Vandersteens, PSB or something else?


I’m looking to upgrade my speakers and would appreciate some input. My system includes ayre amp, aesthetix calypso preamp, and vandy 2c sig IIs. The room is relatively large at 23’ wide (speakers on this side) by 27’. I would like speakers that are good at both music and home theatre. I plan to run HT pass through and 5.1 overall. For music, I listen to a lot of classic rock, blues and jazz. Not too much classical. I do enjoy live Dead and Allman Brothers. I’d like the speakers to image well and present a nice soundstage but also really draw me in emotionally to the music. For home theater, I’d like to be able to include a center channel and get a decent theater experience. The vandies, really no complaints, they have served me very well. But I have budget to take the next step and was thinking maybe the Treos. But once I make this next step, I would not be making any moves for a while, so wanted to explore other alternatives as well. The PSB Imagine T3’s seem to have been reviewed well and may be worth a test. My budget would allow for these, and I guess I could possibly go up to the quatro for the right deal. Any other ideas that, given my musical preference, room, budget could be worth a shot? I have to admit, sometimes I do wonder if the live recordings that I’m listening too would really benefit from a big upgrade to the speakers.

sb_caribou
I would agree with several others here that if you enjoyed the sound and staging of the model 2 Sigs. that you stay with Vandersteens.  Either Quatros or Treos plus stereo subs. (2wq).  Either way you should be a happy camper!

Nothing against Maggies but they may not be the ideal choice for the music you prefer.





Sounds like you have the itch to try some new transducers . I say go for it . You could always go back to Vandersteen in the future . Get off the forums ,and get out to where the speakers are to hear .
I agree with many here. The Quatro Ct and the 3.7 are my two top personal favs. But the 3.7 will sound the best with high quality powerful amps. The CTs are just awesome and would not need all that extra power. If you can find a dealer to audition both, I would do that before I dropped the cash.

sb, I also have the Vandy 2CE Sig 2 that I use for both home theater and audiophile stereo listening. They sound great as they are being driven by a pair of Mcintosh monoblock 600 watts each. If you ask me, I think These speakers are under rated. I'm getting good bass, clarity and, good soundstage, although my room is not as big as yours but it sure is sound great. I wish you could come over and listen to my set up.
I have the 2ce Sig II as well. I run a Parasound A21, but I bet the mono McIntosh amps make them sound even better. I don’t think they can sound nearly as good as the Quatro CT or 3.7s. The bass alone with both speakers will go lower and cleaner.