I had the 2ce and had the same issues added the sub that took care of the bass. I also would up using quicksilver v4 plenty of power and changing the tubes with kt90 that brought a much crisper sound. Also would up changing the tubes in my cary 300 cd for the same reason, the stock tubes were junk. You may want to look into what you can do tube wise. My dealer is Audioconnection in verona NJ you may want to give John a ring he is quite knoldgeable on the Vandersteens and tubes that pair nice with them, may be a cheap way out verses starting with all new amps. That is the advantage with tubes you can play with the sound. Also what wires are you running?
vandersteen 2ce signatures
i own a pair and i am using cary cd, preamp, amp. and love the mids and highs since i listen to jazz, both traditional and fusion. they remind me of the old quads in that they don't add anything, although i believe they are a bit dry...but rather have that than extra with certain freq. hot, so in saying that...i was dissapointed because with the tubes i wasn't getting the bottom end strength that i know is needed. so i added a sub q and i like it because it does give more of the power amp to the mids and highs, but i was thinking about changing to a real good solid state amp..say bryston,etc. but scared i will loose the liquid mids and highs from the tubed amp...any suggestions? thanks