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
If you can find a retailer selling both Vandersteen and Eminent Technology, compare the 2C's with the ET LFT-8b ($2499/pr retail), as I did. A pair of Watt/Puppies were also included in the comparison. If you have room for a "small" planar (5' tall, 13" wide), the ET is an outrageous bargain. VPI's Harry Weisfeld recently proclaimed it to have the best midrange he has ever heard out of any loudspeaker, regardless of price. I wouldn't go that far (the original Quad is still unmatched!), but it's damn good. Unlike the Quads, the LFT-8b plays pretty loud, and likes tube amps (an 8 ohm load, the magnetic-planar panel itself 11 ohms). Ralph Karsten says he has some Atma-Sphere customers very happy pairing his M-60 amps with the ET's. One of the best kept secrets in Hi-Fi.
I've had the older ET's in the house for long periods of time and loved them.  I heard them vs the original Vandersteen Quatro adn felt it wasn't even close. For the price back then, it shouldn't have been close, but the ET is a very good value. It's just a hard sell for dealers for many reasons.  

I have not heard it vs the new 2's though.
Vande are a great way to go. Just don't overpay. Also, stay away, far away from the 2ci's not in the same league sound dead just muffled highs so warm they are hot! Bought a pair mint w factory stands locally for $400 unloaded them to a h/t guy who had 1c's after one month. Early 2ce's are fine.


Where do you find such a good deal on 2CEs? What would be a reasonable price for a used pair of the latest iteration?
@noises,
Check out HifiShark.
You can get a good idea of prices from sold items as well as find items for sale.
B
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