Vandersteen Treo vs 3A Sig as upgrade

Interesting.  I honestly don't do much orchestral, but it does have very low bass.  I listen to much more rock and heavy metal and have found the bass to be satisfying overall, but i do want the Quatro to get better and more bass.  I heard the Quatro and 7 mk2's yesterday at Audio Connection as Richard was there visiting.  The 3's do go lower, but the Treo has better quality according the to designer of the speakers.  If you feel you are getting better quality and more bass in your 3A's, then you are as it's your ears.  jafant, that's fair that you discount both speakers, but there are so many folks who love them as I heard folks talking about switching to them yesterday.  That's why other's can sell their wares also.

The one thing I will say is that Vandersteen is about to come to market with a new sub that will only be sold in pairs and will ROCK.  As long as you have a speaker that goes down to the high 30's you can use it without losing coherency as the bass needs to overlap a full octave to achieve that.  That's why it's so difficult for anyone to properly mate a sub with a non full range type of speaker.  it is pretty interesting stuff how he mates the sub's amp with whatever amp you are using to keep the same sound signature.  Just thought I'd share and this thread is a good one to throw it out in.  

I just came upon this excellent thread today.  Love the passion for the hobby that I've been reading here.  I am 10 days into owning my new Treo CTs.  I have played music and the Purist Audio Design System Enhancer disc to break in the drivers and crossover components continuously.  Out of the box revealed the promise of fine sound...they just needed time to get there.  Well, they are pretty much there.  I am using mine with a pair of 2wq subwoofers.  The Treo CTs mate beautifully with the subs.(expected)  I have had to turn down the gain on the subs. from where they were set for use with my 3A Sigs.  Look... set up and system being equal, the Treo CTs are much more detailed but at the same time smoother....more refined than the 3s that I owned for 22 years!!  I would never go back, but I also have countless fond memories of enjoyable 3A Sig. listening sessions. Richard knows who he is what his design concept is about and he has simply?? refined that concept over time applying ever more sophisticated driver and crossover components into his designs.  The laudable comments about Johnny R at Audio Connection are spot on.  Just met him 10 days ago and enjoyed the couple hours we spent in his shop. He knows electronics and speaker design concepts and "gets" Vandersteens.  

One thing we all need to remember, Vandys will never be for everyone with passion for this hobby.  If they were, there wouldn't be gazillions of speaker designers out in stereo land!  I understand Richard's design goals and the meticulous nature in which he has met success throughout his career as a premier designer.  Appreciating the amazing attention to driver, cabinet and crossover details, the Treo CTs are to me yet another amazing offering of extreme value from Vandersteen Audio.

So glad you were able to pull that trigger. I know some keep thinking the 3's are better than the Treo's, but I just don't get that at all.  I like the 3's and for the cost, they are like the others...a great value, but the Treo is not the same speaker.  It takes everything to a new level and that includes the bass.  Deep isn't the most important thing in this price range, it's about the quality and the Treo goes darn deep with plenty of punch in most rooms IF it's on the recording.

Yes, I send everyone to Johnny only because I totally trust him. For those who aren't into Vandy's, he realizes that right away and will show them Proac's or something they will love.  He's about system building and that's a lost art, although it's refreshing to see some of the dealer posters on here who do get it.

I hadn't realized this thread had popped up again. Love reading everyone's post, hifiman5 glad to hear those Treo's are working out for you. I'm not saying there better or worse, I just need to find time to get a good listening session with them. The CT version would be the ones I'm interested in, either the Quatro or Treo, like the idea of the adjustable bass.

Anyway what struck me as funny is this thread reminds me of the old commercials from the 80's to 90's. Which way do you prefer your caramel colored sweetened soda water? Coke or Pepsi?

I'll have RC Cola and a Moon Pie........made with real sugar please.
Ah the good old days, not everything gets better in time.

@ig316b  I just looked up your system.  Very nice gear.  I see we share an appreciation for upgraded McCormack components!  I truly hope you get the chance to hear Treo CTs.  I have had Vandersteen 2C, then Model 3 upgraded to 3A, upgraded to Signature status.  After reading about the Treo CT and talking with John Rutan at Audio Connection in Verona, NJ, I ordered a pair of Treo CT unseen and unheard.  I know what Richard Vandersteen is after having owned his speakers for over 30 years.  I have had the Treo CT for about 7 weeks now.  They are everything you would expect of Vandersteens at their price point, incorporating Richard's latest thinking in speaker design.  Again, the 3A Sigs. are fine speakers and unbeatable at their price point.  If you can pull together the cash, the Treo CT or Quatro CT would be a significant upgrade in your listening experience.  Having two 2wq subs. I chose the Treos and couldn't be happier.

Hey, if moving up is not in the offing, you can continue to enjoy music through the excellent 3A Signatures.  All the best!