly with equipment close to what you own and your chosen music. Room acoustics play a large part. 
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,822 posts
 
Yeah that seems likely since he has not chimed in. What a shame that people will do that. Vandersteen has, what seems, a very good reputation. The only thing I had heard negative was from my local dealer in Cleveland who felt slighted in a big way, because Richard decided to sell his lower line speakers on Music Direct (online) thus really showing some disrespect to the dealer experience and customer service he had provided for many years. BTW I bought my 2ce Sig II speakers from him and he really helped me find the right speaker. I know I would not have gotten any auditioning time or great help if not for him if I bought online.
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,822 posts
 
Not knocking RV for his choice to sell on Music Direct. It seems it might be a pain for a dealer to show a pair of 3a Sigs and later have the customer buy online because he can get it a slightly lower price??!! I would add I might never listened to a tube amp if not for the dealer. My Line Magnetic amp and 2CE Sig II are a match for beautiful music and he is the one that mated them for a long listening session. I almost never buy products online, last one was a gamble that did work out. I am a fan of good honest dealers.
I also would not have heard equipment from the likes of Audio Note, Devore, Leben, ARC, Well Tempered, Line Magnetic, Shindo and many other brands.
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