Vandersteen Treo vs 3A Sig as upgrade

Guys, the bass on the Treo is nearly as low as the 3a sig's, but tighter.  I hear folks make the statement that the 3 bass is better, but it just isn't, especially if things are set up correctly.  Richard is the first to tell you this.  I play everything and I think I've got some very high end gear that is revealing as heck and the Treo bass is much better.  Does it go quite as deep? No, but honestly, very little music has that much information down that low where the difference would be.  What you are listening to is the bass that you are used to and like, which is fine.  The Treo is just a faster speaker and much better overall. If it wasn't, they wouldn't sell it i promise you.  

that takes nothing away from you guys who love your speakers. You should, lol.  

As a long time 3A Signature owner who is listening to Treo CT for the past two months.  The resolution, smoothness of texture and dynamic drive of the Treos put them in another league entirely from the 3A Sigs.  However, I have two 2wq subwoofers along with the Treo CT so I can't relate to the less than satisfying bass response.  If you are listening mostly to hard rock type music, absent the subs. I can see where they would be more enjoyable for you.  I have said many times on this forum, for as amazing as the Treo CT is, the 3A Sig. is a great value and in your case, has the several Hz at the bottom end that you need.  Enjoy your 3A Signatures!

Remember one thing about Vandersteen Audio.  Richard never comes out with a new design that is more expensive that does not deliver the musical goods commensurate with its price point!  I have so much faith in that, that I bought my Treo CT unseen and unheard. The only surprise for me is that they are so more highly resolved and present such a sophisticated sound.  Every time I leave my listening room a have a big smile on my face.

As for you, I hope you leave your listening sessions smiling as well.

Well put as always Hifiman.  If you are looking to just pressurize a room, then yes, the 3a is your speaker.  I have always said that.  All anyone seems to be saying is the 3a is a better speaker because it moves more air, but that's not giving the Treo's their due.  Just saying you can't have it both ways.  I'm glad that folks love their 3a's.  They should as it's a great speaker.  I'd own one if I didn't have the Treo's.  The 3A Sig has a 8 inch and 10 inch woofer and subwoofer. The Treo has a 6.5 woofer and a 8 inch subwoofer. When it comes to shear power, not quality the old racing adage applies: "there is no substitute for cubic inches". One would have to add a 2Wq to surpass the Model 3 in it ability to move air. The Treo CT outsells the Model 3 by 8 to 1, so the market speakers with their priorities. One more note, the two speakers load the room differently so that can make a big difference. The Treo CT is designed to be used within 1 to 3 feet of the rear wall and the Model 3 is designed to be used 3 to 6 feet into the room. Put the Treo into the room 3 or 4 feet and the bass will lean out.

The Treo has better mids, and the CT undoubtedly has better treble. That’s giving them their due. This discussion is about bass, so hifimans "well put" comments are outside the parameters of this discussion, which is about the unaided bass of the Treo run full range. My priority for a music system is musical involvement. Accurate or not, the Sigs never boot me out of a boogie mood, dropping the ball so severely that I think I’m listening to the wimpy Treo. That’s right. The Treo is Wimpy. The saying is "there’s no replacement for displacement". It holds true more than ever for rock, at any volume. If the Treo is selling 8 to 1 then there’s either a lot of subs being sold or a lot of small chamber, small jazz and acoustical going on. Treos are great speakers for that. Be happy and go with it. Or get subs. Or Quatros. Just don’t run Treos full range and expect small driver miracles. It ain’t gonna happen. Rockers be warned!