Help Choosing Speakers

@timrhu yes, good point to be made here. Coherency and blending of drivers is going to be key.

Discussions with Steve - Open Baffles were recommended, HDT was not. Too analytical for the room.

After treating the room, I have noise floor down to 29 dB, very happy with this. When I started I was at 45 dB.

Current plan is to audition the Spatial M4's and the Vandersteen 1Ci's together.

Then I can make a decision based on voicing and performance of the speakers. I am also going to audition a 60W Ayre Zero Negative Feedback amp, to show the performance of each speaker with more power.

Eventually I will be getting a new amp, but I want to upgrade one component at a time. My local dealer has a good deal, I can start with the Vandersteens, then within 1 year get the purchase price in credit towards the 2Ce's if I decide to upgrade.

Have a great week all!

If it hasn't been suggested already, look at the Decware site's white papers, particularly the papers referring to room acoustics and setup. In my square room I had trouble getting any realistic imaging, and this was with a pair of Thiel CS1.6 speakers which are said to have wonderful imaging. After reading a few of the tips on the Decware site I tried the diagonal set up and am now hearing the most holographic imaging I've ever heard. After two or so years with this setup it still blows me away. This is something you should definitely hear with the small Vandersteens.

One more point; the Vandersteen 2CEs will be overwhelming in your room. I had a pair and found it difficult to get the proper integration, but what really made me get rid of them was their physical domination of the room. Especially if you give them the room they need to work. They look like giant monoliths dominating the entire space. My two cents.

@timrhu thanks! yes, I am going to mess around with some options.

Much happier price range for me, going to audition the Vandersteen 1Ci's again and get the Spatial M4 S in as well.

I am not going to change my amp at this time, the Vandersteens were able to play loud enough to hear them, the new amp will provide more headroom, but the Decware voice is what I am looking for in an amp.

Only making the speaker decision will make this much easier. Focus on Spatial M4 v. Vandersteen 1Ci. Then decide to get the amp later if more headroom/dynamics are desired.

Thanks for the input, will report back when both speakers are in place.

I bought the little known Tribute speakers ,the Bud Fried Towers Transmission line 
SERIES CROSSOVER . I ordered with the upgraded crossover. 
VH OIMP capacitors ordered with 1% quad matched, Jantzen Copper inductors,Path audio resistors . all matched under 1db total this has to be requested at time of order only 2 resistors,and 3 capacitors in total .
Fantastic results dual 7inch Peerless Nomex drivers, and the hand matched 
Hiquphon Tweeter matched to  within 1/2 db, all drivers from Denmark
The timing and coherence is Excellent for little over  $4k with standard outriggers 
35hz to 25khz rear transmission line Beautifully streamlined Salk cabinets.       45H x8.5W x14D.
A little known hidden gem if bought  with this crossover .Parts connecxion the only one carry that These great precision resistors,check them out.

Be sure to let us know how the Vandy's and Spatials compare.