I get what the OP is saying I owned 2 pairs of 2CEs and 2 pairs of 2CE sigs. I liked them would recommend them but at the end of the day could not live with them. Funny thing is I now have tried a pair of 2Cs form the mid 80s and I have to honest i like them better. They are not as smooth and refined as the later units but images are much more well defined and clear. Almost Thiel like with out the coldness. Also seem more dynamic. I am guessing it is the fabric tweeter on the older C that I like verses a metal dome on the newer ones.
Vandersteen
After hearing many good things about Vandersteen speakers I purchased a pair of 3a signatures. They sound beautiful with chamber music or small group jazz but quickly fall to pieces with symphonic works or rock. Have other people noted this deficiency with Vandersteens?