Calling all Vandersteen Fans

Helomech-
Sorry to hear about your experience with these speakers. I know you have had bad luck now...twice! But hey that’s ok, just keep looking. Perhaps the Sterlings will work out to be the perfect match, they look to be very fine speakers. I often think, speaker choice is a very subjective journey. The key is to find what you like, not what others like. Good luck, happy listening.

Vandersteens are fussy about tilt.  Not good for those with OCD. 

I use a Huepar Box 1-R laser level for this. 

But if you made some effort to follow the instructions, and it didn't work for you, I would move on.

Helomech-
Sorry to hear about your experience with these speakers. I know you have had bad luck now...twice! But hey that’s ok, just keep looking. Perhaps the Sterlings will work out to be the perfect match, they look to be very fine speakers. I often think, speaker choice is a very subjective journey. The key is to find what you like, not what others like. Good luck, happy listening.

 Thanks @2psyop 

Yes, extremely subjective - something I realize more and more the longer I'm an audiophile.

Johnny at Audio Connection graciously offered to guide the setup of the 2CEs but unfortunately, I didn't see his message until they were already on the freight truck.

And as for luck, yeah, when it rains, it pours. Because I wanted to keep my business with that dealer, in exchange for the Vandys, I agreed to buy some "open-box" Stirling SB-88s. I've heard these speakers in the past so I knew they were a safe bet, sonically. But apparently it's just not my season for speaker purchases. I unboxed them only to find they have many nicks and scratches in the veneer, a dent in one corner and a dust cap that's disbonding from one of the drivers. I really wish they had disclosed the condition prior to the sale. They should've been listed as "scratch and dent," as are some items in their inventory. I would've rather paid almost full retail for a brand-new condition pair.   

Maybe this is just the universe telling me to be content with what I have. 

Why sweat it just fix it
The only mistake you are making now is to not having the truck turnaround. Re-route is easy
Likely not broken in yet. Bases filled? Ask Questions?
How far out into the room? Bi-wired w solid core
Tilt back? Wider spacing
I’ll bet we can make em work amazingly well. Best JohnnyR

Why sweat it just fix it
The only mistake you are making now is to not having the truck turnaround. Re-route is easy
Likely not broken in yet. Bases filled? Ask Questions?
How far out into the room? Bi-wired w solid core
Tilt back? Wider spacing
I’ll bet we can make em work amazingly well. Best JohnnyR

Bases were filled with a mixture of lead shot and kitty litter. They were placed approximately 45" into the room (at acoustic center) based on the manual’s recommendations, but I tried a few inches fore and aft of that as well. I also tried many rake configurations in addition to the graph’s recommendation of 1/2." They were equidistant to the forward wall within 1mm of each other. Distance to the side walls was over 3’ for each speaker, though not equal distances as was advised by the manual. They were bi-wired with AQ Type 4 cable.

I could possibly have the truck turn around, but based on what I’ve already tried, I’m not confident enough that I could achieve what I’m seeking to risk another $280 hit in shipping charges if I can’t make em work. What really makes me question their compatibility is that I couldn’t get the midrange to come forward regardless of what I tried. Even when I boosted the mids by a couple decibels, the midrange remained very recessed in the mix. The midrange of my 2-way Advents was so much more clear and delineable that I was shaking my head in confoundment. It’s ok though, this whole venture has at least quenched my curiosity. If anything, it’s helped me realize how content I should be with my old setup. At least I know the 1Cis work well in my system so maybe I’ll pick up a pair of those again someday.