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New Vandersteens or something else?

I'm starting to think about new speakers. I've been running Vandersteen 2Ce Sig II since 2008. I love these but also know they are the weak link in my system (mostly Ayre electronics). At RMAF a few years ago, Richard Vandersteen told me he had upgraded the midrange in the 2s and that I would be pretty happy to just buy the latest iteration. Have any of you compared the original Sig II to the new version with the woven midrange (I think these came out ca. 2012)?

What about the latest 2Ce Sig II compared to the latest 3A Sig? What do you get other than more bass and an even larger monolith?

I would consider other brands but strongly prefer to stay US-made or, at least, from countries with protections for workers and the environment. If cost were no object, I would get one of the Vivid Giyas or Vandersteen 7. With a $15K budget, I would get Vivid B1s. The Vandersteen Treo (IMO, the best looking speaker Vandersteen has ever made) is almost within my budget but I'm hoping to get a worthwhile upgrade for $5K or less. Others on my short list are the Paradigm 85F (Canada) or, maybe, the Revel F206 or F208 (Indonesia). Some KEF models are interesting with the coincident tweeter/midrange but these are made in China and the Stereophile reviewer was underwhelmed with HF performance.

Thoughts?


beetlemania

Showing 2 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
I would opt for a pair of Treo’s. They are a significant upgrade from the 2’s in terms of technology. There have been a few Quatro’s for sale (used) recently that weren’t much more than the Treo’s, which is significant, because you get the integrated sub. If you can find a pair with a fairy recent serial number, I think you not only will save money, but get a killer speaker.
I moved from the 3a sigs with 2w subs, to the Treo’s and a pair of 2wq subs.-All bought 2nd hand from local owners. It was a good move, in my opinion.
If you want another great US manufacturer, I would recommend Magnepan. They seem to have a similarity with Vandersteen, but require a bit more room and power to show their stuff.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
@OP. Are you near any dealers/major cities? Even if not, I would try to make a weekend trip to listen to as many of the speaker manufacturers you are interested in, as possible. Just give the dealers a 'heads up' that you are coming so that they can accommodate you.
Bob
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