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Martin Logan Aerius i or Vandersteen 2Ce ???

Thinking about adding a set of speakers to a spare room...not large, maybe 20 ft square by 8 high...like mostly low volumes...like to hear Barbra Streisand inhale when singing Pretty Women (ok, some can't stand her singing but...) so what I like is detail...not sure I'll miss the bass the ML is lacking, as I wouldn't buy a sub for them...have heard Vandy 2's and 3's and they sound good, transparent, clear, invisible, good imaging and so on, for the $. Been reading for the last 3 days and I'm about out of reading material comparing the 2. I'm a little worried about the placement of the ML's 2-3 ft from the walls ?

Any comments or suggestions ?
TIA
mikey44
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
Mikey44,

As a Vandy 3A Signature owner, who has heard MLs, I hear a "plasticy" coloration with the MLs. It may just be me, but Vandies just sound more like real, live instruments. Be sure you've listened to the MLs for an extended period of time before you decide.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
What amp do you use? You need big amp to drive ML.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
You need to keep the Vandy's away from the walls too.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,933 posts
 
I was a dealer for both Martin Logan and Vandersteen for a pretty long time. I still own Martin Logan CLSIIA's. IMHO, the ML's are one of the best speakers for female voices. Far from "plasticy"...
gbryant's avatar
gbryant
83 posts
 
I've owned 2c, 2ce, 2ce sig,3c, ML Aerius, SL3 & Ascent... and several others. Right now Sonus Fabers.

Now... I listen mainly to vocals, some rock & jazz. I love the female voice... along with a few other things... ;)

I would most definately go with the Vandersteens, both brands set up properly... the Vandy's every time.
If you can swing the cost for the Signature series,,,, go for it! And use Kimber 8TC speaker cables. My favorite amp for these was the Counterpoint SA 12, but an old CJ tube amp would be good too.

Enjoy.
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