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Vandie .7 vs Maggie .7

*** I tried to edit the TITLE.,,Sorry   I mean Vandie 1ci    Thanks

Hello to all! I am hoping I will get some opinions on these 2 speakers. I’m 65...a Pro musician with a degree in music. I’ve own of equipment for sure. Nothing in the Mega buck range. I did own a par of Maggie III’s 25 years ago. Vandersteen’s are really a brand I have never owned or stopped at a dealer or known someone who owned them.

I know opinions are GOING to vary. These are kinda 2 different speakers...but a similar approach. Maggie flat panel, and Vandie "no baffe.

I have an NAD 326BEE integrated amp..( very decent)....I’m about to spring for a Schiit Vidar. I have an MF V90,,Schiit Saga... I own Whafdale Diamond 240’s.

I was also set to pop for the Vidar and got into a discussion with someone at Schiit, and he generally said, looking at speakers/ headphones are usually a bigger change. So started my re-evaluation.

These are the 2 I am down too. I have 1400-1500 to spend. True-ness of timbre, soundstage are most important ot me ...because I have listened and played live music since I was 15.

I do very much appreciate your opinions. I want member to BE subjective and give me your take based on personal experience. Thank you very much, Otto

ottoa63

Showing 12 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
I think Kalali said best. With your equipment the Vandy's should sound better. If you can eventually get a 2wq sub or two, you will way ahead of the game-Vandy subs use a crossover that alleviates the power demands of low frequencies on your amp. So, you can get a speaker system about  as good as a pair of 3a sigs-possibly better.
And, yes I do love the Maggie sound. They just need more power to open up.
B
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
+4 for Johnny Rutan.
I know he has made systems with the 1ci and Vandy 2wq subs that were quite respectable.

I, too, own a pair of HSU subs, as well as Vandy subs, and I can tell you there is no comparison. The Vandy's integrate seamlessly and unobtrusively. 
In fact, whether you go Maggie or Vandy, get one or two 2wq subs. Both benefit from the added low frequency. And, both work well with Vandersteen subs.
B


gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
@otto, I am glad you like the Vandy's. They really seem to do things right at a great price point.
For me, I would opt for the 1ci's over a 2ce.  The 1's will be easier to place and set up and also require less power, and if you want later, you can add subs. I owned a pair of 3a sigs, but hated how the Sound Anchors stuck out of the back- Not good in a limited space situation.]
B
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
The VLR's are bookshelf speakers and I doubt will go as low as the 1ci.
Though your sub should help with that.
Though I haven't heard either the VLR or the KEF50, I would lean more toward the VLR or the 1ci. And, knowing how you liked the 1ci's, I think you should trust your ears. The Vandersteen sound is addictive.
And, definitely call Johnny R. for more specific advice.
Bob

gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
Nice move Otto!
Usually Richard doesn't provide much info on the age of speakers, as he doesn't keep records- Which I find strange. Maybe the seller can give you an idea of how long the original owner kept them.

bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
Thanks for the thanks.
I am sure the VLR's will exceed your expectations!
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
+3 on not removing terminal strips.
Just listen to them before doing surgery.

gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
An Ayre Codex is probably more similar to the Schiit Gungnir or Yggy, than the Bifrost.
Either of the three would be a significant upgrade.
Now I really kick myself for not getting that pair of VLR's last year.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
Otto, I was warned not to use the terminals for banana, as they weren't designed for that purpose-I think it was Mr. V, himself). And, I think it was Mr. V. who liked spades best because they provide the best connectivity.
There are some banana to spade adaptors available if you don't want to cut things up.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
Huh?
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
In my opinion, the Schiit Yggy or Gungnir is comparable to an Ayre Codex. I owned just about all the Schiit DAC's and can honestly say that sound reproduction gets better with each model up. The Bifrost (I had the Multibit) is a great DAC, but compared to the Codex, it is way behind. 
B
gdnrbob
4,485 posts
 
Mmmm, Scotch....
I prefer the Balvenie....
B
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