Hi Wberdan; I owned Vand. 3As for 2 years and had them up-graded to 3Asigs (I have Vand. 5s now). The 3As/sigs are excellent speakers. It cost $100-120. to ship them UPS from Oregon to S. Calif., but you can look up estimated cost on the UPS site. I believe they each weigh about 100-110 lbs. packed.
Richard Vandersteen told me that when speakers are shipped UPS to them, a high percentage of the time there is internal damage. The factory repairs them, does the up-grade and return ships them via a commercial freight company who handles them much better.
As to the end caps, I'm sure you would have to pay for new ones if you wanted them. BTW, Vand. also said not to try and change the end caps yourself-- they use special tools to do it.
Vandersteen will use the latest parts when up-grading the speaker. It seems they are constantly making small improvements as they go along, even w/o advertising the changes. So, yes it is a good idea to buy 3s or 3As and then have the upgrade done. Plus you'll have the benefit of better quality return shipping. I agree that it is a good idea of talking to your dealer before doing this, or if not them then call the Vandersteen factory. Good Luck, and Cheers. Craig
Richard Vandersteen told me that when speakers are shipped UPS to them, a high percentage of the time there is internal damage. The factory repairs them, does the up-grade and return ships them via a commercial freight company who handles them much better.
As to the end caps, I'm sure you would have to pay for new ones if you wanted them. BTW, Vand. also said not to try and change the end caps yourself-- they use special tools to do it.
Vandersteen will use the latest parts when up-grading the speaker. It seems they are constantly making small improvements as they go along, even w/o advertising the changes. So, yes it is a good idea to buy 3s or 3As and then have the upgrade done. Plus you'll have the benefit of better quality return shipping. I agree that it is a good idea of talking to your dealer before doing this, or if not them then call the Vandersteen factory. Good Luck, and Cheers. Craig