Vandersteen help needed


I posted here a couple of months ago looking for assistance on building my first hi-fi system. Based on the feedback I received and auditioning a fair amount of equipment, I settled on the following components:

- Vandersteen 1ci speakers
- Belles Aria integrated
- Rotel DAC
- Audioquest cables and interconnects
- Source: Mainly streaming tidal through my phone

My room is 12’-10" wide by 11’-2 deep. I am setup on the long wall.
The speakers are 27" from the front wall and 22" from the side walls measured from the center of the speaker. The speakers are 9 ft. apart and about 8 and a half feet from my ears.

I’ve read the user’s guide thoroughly and spent a great amount of trial and error with speaker placement. I believe I have the correct tilt back of 2" and the speakers are towed in ever so slightly.

As for room treatment, I’m using the GIK Acoustics diffuser panels at the first reflection points. Nothing on the second reflection points. I have GIK absorber panels directly behind the speakers. I’ve also tried removing them from the room as well.

Here is the problem:

Instruments around the 1k frequency can be at times subdued and sit further back in the mix. What I’m talking about specifically are the lead vocal and snare. I never really get that crack from the snare drum. (I’m a drummer BTW).

Other times I feel like some of the higher frequencies get a bit muddled. I’ve heard others describe their experiences with Vandy’s as it sounds like there is a blanket over them.

By the time I turn up the gain so that these frequencies stand out a bit, the low end is exciting the room and the sound starts to become unbalanced.

I’ve begun thinking of adding 1-2 Vandy subs so that the low end can be offloaded from the 1ci’s and they can be left to focus solely on producing the mids and highs.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to get more clarity out of my system?

Much appreciated,

Joe

128x128audionoobie
So there you have it, AudioTroy. The dealer was going to, and did respond to the customer's issues. Even though you took your "pot shot" at him. Maybe you should go over to AC and let John Rutan teach you a few things. We certainly would be all  the better for it. John is a class act. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this as most people in these threads already know this. Audionoobie. Yes, try a 2Wq Vandy sub (or 2) in your system with the 1c"s. I have done this recently with my Treos, with excellent results. The hookup with the sub that Richard Vandersteen uses is somewhat different from most, but his method creates the best seamless blend of main speakers and sub(s).  The sound  opens up with more air and space around instruments and vocals making  the soundstage more solid with more bloom. Happy listening!
With my system, I use AQ. Earth interconnects and AQ. Rocket 88 speaker cables. If anyone is interested....

audionoobie - Ohm Walsh 2000s.  I considered Vandy 2Ce's, but they are a bit too wide for the space I have.  I have a review of the Ohms posted in the review section of Audiogon.


I am not at all surprised at the level of service John Rutan provided you with.  He is extremely knowledgeable, has great ears, and is very generous with his time and expertise.  Audio Connection is a first class dealer.  I only wish I could afford more the wonderful toys he sells there! 

@mr_m Two great posts! A couple questions...1) Do you have the Treos or Treo CT model? 2) What model of AQ interconnects are you using? My entire system is connected with AQ Colorado RCAs and I love ’em. Just curious what model is satisfying you.

Also... your suggestion about adding the Vandy subs. is 100% on. I have two of them with my Treo CTs and it is just as you said. The presence of the subs helps the main speakers to open up the soundspace. Dynamics also flourish as the main speakers are freed from reproducing the lower bass notes.
hifiman5
I have the Treo CT's. I have one sub at present, but will have a second one as funds permit. I will also try to get the premium battery crossovers also. I envy you with the 2 subs! Richard V. says that 2 are a dramatic improvement over one. The Interconnects  are AQ "Earth" I believe they were the replacement of the "Colorado" you have. My pair have XLR connectors.