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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
bondmanp
1,784 posts
 
I added a pair of 2Wq's to my 1Cs. Major improvement in dynamics and smoothness, especially at high volumes. They are amazing subs that are audibly invisible until called upon. Then they hit you in the gut with clean, tuneful bass that is not boomy at all. All this with the temporary x-overs. In-line filters now on order.
drewyou OP
24 posts
 
Cityside,
I added a single 2Wq to my system, and it definitely enchanced the mids and highs, while providing bass I had never heard before in my system. I am thinking of adding another to my system.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Congrats! Drewyou... adding a second sub also fixes bass nodes in your room and will require way less bass traps. Stereo Subs are the way to go!
programmergeek
322 posts
 
When I had the 2ce sig the sub was a huge improvnment! NOt only did it really tighen up the bass it helped with the ighs since my amp had to supply less power. I highly recomend it. if you can't afford qutros.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I have 3A sigs and one sub was "OK" but two are so much better, the speakers open up in this configuration, it was as if they were holding their breath then exhaled and took a relaxed breath and started breathing normally! If you can afford the second sub get it the improvement is well worth the price!
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