Vandy 2CE S or Gershman's Cameleon: High-End Spks?

I owned a pair of the Vandersteen 2B speakers in 1983 and enjoyed them immensely for 15 years. It also took a well set up Linn LP-12 to really appreciate them. I own the new Meadowlark Osprey, but I sometimes miss my Vandies. They really grow on you as they do what they are designed to do, make music. I am not familiar with the Gershman's to give a comment. Oh, and yes, Vandersteen speakers are definitely considered "high-end",however they need associated high-end components to sound their best.

Many thanks to those who responded so far. A shrinking budget and listening interest prompted this thread. Misters Klein and Tubegroover seem to have this product down cold. Careful system matching seems to be the key. Unfortunately, I do not have the time or money to play "musical chairs" auditioning amps, pre-amps, CD players and speaker cables. This is not meant as a criticism or put-down of the above advice or the Vandersteen 2CE Sigs. I must for both monetary and time reasons "run" with my current electronics which are: an Aragon amp; a Conrad Johnson pre-amp and Sonographe CD player. They are dated hi-end, but hopefully worthy pieces to make the 2CE S's bloom. Nevertheless, I think both members indicated that these speakers pushed them to the limits of non-satisfaction before they made component changes, and then they came into their own. This is a bit worrisome to me, because I did not enjoy my last speakers in the last years I owned them, and so don't want to wait through a belated honeymoon period for the Vandersteen's. Like the Audio Physic "VirgoII" which I considered buying many times, the Vandersteen's seem finicky and demanding. I realize many great speakers have the same M.O., but I am not sure I am patient enough to see them through the parameters of my set-up and room. Thanks again, Jim

Sunnyjim, I didn't think the Vandersteen 2B's that I had were very demanding. I had a modified Musical Concepts Hafler DH 200( 100w 8 ohms) and there was plenty of headroom for loud listening. If you are sincerely interested in the Vandies, continue searching the threads, including the two other sites, www.audioasylum.com and www.audioreview.com to compare other user's notes to your own, especially those with your same electronics.The Vandersteens lean to the warm side, so I would think any neutral or slightly lean may be the best match with the Vandies. It has been years since I have had my Vandies,2B's, which have gone through many changes since this model, so I am not as reliable a source of info as Mr. Klein and Tubegroover. I too am in a similar situation as you as I live way out in the boonies with little to audition. Most of my system, including the Osprey were bought sight unheard. I'm happy, though. No regrets yet.

Sunnyjim,
If you click on my system link, you'll see that I have similar amplification to yours. I've been extremely happy with my 2ce's and my system as a whole since acquiring them six months ago. In fact, for the first time, I haven't felt the need to experiment with new cables, etc., or to upgrade my source components (well, the urge to upgrade my tt is there, but it's a managable urge). Placement is an issue with the vandys (as it is with almost all speakers), but for me, placement was a rewarding process, not a frustrating one. They sounded pretty darn good no matter where they sat, but experimenting with placement over a couple week period paid off in terms of soundstage and imaging. If budget is a big concern, you might want to consider looking at the CE's v. the Signatures. I've heard both, and the Sig's have a sweeter, more extended high end, but for me, it just wasn't worth the extra 500$ (I was able to pick up my CE's here on a'gon for 600$).

the vandys are classics...a destination speaker...the gershmans sound great but check back in about ten years.