As with most Vandersteen speakers the 2ce is an incredible value that competes with anything in its price range and a bit above. The only thing that keeps me from buying Vandys is the relatively laid back treble response. This is a personal taste thing, but for me music like rock or modern jazz sounds a bit clouded and I feel like I'm missing some information in the upper upper octaves. Otherwise this speaker matches or beats anything it its class, so if you like the laid back sound I'd put these at the top of my list. Otherwise look at Soliloquy 5.3s or Triangle Zephyrs/Antals that exhibit many of the same characteristics of the 2ce but have more extended highs and are also very tube friendly.
Tim
Tim