Thiel CS 2 2 vs. Vandersteen 2CE

The archives might be of help here.

I think the Thiel 3.6 has a better reputation than the 2.2. I'd be willing to bet it would be worth the extra bit of money.

Thank you all. I found the threads Unsound was referring to and they are really helpful. Now I worry that if I did go with Thiels (and was leaning that way) that they'll sound horrible because of something bad upstream (that I might not have realized was bad until I got the things home).

Rtn: I don't have the amp to drive the 3.6, unfortunately (Forte F 55, AB, 100W).

IMHO, the Thiels are more sensitive to upstream components (especially amps), but the Vandy's are more sensitive to room placement and listening position. Your Forte' gear won't sound horrible with Thiels, or Vandys.

I have been installing Vandersteens for over 20 years
and of course it all comes down to preference.
one comment above I am in complete disagreement with is the Vandersteen placement actully will work better in a variety of room placements.
Because of the staggered design front 8 and rear 10 tend not to one note bass overload the room and or compete with mid range definition.
I think we have taken in on trade over the years at least 2 pairs of 2.2 and 3.6 in applications where the Vandersteens were just more room friendly by design.
One of the best tunes to prove this is Allman Bros Statesburo Blues on the opening Bass line or Cowboy Junkies
Misguided Angel /Trinity Sessions.
Cheers Johnnyr