Spendor S8e or Vandersteen 3A-Sig or ?

I would get used S 100s, available for under 3k. New ones, which look to use the same drivers, are approaching 10k. I use them myself.

a coin flip unless you own a cat.

I listened to both and wound up buying the S8es. I'd have to concur with Mlsstl above. The Vandersteens made nice sounds - especially with tubes, but the Spendors were a much tighter more focused sound. They image wonderfully, although they do have a relatively small sweet spot. They also become noticibly more transparent with the grills off. I've had mine for a little over four years now and I'm still very happy with them.

I listened to the S8e's against the Harbeth SHL-5 at a dealer and found the Harbeth a much more enjoyable speaker, and with more bass. Electronics were Quad. In that setting I found the Spendor's boring compared to the Harbeth. After bringing home the Harbeth's, I still own my Tyler Linbrooks, however, and have since sold the others.
I have not heard the Vandersteen, only the Quatro at a dealer. It was nice, but based on what I heard in a short audition it did not move me enough to consider further listening or switching. I would have called it a more refined and scientific sound than the others. Not enough time to really give a good analysis though.

Wow, thanks for all the fine input! Why did I think this would be easier? Every ones opinion, regardless of whether they prefer the Vandys or the Spendors, seems well founded.

Jimmy, your comments were particularly interesting due to my own feelings pertaining to my Vandy 2Ce's. I really, really appreciate the detail and accuracy, but they can seem too clinical, or uninvolving. Does that make sense?

I thought about getting some Vandy subs to supplement the low end and free up the mid-range in the 2Ce's, but that's a large, and further commitment toward the Vandy camp.

Incidentally, my room is not ideal. One (right speaker)end of the room is open to the dining room and kitchen and the ceilings are cathedral... but that's a whole other conundrum.