I would also go with the Vandys. I have had a pair since 2000, along with the Vandy center, and since then added a second pair for surround use. I also picked up a pair of 2Wq subs which blend seemlessly with the 1Cs. My only caution is the upgrade path outlined by Pubul57. Although my room is large, the area available to place the speakers is small. The 2CeSig MkIIs are considerably larger than the 1Cs. Vandys need to be placed out into the room for best results, so your room might be a little small for this upgrade path. The only way I could upgrade in the Vandy line is to move to the Quatro, which has a slim profile, but I can't afford them, even used. So, I am forced to look at other brands. Compact floorstanders I would also consider in this price range would be Silverline Audio Prelude ($1200/pr), used Totem Arrows or Ohm MicroWalsh Tall ($1000/pr). Don't get me wrong, I like the Vandy 1Cs a lot, but they are not my last speakers-for-life. The 2Wqs, however, are going nowhere - they are incredible.