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Vandersteen Model 2CE's: Should I upgrade?

I've owned these Vandersteen speakers since 1992 and they have sounded better and better as the rest of my system has improved.I've compared them to much more expensive B&W's and like mine better. I have a Bel Canto Evo 200.2 amp which is rated at 125 watts per channel and a Conrad Johnson PV12 tube preamp. I'm aware that the Model 2 has been improved since I bouhgt them and that there now is a Signature series. One dealer also told me that it would also sound better with a Vandersteen subwoofer. Is the sound that much better to justify these expenditures? What about upgrading to the Vandersteen Signature 3A? Is that a much better speaker and is worth making the jump?
mlkiz

Showing 3 responses by bigtee

bigtee
803 posts
 
Contact Vandersteen Audio (www.vandersteen.com) The speakers will have to be returned to the factory for the upgrade. It is not a field option.
bigtee
803 posts
 
Having used Vandersteen speakers for years, I will answer your questions like this--- The 2ce Signature is a better sounding speaker than the 2ce and worth the change in my opinion. The 3A Signature is what I'm currently using and it is a giant leap over the 2ce Signature. It presents a bigger soundstage with an uncanny ability for the speakers to vanish. Transparency is much improved.
Adding the 2Wq subs to any of the speakers is an improvement. I use a pair with my 3A Signature's. The subs allow you to roll the lower octaves out of the speakers and in the process, allow for more transparency and dynamics. Read up on the 2Wq threads about filter choices.
Using a pair of 2Wq's with the 2ce Signature will definitely improve dynamics. However, Richard Vandersteen suggested to me to go with the 3A Signatures because of the more open and transparent sound. I later added the subs which just augmented an already fine sound.
bigtee
803 posts
 
I agree that your current amp should be fine. The Vandersteen's as a whole do require power. I'm currently using a Belles 350A (250/ch @ 8 ohms) I have never felt the amp was remotely stressed for loud levels. I did use McCormack .5's back a while (rated at 100/ch) Thought they did fine but honestly didn't sound as refined and powerful as the Belles.
As a passing note, I can't agree at all with the sameness statement of the above gentleman. I have found an improvement as you go up the line although it is a less of one between the 3A and 2Ce Signature. The 3A Signature IS a jump above these two. The 3A Signature uses the Model 5 tweeter and midrange. This is a quantified improvement in drivers over the 3A and below and it shows in its performance. Also, when speakers and/or drivers are utilized correctly from the beginning, there is no need to bring out a new improvement every year. Vandersteen upgrades when genuine improvements come along.
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