Want something more forgiving than Vandy 3a sigs


I think Mike Fremer's comment about the Vandersteen Quatros, in his Stereophile review, applies to the Vandersteen 3a sigs: "...treble performance may strike some as being too honest...". I'm one of those "some." We all know that a lot of source material out there suffers from some degree of treble emphasis. I listen to a wide range of classical and jazz recordings, and, even after a fair degree of experimentation with cables, pre-amps, and amps, I've been unable to come up with a combination that is sufficiently "forgiving" to allow me to listen, easily and comfortably, to as much of the source material that I want to hear on my Vandys. In particular, I'm often disappointed with orchestral string sound...and indeed, have figured out, with this experience, that massed strings are quite difficult to record well. My system starts with a Linn CD12. I've tried PSE, GNSC-modified ARC LS-15, Cary SLP2002, and am working with a Cary SLP98 now on the pre-amp side; and have tried a VTL ST150, a BEL1001, and an ARC VT100 MKIII on the amp side. I've used various Audioquest, Kimber, BEL, and Purist Audio cable, and am happiest with Cardas Cross and Golden Cross (to which I was led by things I read on this Forum). All of that is good gear, some of it more top-focused than others. None of it has been able to give me as consistently as warm and "lush" a listening experience as I think I ought to be able to find, and this is especially true with orchestral music. Probably not surprisingly, the Cary 2002 combined with the ARC VT-100 has leaned closest to the right direction. (Let me hasten to add, though, that a really well-recorded chamber music or jazz CD will often sound terrific with most of this equipment and the Vandys.) (I should also add that I came to the 3a sigs from the 2ce sigs, which I also felt were capable of being a bit unforgiving, frankly.)

Within Texas, where I live (and where I would prefer to buy), I've figured out that some options include Sonus Faber Cremonas, Audio Physic Scorpios, Wilson Benesh Circles (I think) and not much else (of which I am aware)that will fit into the room without creating domestic discomfort. (My wife thinks the Vandy's are too big as it is.)

Any ideas out there about the speakers mentioned, other speakers, or possibly electronics?
eweedhome

Showing 1 response by davemitchell

I agree that there isn't a lot of hope when you find a Vandersteen 3A Sig too aggressive. But here are some thoughts:

-You may be listening to some recordings that are never going to sound the way you want them to on any system, so trying to make your system "fix" those is not a good idea. Bad recordings can't be fixed, and skewing your system in an attempt to make them more palatable will ruin all other good recordings.

-Try tilting the Vandersteens further back than recommended in the manual. This will make them even more forgiving.

-Install some (four or more) Echobusters or similar large panels 2'x4' fiberglass insulation panels in your room to change the tonal balance and stop strong reflections from sidewalls. Be sure to cover any hard surfaces behind or between the speakers anywhere near your eye/ear level.

-Add a 2Wq subwoofer (or pair) with the correct value high pass filter. This will make the system sound more effortless, more open and relaxed.

I’m a dealer for Vandersteen, Linn, Audio Research, ProAc and Audioquest.