Vandersteen 2CE v NHT 2.5?? or ??

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.

I have my friends VR2s here as he moved to 33s. I had tried a pair back in 2009 and I swear I prefered(refinement aside) my old Polk Monitor 10s.
I like the tonal color of the VR2s as it reminds me of most other speakers The Vandersteens tend to be a little darker but when one goes from the VRs to the 2Ces the stage really opens up in height and things seperate. I just listened to part of a rock concert from Palladia. It just sounded more open and real on the Vandersteens then the VS VR2s. However itwas but alittle more wooly on the 2CEs.

The Kappa 7.1 may be the one to try and compare. I am going by what is in my area and they are all close in price

As for the sound I am looking for?? I still enjoy my Monior 10s from 1980 flaws and all. They just sound like music and you get into it. Very open midrange and 3D sound. Bass is strong and goes very low but a little sloppy. Overall not as refined as the others in this group but there is a reason hy alot of folks really love them.

Had Infinty CS 3009s briefly Very cool but bass was to much. I would thnk the kappa 7.1 would be tighter and better.

I'm firmly convinced many spend thousands on this and thousands on that when what they really need is a bigger amp.

Given the choices above, I'd choose the Vandy's, but they're not for everyone. What do you like about the Vandys, and what would you like to improve upon with them?
Shubert brings up a valid point!