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Vandersteen 3A Sigs vs Klipsch Forte III

I'd like to get input on a comparison of both of these speakers. I have not heard them. No dealers in my area. I realize it may be an apples to oranges match up to many but want to hear the pros and cons of both. Haters welcome!!  I'll be driving them with a Mac 6200 integrated. 75w into 8 ohms and 100w into 4 ohms. Room is 27x18x10h. I listen to all music. Some vinyl. Appreciate moderate base, clarity in vocals, imaging, and like the speakers to "disappear".  Thoughts?
heardthat
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mrdecibel
2,942 posts
 
BTW....I was very familiar with the L 2030 models, and, wish I had a pair of those right now ( for a 2nd system ). Might need a crossover rebuild.
heardthat OP
52 posts
 
MrD, if I get hold of Eric Alexander I will make it brief and to the point. I can't go very deep into a conversation with him anyways because I don't qualify as an audiophile, I'm an audio enthusiast and I know it. I can't believe he answers the phone. Too much. 
I have the L1230's and won't sell them. I watched a cool series of YouTube videos today by Paul at PS Audio?  He said vintage speakers should probably have a crossover rebuild, caps etc.  The tweeters won't go bad, and the surrounds and cones are pristine. But they're 38 years old. 
Never thought you were "all that".  I always appreciate someone who knows their stuff and doesn't sugar coat the knowledge with bs. The delivery is important and if it's edgy, well, so be it. Not gonna hurt my feelings. And I still might learn something. Thanks for well wishes and ditto. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
homework assignment was to go fairly evaluate the series III Forte as i had not heard the latest revision......a fair criticism...
so I went and did that today at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego....
system: Rogue Cronus Magnum w KT-120, Marantz CD, BlueSound Node with DBS Audioquest silver cables, speaker cables were Nordost
listened to Steely Dan - Everything Must Go, Sol Gabetta - Prayer and a variety of Tidal streamed content ....ran the Magneplaner.7 and the Vandersteen Model 1c ( not the current 1ci )

the Forte III is much improved in the lack of glare dimension but alas remains a nice two dimensional rocker....i will say ( as one ) electric  bass players will like this speaker !!!!!!
midrange is recessed, soundstage depth minimal
they will kill ya with the KT-120 !!!!!!

your results may vary.....
heardthat OP
52 posts
 
Tomic, right on !! I thought your man Bruce at S Unlimited didn't have Klipsch. Great u auditioned them. Appreciate your taking your homework seriously. I'm just not ready to pull the trigger on them for a $300 audition based on my reading from folks like yourself. Came upon some Vandy Treo CT's for sale and by the time I did my homework they were gone. Snooze u lose if the price is right. Reading about Tekton DI and Spatial Triode M3. Trying to figure if they're flavor of the month or real deal. Vandy 3A Sigs appear to be real deal. 
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