Vandersteen 2CE v NHT 2.5?? or ??

I had the 2.5's and I'm pretty sure I heard the Kappa 7, but it was a long time ago. I feel the 2CE's are in a completely different league. Before you get rid of them, I would make sure you have them set up properly and matched to electronics that can do the speaker justice. Its very easy to change the sound of Vandersteen if there is something you don't like about them. You would also loose the set up features that make the speaker so unique. It would be helpful if you list the rest of your system.

I've owned both the Vandy 2C and NHT 2.5i. Different presentation, the 2C more laid back and refined the NHT is a bit aggressive in the upper mids, somewhat shouty and a more hi-fi, "you are listening to a speaker" presentation. The Kappa 7's are very nice if you are looking at a pair in good condition. Keep in mind that they require a high current SS amplifier to come alive. Also how old, they may need some work but have a lot of potential. I always liked the Kappa 7 and 9s.

I agree with Zd542, maybe you haven't realized the potential of the 2CEs. As is often the case, user's will give up and blame one thing or another without really understanding the underlying cause. This may not be your case but if it rings true you might want to talk to a dealer intimately familiar with the 2CE, John Rutan of Audio Connection perhaps?

"This may not be your case but if it rings true you might want to talk to a dealer intimately familiar with the 2CE, John Rutan of Audio Connection perhaps?"

Very good idea. John is the best Vandersteen person I know of. I bought my 2's from him. One thing I forgot to mention is that you may be able to upgrade your 2's to Signature 1's.

I've owned nht and vandersteen, although at different price points. Overall, the wattage efficiencies of the speakers are similar. In my experience, the vandersteens sound more open while the nhts gave a much tighter presentation. I didn't really think one was better than the other. The Vandersteens were better at jazz and softer material, while the nhts did a bit better on rock. Both fine products.