If your still deciding. My Audio/HT system is Vandy 3A Signature II's for the mains and Klipsch Reference series for center, surrounds and sub.
Nobody has mentioned the biggest difference. The Klipsch are horns and will have a more narrow dispersion pattern and be brighter and fatigue faster at high volume.
Klipsch will reproduce an accurate horn, strings or piano. The Vandy's will make the horn float in space, play a piano note to the last decay and put a tom on the floor where it belongs. They handle orchestral to Ozzy at 11.
Your room is optimal. Vandy's like to breathe. A good starting point being 3ft from any rear or side walls, about 12ft apart, slightly toed in.
Experimenting, the optimal listening spot should be 10 to 15ft from the back wall.
Also check this link and the Vandersteen site for a wealth of information.
http://vandersteen.com/products/model-3a-signature
Good luck.
Vandersteen 3A Sigs vs Klipsch Forte III
I'd like to get input on a comparison of both of these speakers. I have not heard them. No dealers in my area. I realize it may be an apples to oranges match up to many but want to hear the pros and cons of both. Haters welcome!! I'll be driving them with a Mac 6200 integrated. 75w into 8 ohms and 100w into 4 ohms. Room is 27x18x10h. I listen to all music. Some vinyl. Appreciate moderate base, clarity in vocals, imaging, and like the speakers to "disappear". Thoughts?
Showing 3 responses by hifiman55
Sorry late night alphabetitus. Went from Vandy 2CE Signature II's to the Signature 3A's. The Signature and an A on the serial number marking the difference over older Model 3's. Here's a link for a really nice pair at a great price of $2000. off original retail: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-pair-of-Vandersteen-Audio-3A-Signature-Speakers/323185651266?_trk... Serial #2266A, Vandersteen can supply approx. manufacture date. Jump in and get your feet wet. You can't duplicate your sound space listening in someone else's. The 3A has many components from the Series 5 and are outstanding. You should enjoy them for many years. At the very worst you can resell for what you paid or more. Jump in, the waters fine, good luck. |
I'm with MrD. Over 60, starting with the Audio Visual Squad in grade school to building my own speakers, components or systems I found I have an "ear" for audio. 1) Referring back to your original question: horns, although very accurate, are directional with a narrow dispersion pattern and being mounted to a flat front board even the best (JBL 100 Studio Monitors) will ring with secondary audio diffractions. 2) The Vandersteens are Stealth aircraft in comparison. Separate speakers and enclosures mounted in mid air behind the grill and no flat surfaces. Properly positioned they will produce your requirement of disappearing. Having owned my first high end speakers for 30 years I feel your audio OCD and hesitation. They never sound the same at home as in the showroom, so to begin means making that first choice. Have fun and be prepared to play with optimal positioning. |