Vandersteen 2ce Signature and Signature 2?

I had an early (2008) pair of Sig IIs. IIRC, the serial number ended in “II”. That was the only external indication. Later versions have a rear plate with more conspicuous graphics. At least some of them say “30th anniversary”.

If they have 30th anniversary they MUST be Sig IIs.

@harley

audioconnection is referring to original Sig IIs compared to current production. Both are “Sig IIs”. Note that the first run of Sig IIs did not even have the 30th plate.

The original question was

Any way to tell the 2ce Signature to the 2ce Signature2?

The 2Ce Signature is distinguished from the original 2 Ce by the inclusion of RV's autograph on the backplate. An easy way to distinguish the 2Ce Signature II from 2Ce Signature is if the backplate also says "30th Anniversary". *But* early Sig II's had the 2Ce Signature plate with "II" added to the serial number. [of course, there are many substantial internal changes, also]

I know because my pair, purchased January 2008, was the latter case. Circa 2012, RV upgraded to the midrange driver to the "woven" diaphragm that audioconnection referenced. This is an improved, but un-named, version, ie, still "2Ce Signature II". RV (and many other manufacturers such as Ayre) often includes running improvements in his models but only changes the name when he feels they're significant.

If you want the very best performance you need to buy current production. But $1000 for the first iteration of the Sig II will sound really good and is a good deal.

Despite being 'long in the tooth', Vandy's have always outperformed the competitors both in sound and price.

Indeed. The Vandy 2 is an easy recommendation at its price point, even double its price point. As for "long in the tooth", that overlooks that it is a well-established classic that is also frequently upgraded despite a stable model designation.

No carbon drivers in the 2! Altho’ a previous iteration of the 5 midrange in now in the 2.

Yes, audioconnection wrote “carbon” but I’m 100% certain RV is not able to put a carbon driver in a $2700 2Ce. I know he wants to make that technological more affordable but I haven’t heard even a rumor that the carbon drivers will make it into the 2 and 3, especially the midrange. From what I’ve read about the manufacturing costs, even a Treo with carbon midrange would probably retail north of $15K.

I use the MXR's with the Treo's.

I remember speaking to Michael at Ayre (customer service at the time) and discovered he used Ayre's top amp with Vandersteen 3A Sigs (I think it was the MX-R but maybe V-1?).
RV used MX-Rs with his 7s until he came out with his own amp.

pistonic drivers down in cost so more Vandersteen models can incorporate them

Would be fantastic if he can get a pistonic midrange into a sub $5K price point!