Want to replace Vandersteen 1C's with better spk


I own a a pair of Vandersteen 1C's. They are nice speakers for the money, but after almost a year of listening, I recognize their limitations. (I am no novice to high end speakers and have heard about 85% of the notable speakers out there) Nevertheless, I want to replace them but don't want to spend more than $2000 new, possibly $1600. I have a chance to buy a pair of Thiel's 2.3 which I have heard in the past and liked. I know you need a high current amp for them to even begin to reach their potential. I have an Aragon 4004MK II which should fit the bill. Though, my main problem may be the size of my living room which is 12X13; though that is only temporary. I have been told that the Thiel's need a large space because of their crossover configuration which requires a farther distance from the listener to the speakers. I would be about 6-7 feet away from the cneter line. So, would appreciate some advice. I have heard Gallo Reference 3's (new) and was impressed by them though they need a lot of power and are somewhat restricted in dynamic range. Unfortunately, they also are too expensive.I have also heard Totem's "Hawk".... I have been recommended the Dali IKon 6's and and Triangle Antal ESw. which are both in my price range. I wonder if the Thiel 2.3 though an older design would outmatch these other speakers and some other higher priced speakers. All opinions welcomed!! Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim
or here you go upgrade to 2ce sig
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1150130609
This will also help and get a 2w. I had this set up it was 85% of what my 5a are now.
Try to listen to a pair of Von Schweikert VR2s. Used, they are in your peice range. I like them a lot better than my Vandy 2CEs. Much better highs, mids and bass, more detailed and more dynamic.
I agree with every syllable in Narrod's post. Thiel, Vandersteen and VS are all just decent. Nothing special there at all. If you want to move beyond the limitations you mentioned, a used pair of Zu Druids are the ticket. Problem is they are seldom available on the used market because you have to spend 3 or 4 times their purchase price to buy anything better. Look into it.
I've owned the Vandersteen 1Cs and the Theil 2.3s in the past and now use the Source speakers. In my opinion the Source 8.1 is a big improvement over the 1Cs and the 2.3s.

http://www.sourcespeaker.com/
Thank you to all who responed; I did consider upgrading to the 2ce sigs. Is there a difference between the standard 2ce and the signatures??.... As far as the Virgo II's that might be the ticket considering that I have actually wanted to purchase them for the last four years. I always thought they were too expensive, even used. I know they are now designated a "classic", but I wonder if they might be somewhat "over the hill" In addition, any used V-2's are going to be at least 4 years old and electronic and physical condition is always a concern.... The Druids were a recent consideration, especially since you can buy them from the factory used if they have a returned pair. Unfortunately, I was informed by a member who owned and then sold them that he thought they were overrated. In addition, I never liked speaker companies that don't provide easy access to their products by demonstrating them in a store. Having them shipped in with the possiblity of returning them is a pain in the butt.... Finally, when I originally auditioned the IC's, I was told (and also misinformed) by the salesman that the 2ce's used the same tweeter which cooled down my interest in them. I later found out the tweeter is different. One of my major criticism of the IC's is the highs are somewhat limited and can sound edgy and even ragged. I originally was driving them with a Musical Fidelity X-150, then switched back to my main electronics of Aragon and Conrad Johnson, that provided some improvememt, but not enough to make me want to keep them permanently.... Again, thanks to all!! Jim