suggestions for small speaker. floorstander of bookshelf.

(((i modded a pair of vandersteen 2c and i believe them to be too big for my 14’ x 16’ room. looking to downsize.)))

Save your money.
Even though your speakers are 30 years old they are still ahead of smaller less cohesive box designs and other
well intended comments.
Even in a 9 x 12 room this works for you as its a sealed non ported design.
All you need to do is
(((insert the Vandersteen X2 assessment unit at your amp and start with the lowest dip switch settings.
Listen and work up on settings till desired bass is perfect for that room.
I promise you it will be a holy Cow moment!
Most likely un modding after will make the music even better.
Best JohnnyR Vandy dealer
PS if this is Greek to you call Audio connection Verona NJ

i am running the speakers with audio note kit el34 mono amps and an audionote kits L2 pre with many upgrades. actually i have even tried using just my wadia 121 dac. i am using silver cables as well and i think them to be bright. i am using a musical fidelity m1 transport.

it is not the bass i feel is an issue. it is more the mid and tweet. i turn them all the way down. will this x2 you speak of also help there? i don't really know if it's the speaker or the fact i am probably just 10' - 12' away when listening to them.

Sounds like a room/environmental issue...perhaps you need something absorbent in your listening area.

Send me a few pics of your set up to
audioconnect@comcast.net
please measure room exactly
my 14’ x 16’ room.?
are speakers on the 14 or 16 wall
Measure from exact center of speaker as follows
how far out from the wall behind speakers
how far out from side walls
ear height inches from ground at relaxed seating position
distance from your left ear to speaker Left
distance from your Right ear to speaker Right
distance of Left speakers tweeter to Right speakers tweeter inches
After this we can address proper tilt back
correct power response and diffuse early first reflection pt.
Best JohnnyR