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Vandersteen vs. JBL rock music etc.

I am considering a used pair of Vandersteen 2CE Signature and currently have JBL L166s and a pair of Infinity Crescendo 3008. Associated equip - Adcom GFA 555 II and Adcom GFP 555 II. The JBLs don't have the bottom of the Infinitys so the thought to "move up." How do the Vandys sound with rock music (classic) and blues? Are my electronics up to the Vandys? You can tame the mid and highs on the JBLs with the speaker controls which does eliminate the in your face sound and results in a nicer balance, but still bass shy. What type of SPLs are the Vandys capable of??

Any thoughts anyone??
hoochiecoochie
transnova's avatar
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transnova
350 posts
 
I haven't heard the JBL's.I have owned every incarnation of the Vandersteen 2 except the 2ce signatures.While I love the Vendy's(especially in the right room),I would encourage you to keep the JBL's and brjng in a pair of Vandersteens.Go back and forth for a few weeks and then keep the pair that makes the most sense.You might just keep them both!
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stereo5
6,385 posts
 
I own Vandersteen 2ce signatures and play them through an Audible Illusions Mod3a and Classe 15 power amp. With 175 watts of clean power per channel available, they can boogie really well. My taste runs from Pink Floyd (my absolute favorite), to Jethro Tull to Shinedown and more. They sound great and can play loud. I have measured peaks of 100db from my listening chair and they have never sounded strained, congested or hard sounding. I find JBL speakers to be very bright and very fatigueing sounding, but they are very efficient and do play loud. If you want quality sound, go with the Vandersteens, if you want rock concert levels, go with the JBL.
hoochiecoochie OP
3 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your input. My decision on the Vandys is still up for grabs. I am in the Chicago area and you would not believe what is NOT available to audition/listen to.
theunderlyingtheme
90 posts
 

I use a 175-watt Plinius with my 2Ce Signatures, and I can guarantee that they will rock very loudly with the right amplifier.

Definitely doesn't leave anything to be desired.
fin1bxn
140 posts
 
Vandy's can rock, anyone who says they cant doesnt have a good amp....it will be a more ballanced non fatigue sound
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