To set forth my biases at the beginning, I think Vandersteen speakers are one of the truly great buys in high-end audio. My first set of Vandies were Vandy 1B's, followed by the 2Ci's, and I now own the 3A Signatures. All of the Vandersteen speakers feature excellent design and build quality, fine internal components, and great musicality. Richard Vandersteen started building his speakers in the mid-1970's while he was still making a living as a truck driver, and he has not lost his focus on providing high quality for reasonable price. His company also provides stellar service. All that said, what should you buy? You did not state if your budget (and choices) were based on buying new or used gear. If you were planning to spend in the $1500 range, but are willing to consider used gear, then you can not only consider the Vandersteen 2Ce's, but also the Vandy 3A's. For example, there is currently a set of Vandy 3A's on sale on Audiogon for $1800. The 3A's are a major improvement over the 2Ce's, although they clearly are from the same "family". You could also consider some of the lower-priced Martin-Logan speakers. If you decided to stretch a bit and buy the Vandy 3A's, you will definitely NOT need a subwoofer in your apartment. The downside to the 3A's is size - they are about 4" taller than the 2Ce's, although the width and depth are identical. The main think the 3A's offer over the 2Ce's is better tonal integration from top to bottom, cleaner bass, and a more transparent mid-range. If you are willing to buy used gear, and can afford to spend $1800-1900, then I strongly urge you to consider the 3A's. If not, then you will still be very pleased with the 2Ce's.
Vandersteen 2ce vs. Meadowlark Kestrel
I have narrowed down my speaker choices to these two model as a start in quality speakers. I want a speaker with the 1st order crossover and time coherent design. I live in an apartement right now so which speaker would be a better choice with the following factors considered: 1) can be incorporated into a smaller room apartment sized (difficult setup is a big factor) 2) biggest soundstage, dynamics, imaging and the ability to dissapperar behind the sound 3) which one will be better suited to build a future home theater around (important for my decision!) 4) running with solid state amps 5) will be adding a sub either vandersteen or rel 6) listen to most current music and movie soundtracks (jimmy buffet to van halen suit my taste) Compare the two and opinions if there happens to be another speaker brand that might be ok. The only other model I have thought about even though it is not of the same design is the PSB stratus bronze Thanks, Dillon