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Vandersteen 2ci used. Good speaker/bargain?

I've found a pair of Vandy 2ci just a couple hours from where I live. I'm interested in upgrading my speakers (bottom of the line Spica SC-30...a great budget speaker)but I'm on a serious budget. I have an NAD C340 intregrated amp and in a year or so will probably upgrade that as well. What do you folks think of the Vandy 2ci, made around 10 to 12 yrs ago, I believe. I probably can't put speakers any further away from the wall then 18 in to 2 ft. Room is about 14' by 16, with a cathedral ceiling (overall, very oddly shaped). I listen to jazz vocalists primarily--the Dianna Kralls, Stacy Kents--plus light jazz intrumentals. Also about what price should I pay for a pair in very good condition (stands are included). I probably can upgrade to something more expensive (presumably meaning, much better) in about 3 years, but in the meantime, I wonder if these might fill the bill.
bmatth3790
miketuason
333 posts
 
Sean, I used to have the 2CI and let me tell you, they are an awesome speaker, very clear, good sound staging. I was driving them with a pair of NAD 2100 power amp that was set to mono at 100 wpc. So if the price is right go for it you will not be disappointed. Make sure you get the right stand and spikes for it.
unsound
7,315 posts
 
Miketuason, you do realize that Sean posted that over 9 years ago.
miketuason
333 posts
 
oops my bad, I didn't pay attention to the date, thanks Unsound
zenblaster
504 posts
 
Watt- lighten up, carrying a resentment over Viridian's opinion for NINE YEARS.
I would write Richard Vandersteen with any question I had with my Vandy's, he would always reply, in volumes.
Great sound, butt ugly speakers. I even tried with the socks down. Wife said get those !@#$% things back in the attic.
It wasn't until I had the speakers for a couple of years that I tried them with Bryston and Krell monos. They never sounded better. They will open up to another level with good powerful ss amps.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
The best I ever heard the 2ce sigs and the 3a sigs was with ARC tube electronics. This includes over the years many different amplifiers including Threshold SA-1s, the best of the SS and wonderful in their own right, McCormack, Nad, Krell KMA100's, McIntosh MC-60's highly modified, ARC M-100, ARC D-115 MK2 and ARC VT100,(the best). The last, with the VT100 was at a dealer's showroom. The set-up and attention to placement was impeccable and both these speakers sounded the best I've ever heard Vandersteen 2 and 3 models ever including several shows and in my listening room, they were really dialed in. It proved to me, again, how great these speakers are but more importantly their potential relative to the price of admission and the space they will be used in.
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