I would go for the 2CESigs over the older 3A's myself. I've owned both the 3aSigs and the 2CESigs. In many ways I like the 2CESig better and I think it would be my choice in your situation.
They seem to be a little fleeter in the bass and also the size is quite a bit easier to live with. The 3aSig is a superior speaker with greater bass and a better quality treble but it does sometimes seem a bit slower. Vandersteen does update his drivers as time goes on so a newer version of a given model will sound better than an older one.
There is also the risk factor of buying used. Speakers are a little tougher to buy used because they are heavy and have a higher incidence of damage in shipping. Having them repaired can sometimes mean a trip back to the factory. If you do have them shipped, make sure they are insured and that each speaker is insured for the full amount. With Vandersteens the shipping cost does go pretty high. Also request that the buyer wrap them in plastic sheeting. May times people lose this sheeting which protects the speakers from rub marks.
If you get the serial number from the seller, give Vandersteen a call and find out the speakers history and it's upgrade costs. Some older versions of a speaker will be more expensive to upgrade than others.
They seem to be a little fleeter in the bass and also the size is quite a bit easier to live with. The 3aSig is a superior speaker with greater bass and a better quality treble but it does sometimes seem a bit slower. Vandersteen does update his drivers as time goes on so a newer version of a given model will sound better than an older one.
There is also the risk factor of buying used. Speakers are a little tougher to buy used because they are heavy and have a higher incidence of damage in shipping. Having them repaired can sometimes mean a trip back to the factory. If you do have them shipped, make sure they are insured and that each speaker is insured for the full amount. With Vandersteens the shipping cost does go pretty high. Also request that the buyer wrap them in plastic sheeting. May times people lose this sheeting which protects the speakers from rub marks.
If you get the serial number from the seller, give Vandersteen a call and find out the speakers history and it's upgrade costs. Some older versions of a speaker will be more expensive to upgrade than others.