Vandersteen 2CE v NHT 2.5?? or ??

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.

Thanks I wish i could get them together
Setup is not the problem I worked in the biz and know how to set things up. I have had Vandersteens before. Vandersteens are a love or respect but not for me deal. There are entire threads on here about that. They are not for everyone by any means. I have read every review I can find on the 2CE and 2CE sig and in some the general message is these are really good but not my cup of tea. I think ST in Stereophile comes right out and says that in about the 2CI. A great speaker but not for everyone. I do not think it is a matter of better as much as different and that is what I am tring to get a general idea of.

The comments about the NHT being a little HiFI make some sense to me just from what I know.

What if we throw Von Schweikert VR2s into the mix How do you feel about that?

Geph0007, I agree with you, Vandersteens are great speakers, but not my "cup of tea" as well. It might be helpful if you would state what difference in the sound you are looking for and the type music you listen to the most.