Seeking informed advice on speaker acquisition (Vandersteen vs. OHM Walsh)


I bought a used pair of Vandersteen 2CEs about 6 months ago. They sound great to my relatively uninformed ears, but I would like to step it up. The Vandys are 25+ years old.
I have two speakers under consideration and would like input from individuals who have heard both. I am considering upgrading the Vandys to the 2CE Signature II model. I am sure the improvements in the last quarter century will greatly enhance my listening experience. The other speaker I am considering is an Ohm Walsh 2000. I have read many rave reviews on the Ohm Walsh and am seeking input from those who have heard both.

I would also like to hear from those who have heard both speakers, but have an alternative in mind. My budget cap is $3000. I prefer to buy a new pair, but I am not opposed to acquiring a used offering in great condition. I am in the Atlanta area if anyone has a used pair for sale.

My room specs are 18 x 15 with 7 foot ceilings.
System:Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II; Merrill Super12 Polytable; Oppo UDP-203; Parks Audio Hybrid Budgie phono
arturos73

Showing 4 responses by arturos73

misstl - Thanks for your input. I spoke with Evan at Ohm Walsh today and he was very helpful in discussing the merits of their speaker line. They have a 1-month backlog. But a 120-day return guarantee is very enticing. Maybe some change is good. If I don't like them, I keep the Vandys.
tomic601 - I have bought from Alan @  Hifi Buys and I think their customer service is top notch. Thanks for your assistance offer.
gdnrbob - I'm a Vandy fanboy too after owning this mint pair of 2CEs. I am seeking the best of both worlds I guess. My ratio of critical (vise-grip) listening to general (around the room) listening is probably a 1:5 ratio. Therefore, I would rate a speaker that can present in a 270 degree field higher. I am not an overly critical listerner, and want more of a consistent full field presentation that is generally satisfying (but love what Vandy does).

jackd - I am seriously considering taking advantage of the trial and doing A/B comparisons with the 2CEs. Let me know if you want to unload your Signature models. Are they the II version? Thanks for the  Odyssey Lorelei recommendation.

seanheis 1 - I researched them quite a bit. Would love to hear them, but the street word is they were a but bright in comparison. This may not be accurate, but I have to isolate the contenders. I do love their look (but that is a minor consideration).

For all, I honestly want to replicate the 2CEs with a modern incarnation, but I am curious about the Ohm Walsh's reputation and accolades. My best friend (who got me into HEA) heard a pair and they blew him away like no other speaker he had heard. I'm patient and want the best fit. I appreciate all of the input and guidance. Being a novice, it is very helpful.
shadowcat2016: Great advice, thanks. I agree room treatment is critical. I have been overwhelmed with the prices, options and differing opinions out there though. What source did you use for recommendations? Where did you acquire the treatments? I made a couple of panels a while back out of plywood, pillow foam and fabric. I use them on the walls on either side of the Vandys to great effect. Would love to do more on that front.
audionoobie: Thanks for the input. Speaking of ZZ Top, I red-lighted the Vandys listening to Tres Hombres (Waiting for the Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago) the other night. I had forgotten those idiot-proof warning lights were in the Vandy. Scared the excrement outta me seeing those demon eyes flashing at me. Speaking of Bill Evans, Waltz For Debbie floors me every time I hear it on these Vandys.

To all: As a novice, I want to experience other speaker house-sounds, but don't want to make a step backwards. All of the info received thus far indicates I should stay with the Vandy sound - which I love. Then again, the Ohm's may bring something else to the table that checks off other boxes and I could dig them as well, or better. I'm gonna table the decision for the moment, but may take up that 120-day offer and do some A/B comparisons. Thanks for all of the great advice.
dep14: You have an order on back order? Which ones did you get? If you've heard them, what were your impressions?
shadowcat2016: Thanks for the great DIY advice. I researched making my own a while back, but forgot most of what I read after building my first two. Reading your post was a good reminder. I forgot about the rock wool. Luckily, I have my own music room so aesthetics won't be an issue. Did you do roof panels above/in front of the speakers? I have 15'x18' room with 7' wood plank ceilings, brick walls and wall-to-wall rugs. I have a large two-pane window on the side wall too. I am going to source materials like you did and experiment. How did you build the corner panels? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.