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Trying to extract more from my Vandersteen

I've come to the realization that my ideal system is always 2 steps ahead of whatever my current system is. I am only satisfied with whatever updgrade for a few months, before I convince myself that I need to upgrade again. This is as exciting as it is unsettling.

My current system is as follows:
Vandersteen 2CE sig
McCormack DNA-1 deluxe
TAD-150 sig tube preamp
Eastern Electric Minimax tube CDP
Blue circle Power cords
MIT IC's and speaker cables

I had spent the past two years building this current system, and I had been fairly happy with it. I thank this system for introducing me to the world of jazz. Switching to tubes really helped my Vandersteens "sing". I had entertained the thought of replacing the McCormack with a tube amp, such as TAD-60 or other equivalent, but I never did. I was happy with my system and figured it would remain intact for awhile.

Then something had to rain on my happiness or complaceny. Due to a busy work schedule, I was forced to do most of my music listening either in my office through my old NHT and all rotel setup or at home through my Sennheiser headphones. After a couple months of this, I finally had time to do some listening through my main system. It had never been apparent to me before, but all the music coming out of the Vandersteens sounded "veiled". Before, I purchased my vandies, I read and heard all the criticisms regarding this "veiled" or "shrouded" sound. I never felt this was true about my vandersteen's until now.

So instead of making generalizations, I figure this is a good opportunity to "improve" my system. I am still more than happy with the soundstage, midrange clarity, and bass dynamics. Perhaps what I want to improve is higher frequency extension.

All this being said, I welcome all recommendations and comments that need not be limited to the following topics:

tube-rolling...

Pre-amp...
Any recommendations on pre-amps (tube or SS)?
How about a passive unit (Sonic Euphoria, Placette, Mccormack TLC)?

cables...
anyone recommend Purist?

Amp...
Any good integrated's out there?
What do you think about the Eastern Electric Integrated?
How about Krell KAV 400xi? For that matter, how does Krell match with Vandersteens?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your comments.

Drew
drewyou
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Drew,

It had never been apparent to me before, but all the music coming out of the Vandersteen sounded "veiled." Before, I purchased my vandies, I read and heard all the criticisms regarding this "veiled" or "shrouded" sound. I never felt this was true about my Vandersteen’s until now.

You may have pointed out the source of the problem with your own words. I love the Vandy but perhaps you've evolved to the point a more transparent speaker is in your future.

Unfortunately most speakers that beat the Vandy cost a lot more. The Vandy is one of the great values in today's high end market.

Changing to Purist cables is not going to solve this problem. I love Purist cables but their job is not to change the sound from dark to bright (or the other way around). I would save my money for another speaker if you've decided to rebalance your system.
nutella
223 posts
 
It's funny how I read your post and came to the same conclusion as Albert before I finished reading your question. I think your money is best spent on speakers. Having heard the Vandy's last week, I am confident in mine and Albert's suggestions.
ellery911
549 posts
 
My Dad has the 2ce sigs also. I hooked up a Bryston B-60 which delivers nice highs on my B&W CDM1nt's and although it sounded good...it still is as you say..."veiled".

Interestingly enough...I recently swapped out the Bryston for my Dad's old Fisher 400 receiver and was really quite impressed to the bass & midrange improvement, but the highs were still not there.

I love Vandersteens. I also had the 1b's for many years. I think that for the money that they are hard to beat and an excellent introductory speaker into high end audio. i have not heard the 3's 4's or 5's of any iteration so I'm not sure how they would sound but from my experience with the 1 and 2's I think that they are nice...although I agree with Albert & Nutella.

just my 2c fwiw

Ellery
unsound
7,311 posts
 
May I offer replacing the MIT speaker cables with a couple of pairs of Alpha-Core MI 2's. You might want to consider replacing the inteconnects too. I don't have a suggestion for those though. Alpha-Core offers a generous 30 day trial period.
newbee
4,751 posts
 
Well, here is another vote for speakers. Your present electronics will support a fairly good system. However, choose carefully or you may end up in the group of audiophiles who go out and buy the 'best' and spend the rest of their audiophile life trying to find matching components. Good luck........
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