Your impressions of Vandy's
imaging isn’t great and have dampened bass,Is something I disagree with, and one I think most Vandy owners would, too.
With proper setup, their imaging is great.
As for bass, Yes, a 1ci vs a 3a sig won't go as low, but you can incorporate the Vandy subs and get as low as you can go, at a great price ( I know, as I am selling mine in order to get the new Sub 3's). One of the benefits is that the crossover relieves the amp from the power draining low frequencies, so you can use a less powered amp and still get great bass.
@terrancej,
How large is your room?
B