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750 or so -- B&W 602, Vandersteen 1C, or...?

Which speakers would you pick for $750 or so to go with a modest system including an NAD C340 integrated amplifier, a Cambridge Audio D500 CD player, an old Yamaha turntable, an old Dynaco tuner and a JVC cassette deck? I've been thinking about B&W 602 or Vandersteen 1C speakers. (Sure, Vandersteen 2Ce would be nice, but they cost twice as much.) How would you describe the differences in sonic quality between these, the types of music they would best be suited for listening to, and their compatability with the rest of the equipment in my system? Have any other suggestions (polite ones I trust) for roughly the same price? I listen to a broad range of music -- jazz, classical, and occasional blues, rock or folk. I tend to listen more to solo performers, duets, trios or quartets, playing at moderate volumes, than to large bands, full orchestras or loud rock, although I occsionally crank it up.
02pete

Showing 1 response by sek

sek
105 posts
 
I love the natural, open, non-fatiguing Vandersteen sound. I have a pair of Vandersteen 1C, which I have powered by a 60 watt/channel NAD integrated amplifier. They do a very nice job with most music. If you supplement them with a fine subwoofer (I have an ACI Titan II LE) to fill out the lowest octave, they can do it all with plenty of slam, even in less optimal rooms. If you have the space, a used pair of Vandersteen 2Ce might be affordable (A friend recently got a pair for $600), and they are virtually full range, but they might require a bit more power (though my friend runs his well with 50 watt/channel AR tube amplification).

I'm generally put off by most B&W's, especially after living with Vandersteens. They tend to have fatiguing highs and sound more like speakers and less like music to me, but you may hear things differently.
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