Why do I see more Vandersteen model 3s vs model 2s for sale?

There is a pair of Vandersteen Treo Ct's here on Audiogon. by TMR. They look in pretty good shape but the walnut veneers have some washed out discolorations on them. I see this as a defect in the veneer and surprised Vandersteen let those out of the factory without considering them as "B" stock. I worked in a furniture factory a long time ago. This type of discoloration is extremely hard to cover with stain, if not outright impossible. Although some people might like the color contrast and think it looks nice. I am not one of those people.IMO.

I will defer to Johnny (audioconnection), as he knows these speakers inside out. True, the 3a sigs will need more power than the 2's, but if powered properly, will give you more bass than the 2's.
I had the 3a sigs with a pair of 2w subs, and it was very good. I now have the Treo's with 2wq subs and have no intention of changing anything for quite a while.
@bstat, Your upgrade path seems sound (pun intended). Adding the subs should flesh out the music, and like I said, they can be used with the Treo's to great effect should you wish to upgrade beyond the 2ce sigs.
@mr_m ,
TMR pics always look washed out, to me. I would contact them to see if they really are bleached out.
B

I agree with Bob. I know for a fact that the veneering that is done at Vandersteen is top notch. I too build furniture for fun with a buddy (I have MS and can't pick up large boards or use power equipment some of the time so he keeps me honest and safe) and have spoken with them a few times about finishes. I personally went an upgraded Audi Havana Black as many know (perfect finish when I used a magnifying glass).  Call first.

As for what to get, that's not easy.  Read and reread Johnny's post. He knows Vandersteen's as well as anyone else's.  

As for a powered speaker, I love them. That's why I went with the Quatro CT.  It's killer when setting up compared to adding subs, but their new Sub 3 will be so easy to set up wiht the built in EQ.  

2's or 3's????  Golden Ear as someone posted?  The Golden Ear will be much brighter than any of the Steen's IMHO.  That's not a bad thing, it's just not quite as tonally accurate, but it's a fun speaker and a good choice.  I personally feel that in the range you are in, The 2's are the best value new...That's new price.  Who knows if you can get a recent model used as very few come up and Vandersteen owners most often listen to their ears and buy them and don't worry about what the latest positive review says about speaker of the month club.  Not a knock on any other speakers, just the publications, lol....

You have to figure out what's important.  IF you can fit the 3's in the room, then it's a no brainer.  There is a reason Richard makes it....IT'S BETTER....I personally feel that it's a lot better.  It's easier to integrate them into a room, that it will be to integrate the subs and a 2 IMHO.

let use know what you are doing.

I have bought 5 or six things from TMR, always matched the description - agree the photos look a bit odd, the fronts show some “ sap wood” andwith the book match look to me interesting. A son of a gunsmith, cabinet maker, log salvor and sometime bandmill operator, I find wild sapwood, figure, spalt, knots, flame, curl, ambrosia beetle tracks interesting, not B grade
i get others may not share that, I think there are some rub marks and flask makes them worse in photo, I serious doubt they lady the factory with rub marks, a carefully read of the TMR ad might be in order....

Flask makes photos better, flash not so much