I think Vandersteen is probably one of the most underrated speakers out there. I have been using them for years in various incarnations. Vandersteen is usually describe as laid back or lacking sparkle in the highs. The 1st order crossover and phase correct design allows highs to develop normally and not be thrown at you the way many speakers do. This gives a smooth overall character.
The speakers are much more revealing than people think. One thing is setup. You can't put them next to a back or side wall and get their best. You have to make sure the tilt back is in line with your ear height. The user must listen to them in the window of best sound, otherwise, you miss the point.
A lot of people make judgements about speakers from a dealership showroom. That is probably the biggest mistake you can make. Dealers have motives and most don't set up correctly due to space, acoustics or just don't care.
The other thing is Vandersteen's are not expensive for what you get. Seems a lot of folks are judging by price tag which is a big mistake. Anytime you see a thread on "Best" speaker, you see the price tag spiral up. Price doesn't buy better much of the time! Louder yes, more drivers, yes, more cabinet, yes, but better? Maybe not.
No, they are not going to impress the boom and sizzle crowd or the loud(as in LOUD crowd) Vandersteen is about the music and that is their strongest point. They reproduce what's there and don't add all the little extras that so many audiophiles think is high end and actually in the source.
I'm glad to see someone else has been exposed. They do make music and as you move up the Vandersteen line, you get more resolution, better soundstaging and wider response windows.
They are for the people who enjoy music instead of equipment.
The speakers are much more revealing than people think. One thing is setup. You can't put them next to a back or side wall and get their best. You have to make sure the tilt back is in line with your ear height. The user must listen to them in the window of best sound, otherwise, you miss the point.
A lot of people make judgements about speakers from a dealership showroom. That is probably the biggest mistake you can make. Dealers have motives and most don't set up correctly due to space, acoustics or just don't care.
The other thing is Vandersteen's are not expensive for what you get. Seems a lot of folks are judging by price tag which is a big mistake. Anytime you see a thread on "Best" speaker, you see the price tag spiral up. Price doesn't buy better much of the time! Louder yes, more drivers, yes, more cabinet, yes, but better? Maybe not.
No, they are not going to impress the boom and sizzle crowd or the loud(as in LOUD crowd) Vandersteen is about the music and that is their strongest point. They reproduce what's there and don't add all the little extras that so many audiophiles think is high end and actually in the source.
I'm glad to see someone else has been exposed. They do make music and as you move up the Vandersteen line, you get more resolution, better soundstaging and wider response windows.
They are for the people who enjoy music instead of equipment.