Vandersteen Treo vs 3A Sig as upgrade

Dallas....and I will listening to the "R" version.  I had a pair of Proac Response 1sc for an extended loan about 15 years ago.  I loved the sound of those little stand mounts. I have been interested in auditioning the larger Proacs ever since.  I haven't heard the Treo in a number of years..and it was not the CT version.  I don't think the dealer in Dallas has a pair of Quatros to demo at this time.

I heard those 30R's that you will be auditioning, lol.  I actually bought the Linn Kiko system he had as he wanted to get rid of it and I wanted something for the bedroom.  It's worked ok.

I personally think the Vandersteens are much more detailed, dynamic, realistic etc...  I don't love the Proac bass.  I never did and I have owned three pair for over 20 years. I recently sold all of them.  I still like the Proac's and there is a reason so many Vandersteen dealers carry ProAc also.  Their ribbon is the sweetest Iv'e heard honestly. I like it better than so many of the esoteric 30k plus ribbons.  That's just me, but the CT Vandersteen's magic mids win out.  The presentation is about 20 rows back and not upfront.  I personally like that as it allows the music to mature and I like air around the notes, just like it is at Carnegy Hall or the local Infinity venue we like to go to.  It will be interesting to hear what your thoughts are. 

Last year they had a pair of Zebrawood Quatro's that were gorgeous.  I am still thinking I may go with that veneer when I order mine.  Either that or I may have them upgrade to heavy metal flake dark Crimson.  I think I'd love that look in my room and I'm not selling for a long time so I don't care if folks don't want to buy that look, lol.  The Treo CT's are special speakers.  If you loved the Proac's like I have/do, I think you are in for a treat, unless the guy showing them likes the Proac's better.  I always always keep in mind that the dealers make more on selling Proac's so they often try to steer us that way ;)....Things to always keep in mind when purchasing, lol....you obviously know what you are doing randy.  I've followed your posts, so it will be neat to hear about your auditioning....I forget the guy I worked with there, but I went to OU and have sent them a lot of business over the years.  he was a younger guy I think.   I'd  tell you to say hi for me, lol.

I really wanted to like the Treo, I really did. I even went to the extent of taking a couple of my friends to listen to them at a Vandersteen dealership and they both had the same opinion, "Your 3A Signatures sound better." Although the Treo does seem to have a more focused midrange, it's simply not enough to over come the lack of low end that the 3A Signatures possess...(the lack of low end could be an advantage if you lived in an apartment)...If only Vandersteen would come out with a 3A Signature CT, I think they'd have a damn near perfect speaker.

@gregorycarlson  I'm curious...How long have you had your 3A Sigs. and did you buy them new?

Guys, the bass on the Treo is nearly as low as the 3a sig's, but tighter.  I hear folks make the statement that the 3 bass is better, but it just isn't, especially if things are set up correctly.  Richard is the first to tell you this.  I play everything and I think I've got some very high end gear that is revealing as heck and the Treo bass is much better.  Does it go quite as deep? No, but honestly, very little music has that much information down that low where the difference would be.  What you are listening to is the bass that you are used to and like, which is fine.  The Treo is just a faster speaker and much better overall. If it wasn't, they wouldn't sell it i promise you.  

that takes nothing away from you guys who love your speakers. You should, lol.