As a Vandy fanboy, I can't see how you could go wrong with any Vandersteen model.
I owned the 3a sig's and am moving to the Treo's. I only sold the 3a's because of space limitations.
If you go with the Quatro's you can eliminate the subs. Treo and Quatro share same footprint.-I probably should have gotten the Quatro but since I have the Vandy subs, I am hoping to keep 'upgrade-itis' in check.
As far as loudness goes, maybe a more efficient speaker like Zu would give you the SPL you like, but, then again it might not be what you want.-Though at least you have a trial period with Zu.
Bob |
I would trial the phase correct Vandies first. I think once you hear them, then you would have a great basis to rate the other speakers. I would also recommend that you read the Richard Hardesty Journals: http://vandersteen.com//audio-perfectionist-journalHe covers a lot of ground and provides sound advice regarding speakers. Bob |
Too bad there are no Vandy Dealers nearby.
But, I suspect if you like the Maggies, you will love the Vandy's.
If you can find a pair of 3a sigs or Treo's, I doubt you would be disappointed. Johnny Rutan of audioconnection is known to make some killer systems with even Vandy 1's and subs. |
There are a pair of Vandy Quatro's on Audioconnection's website preowned for $5K. If I knew, I would have bought them instead of the Treo, oh well.
Where are you located? Johnny Rutan is the best and can give you the best advice on Vandy's. PM him, he is audioconnection on Agon.
I will also reiterate my recommendation for Zu as a low cost alternative.
For a speaker without crossovers, it gives comparable sound to many higher priced speakers. Plus, you can trial them for 30 days and only lose shipping costs.
Bob |
fd,I bought ctsooners Treo's- upgrading from the 3a sigs.
I second giving Johnny Rutan a call or PM him (he's audioconnection on Agon). If you are in Mass. then it would behoove you to try to come down for an afternoon. Audioconnection is about 30-40 mins away from Manhattan. (I know a NY to Boston day trip is very doable- you guys have a great arboretum). Though you may be at the other end of the state.
Even if you got a room for the night, it would be a worthwhile trip.
Re: Zu speakers.
I mention them because they are highly efficient and use no crossovers- a very interesting design.
I own a pair of Omen Bookshelves for my office and a pair of Union ( Omen predecessors) and can attest to their honest sound. They aren't bright and quite listenable, but then that will be up to your ears.
Like I said, the Vandy's have a true elegance with regards to sound. The Zu's are more direct and many like their reproduction for rock music.
Bob |
Re: depreciation. I would say resale of new items is roughly 50% original price, in general-Which is why I buy used. You are more likely to recoup the money spent buying used should you decide to sell.
Which is why, since you have no local dealer, it would be good to take advantage of Zu and Tekton's trial period.
With that said, I still encourage you to see if you can either come down to NJ to listen to the speakers to, or to find another Agon member who will let you listen to the Vandies or any other speaker you are considering. There are a lot of nice members here. |
Audiotroy, I think this may be the second time someone said the Zu's are 'colored' and I don't know why that description was used. Zu's to me, are pretty neutral. Though I do agree with your description of the Golden Ear's- They are just not my 'cuppa'.
And, if you do make the trip, just be sure to give the dealers a 'heads up' so they can make time to show you what you want to listen to. |
The Ohm radial approach is nice for less critical listening, in my opinion.
I do like their sound, but a phase correct speaker like the Vandy or Theil would be a better in the long run-again, my opinion.
I saw those Quatro's at Audioconnection last week. I would contact Johnny Rutan and see if he is negotiable.
If you do want to come down, let me know, I could pack up my Zu Union speakers and we could demo them with the Vandys.
Bob |
Vandersteen Trio CT - Best of the bunch
You got it bubby... (BTW- it's Treo) Bob |
As to having visited ctsooner to pick up the Treo's, I can attest to his demand for quality. In fact, he even makes his own furniture (beautiful Mission style), and understands what goes into cabinetry.
Poor Meadowlark, I think they are back again. Unfortunately, stuff happens. |
I will have to disagree with ctsooner on buying from smaller enterprises, as well as considering resale values.
Though everyone would like to have their purchases not depreciate. I think it is an unrealistic way to buy equipment (or anything for that matter).
You should buy what you like and enjoy. If it comes from a small manufacturer, then you understand that they may not be around forever.
Way back I purchased a pair of Tamanton Homonyms, they were nearly identical to the Vandy 2's soundwise. I even met the designer and his family in Williamsburg, Brooklyn- way before gentrification.
Long story short, he decided to get out of the stereo business.
Those speakers were nice for their time and I eventually got rid of them, but I don't really feel I lost much, either monetarily or enjoyment-wise.
Even if I got the Vandy's, I wouldn't have reaped a financial windfall.
YMMV
Bob |
Definitely a good decision. |
Though I am glad Vandersteen made a more stylish, well built cabinet, I am surprised by the move.
After all, he (Richard) originally chose to put all his effort into the works of the speaker rather than blinging out the cabinets- Hence, the 1,2 and 3's.
This resulted in outstanding performance at a low price point.
I guess market pressure forced him to make changes. |
Whoohoo!
I hope to pick up my cables from Audioconnection this week, so I can finally listen to your old Treo's, ctsooner.
In the meantime, I have my recently installed Atma-sphere amps and preamp connected to a pair of Zu Union's. (Didn't need Biwire's).
I have to say they are approaching magical.
Bob
|
I finally got my AQ Rockefeller's reterminated and double bi-wired installed. Ah, the Treo's sound wonderful with Atma-Sphere amp and pre.
They totally dissolve in the room. |
