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Why do I see more Vandersteen model 3s vs model 2s for sale?

Just wondering about something I've noticed on the audiogon.com website over the past few months. It seems when Vandersteen speakers pop-up for sale a good percentage of them are the model 3's. Based off what I know about Vandersteen it seems like there should be a lot more Model 2's for sale based off of overall units sold. Anyone else notice this? What could be the reason?
I currently have the Model 2c's (SNs around 27K, I believe) and they are a great speaker. When I upgrade I either want the latest version of the model 2 (2ce sig II's) used, or used Model 3a sigs (also the latest version). I think the pricing would be somewhere in the ballpark of 1.8k for the 2ce sig IIs vs around 2.4k for the 3a sigs.
Would I be better or getting the model 2's or springing an extra $700 on the model 3's?
Just wanted to get some input on this. 3A sigs seem like the logical choice, but seeing so many for sale compared to the model 2's make me hesitant. Thanks for any insight.
bstatmeister

Showing 11 responses by bstatmeister

bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
Thanks for the input. what didn't you like about the 3a sound compared to the model 2?
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
I just could not get them sounding good in my listening room. I needed to tilt them almost at a 70 degree angle to get some decent bass. They were very placement critical compared to the smaller 2c’s. But you might not have this problem in your room. But I sure did!
I would really love to demo to get a good comparison, unfortunately there isn't a dealer with a Vandersteen set-up in Oregon (closest one is in Tacoma!). To be fair, we do have a Vandersteen dealer, but they only order them in, you can actually listen to them at their shop.
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
If I were to do it again. I would just buy a pair of used Quatro’s, but being less than affluent, I would suggest buying a pair of used 2wq subs for your 2c’s. That would give you 80% of a 3a sig. (Also, the 3a sig Sound Anchors stick out and make positioning difficult in cramped areas).
When money comes available, you can do what I did, buy a pair of Treo’s and keep the 2wq’s. That way you will get 90% of a Quatro. If you can find a pair of Treo CT-even better.
Vandersteen is coming out with a new sub system, so prices of the 2wq’s will probably be coming down. In any case, the 2wq’s are no slouch and integrate seamlessly.
Just so I understand this correctly, you think that the 2C’s with qty 2 2wq ’s only get you 80% of the 3a? The 3a doesn’t have this good of bass does it?
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
In the past few months I have never seen a 2wq, I will be interested to see what the price is on those once they trickle in from the folks who upgrade to the SUB 3. Right now I see a couple abused regular 2Ws for $500. But intuition tells me to stay away from those.
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
You might consider moving to a powered speaker instead of a passive design. The Treo, I understand, is a passive version of the Quatro and is still pretty pricey.
If you are sold on Vandersteen speakers, I can totally understand, they are a great product. As an alternative Golden Ear Tech speakers like the Triton ! and Triton 1 Reference offer great sound at a more affordable price, for me anyway. Have a great day.
Thanks for your feedback. Yes, I am very much a believer in Vandersteen. I have heard all sorts of speakers at various shops in the Northwest and in my ears, nothing comes close to the overall musicality these put forth. It's tough to put your finder on the magic of them. They just sound lush.
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
Let’s think for a minute .
In order to take full advantage of the bigger speaker one would need to optimize with better electronics to climb to an obviously better level then add in decent AQ cables no band aids and a normal size room to breath and the 3A sigs can sing easily outperforming most other types
The newer Treo"CTs has a better transition and placement advantage over both speakers the latest 2 Sig 2 is still
one of the best values in speaker land
JohnnyR
Thanks for the feedback Johnny! So, it seems a likely reason is that more models 3's are for sale is that since they are more picky towards the room and supporting hardware, folks are left feeling underwhelmed since they don't take anything else into account?
Since I am more of a budget audiophile myself, I wonder it if would be safe to assume that the model 3's could possibly sound worse than my model 2c's if I just swapped them out, while not upgrading any other component? If this is the case, I would probably opt to get the 2ce sig IIs since they are less picky.
My upgrade path with likely be this, then (likely much time will go by between steps):
1.)buy a used 2wq
2.)buy a second 2wq
3.)buy used (possibly new) 2ce sig IIs
4.)upgrade supporting electronics

bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
when they're sold, you won't see them that much.
I assume you are talking about the 2wq? 
Yes, I am a bit afraid of this. If I can't get a hold of a good used one, I guess I could start working a second job during the graveyard shift and save up for a SUB 3. 
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
A giant killer upgrade path you are missing is 5a
Oh man, that would be my ultimate upgrade. I do see these on the site every once in a while for 6-7K, but don’t know if I’ll ever be in a position to buy this much speaker all at once. If I could there would be no hesitation. But, yes, that would be #5 on my list (possibly #4 before the upgraded electronics)
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
5a is giant itself. Big heavy and very slow. Won't work in small rooms. You need at least 50 people auditorium sized space. In ordinary sized listening room 3a or quattros will dom
.
Well, my home is an open floor plan with the great room kitchen and dining room is all one room and on top of that there is a giant hallway leading to various parts of the house, so, I can't even get a good figure on room dimensions.  Perhaps the 5a's might be OK in my situation? Plus, the speakers themselves aren't that much taller than the model 2's correct? (I know the 5a would be quite a bit deeper, however)
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
KenWood - I may have to hit you up on that sometime, although I am rarely in the Bend area. Thanks for the invite! Do you have a turntable? I could bring some Daft Punk and a couple MoFi LPs
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
even though you wouldn't be buying new and benefitting his company.
Trust me, I want to benefit his company in anyway possible. This man really deserves it. We want Richard Vandersteen in business a loooooong time. I may be willing to save up and fork over an extra grand or 2 just for this point. Now to convince the wife...
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