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Original Vandersteen Model 3

I have a chance to acquire an old Vandy 3 pair for $400-500.  I haven't had a chance to listen to them yet.  I have a set of Maggie 1.7 with nice electronics, just looking to add a little spice to my life with a box speaker.  Looking for opinions on these speakers as compared to applying the same $400-500 to something else in the used market - floor stander or monitor.   Would it be worth my time to follow up on these?  Thanks
abnerjack
wlutke
709 posts
 

I owned the Vandersteen 3A's for years and they were sweet, warm and musical but with sluggish bass, no matter the amp, of which I tried quite a few.  I upgraded them to 3A Sig status (which only the original owner can do) and they're way better.  Actually decent with the additional bracing in the cabinet, upgraded crossover and new mid/tweet drivers.  I would not, could not own the 3A again.  The 3A was reviewed as a major improvement over the 3.  I've seen a few 3A's advertised for $800.  $500 for a 3 is probably fair market but no big deal.  
czarivey
5,680 posts
 
I also did not like vandy's because they're slow. They're great for orchestral music, but for small bands, rock and electronic instrumental music they don't do the trick.
The best Vandy combo you can get is by purchasing 2x 2WQ subs with 1C smallest floor speakers. 2WQ bass is substantially faster than in any integrated speaker they've ever built.

sonofagun231
4 posts
 
I had a pair at one time and found them to be quite good with excellent imaging.
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
I think Vandersteen offers upgrades for the 3's, but it isn't cheap.
For the price, I don't think you will be disappointed, but if you think you will be looking for 'the best', I would suggest either waiting for the 3a sigs or better yet, a pair of Treo's or Quatro's.
True, they are more expensive, but I though I was never going to have 'upgraditis', and ended up selling my 3a sigs and getting Treo's. I should have listened to Mr V. and just gotten a pair of Quatro's and been done with it.
Incorporating a sub (or a pair) is one of the best upgrades for the 1,2, or 3's.
Bob
mgreen27
147 posts
 

"I also did not like vandy's because they're slow."

Mine aren't slow. If you screw up enough on the setup, you can make them sound slow. You can also make them sound fast.

"The best Vandy combo you can get is by purchasing 2x 2WQ subs with 1C smallest floor speakers. 2WQ bass is substantially faster than in any integrated speaker they've ever built."

In all seriousness, aside from the speed issue, that is a great setup. I differ a bit. I have the Model 1, 2  & 3's and think the 2's are a better value. It can do more.

Going back to the speed issue, I'm just guessing, but I think the reason you thought the 1's are faster is because they're very easy to drive. Also, speed isn't a quality that's only determined by the speakers. Every component in the system effects speed.

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