Vandersteen Treo vs 3A Sig as upgrade

I just came upon this excellent thread today.  Love the passion for the hobby that I've been reading here.  I am 10 days into owning my new Treo CTs.  I have played music and the Purist Audio Design System Enhancer disc to break in the drivers and crossover components continuously.  Out of the box revealed the promise of fine sound...they just needed time to get there.  Well, they are pretty much there.  I am using mine with a pair of 2wq subwoofers.  The Treo CTs mate beautifully with the subs.(expected)  I have had to turn down the gain on the subs. from where they were set for use with my 3A Sigs.  Look... set up and system being equal, the Treo CTs are much more detailed but at the same time smoother....more refined than the 3s that I owned for 22 years!!  I would never go back, but I also have countless fond memories of enjoyable 3A Sig. listening sessions. Richard knows who he is what his design concept is about and he has simply?? refined that concept over time applying ever more sophisticated driver and crossover components into his designs.  The laudable comments about Johnny R at Audio Connection are spot on.  Just met him 10 days ago and enjoyed the couple hours we spent in his shop. He knows electronics and speaker design concepts and "gets" Vandersteens.  

One thing we all need to remember, Vandys will never be for everyone with passion for this hobby.  If they were, there wouldn't be gazillions of speaker designers out in stereo land!  I understand Richard's design goals and the meticulous nature in which he has met success throughout his career as a premier designer.  Appreciating the amazing attention to driver, cabinet and crossover details, the Treo CTs are to me yet another amazing offering of extreme value from Vandersteen Audio.

So glad you were able to pull that trigger. I know some keep thinking the 3's are better than the Treo's, but I just don't get that at all.  I like the 3's and for the cost, they are like the others...a great value, but the Treo is not the same speaker.  It takes everything to a new level and that includes the bass.  Deep isn't the most important thing in this price range, it's about the quality and the Treo goes darn deep with plenty of punch in most rooms IF it's on the recording.

Yes, I send everyone to Johnny only because I totally trust him. For those who aren't into Vandy's, he realizes that right away and will show them Proac's or something they will love.  He's about system building and that's a lost art, although it's refreshing to see some of the dealer posters on here who do get it.

I hadn't realized this thread had popped up again. Love reading everyone's post, hifiman5 glad to hear those Treo's are working out for you. I'm not saying there better or worse, I just need to find time to get a good listening session with them. The CT version would be the ones I'm interested in, either the Quatro or Treo, like the idea of the adjustable bass.

Anyway what struck me as funny is this thread reminds me of the old commercials from the 80's to 90's. Which way do you prefer your caramel colored sweetened soda water? Coke or Pepsi?

I'll have RC Cola and a Moon Pie........made with real sugar please.
Ah the good old days, not everything gets better in time.

@ig316b  I just looked up your system.  Very nice gear.  I see we share an appreciation for upgraded McCormack components!  I truly hope you get the chance to hear Treo CTs.  I have had Vandersteen 2C, then Model 3 upgraded to 3A, upgraded to Signature status.  After reading about the Treo CT and talking with John Rutan at Audio Connection in Verona, NJ, I ordered a pair of Treo CT unseen and unheard.  I know what Richard Vandersteen is after having owned his speakers for over 30 years.  I have had the Treo CT for about 7 weeks now.  They are everything you would expect of Vandersteens at their price point, incorporating Richard's latest thinking in speaker design.  Again, the 3A Sigs. are fine speakers and unbeatable at their price point.  If you can pull together the cash, the Treo CT or Quatro CT would be a significant upgrade in your listening experience.  Having two 2wq subs. I chose the Treos and couldn't be happier.

Hey, if moving up is not in the offing, you can continue to enjoy music through the excellent 3A Signatures.  All the best!

Well put Hifiman.  @ig316b, where do you live again?  The thing about the Treo's is that they are SOOOO good as the price.  Bass is the most expensive thing to do correctly.  that's where most of the manufacturer's seem to make the most compromises as so many folks aren't used to hearing top quality bass in a room.  This is why the mini monitor is so popular I think.  I like that the Treo goes very low and is very tuneful.  I've had some top components in my system and the Treo just keeps up with them. They don't have the slam factor that I like on some songs, but honestly, when I hit the volume a bit, the bass in my room is just outstanding.

That said, I do want the Quatro's if and when I move the Treo's.  I do like the adjustable bass and for me it's worth it. I feel strongly that the Quatro is the sweet spot in the line.  If you can't get the Quatro's, the Treo or the CT version will make you happy and you can then get subs later on if you feel you really need them as Hifiman said.