Vandersteen 2ci used. Good speaker/bargain?


I've found a pair of Vandy 2ci just a couple hours from where I live. I'm interested in upgrading my speakers (bottom of the line Spica SC-30...a great budget speaker)but I'm on a serious budget. I have an NAD C340 intregrated amp and in a year or so will probably upgrade that as well. What do you folks think of the Vandy 2ci, made around 10 to 12 yrs ago, I believe. I probably can't put speakers any further away from the wall then 18 in to 2 ft. Room is about 14' by 16, with a cathedral ceiling (overall, very oddly shaped). I listen to jazz vocalists primarily--the Dianna Kralls, Stacy Kents--plus light jazz intrumentals. Also about what price should I pay for a pair in very good condition (stands are included). I probably can upgrade to something more expensive (presumably meaning, much better) in about 3 years, but in the meantime, I wonder if these might fill the bill.
bmatth3790
"It is in their interest and the interests of other advertisers in their publications to diminish what Vandersteen has been able to produce and offer at such a low price!!"

I don't get this statement at all. To what end does Stereophile gain anything to deliberately diminish or falsify a product's test results that is or isn't advertising in their rag, because they somehow are being pressured by other advertisers? Sounds like another lame conspiricy theory to me. You really think they are going to deliberately yield to a concerted effort by multiple manufacturers as if there might be such an effort, to the extent of manipulating measured data? It just doesn't fit or make any sense. You don't really believe any of this do you John Rutan? Is your "amen" to that statement? If it were true and that cat ever got out of the bag the credibility of the magazine would go into a tailspin if it became common knowledge. Measurements, depending on the methodology used and explained should be ONE damn thing to believe in if not the vanilla flavored listening impressions of some of their reviewers.
Vandersteens are absolutely wonderful speakers, and perhaps other than Richard V. himself, John Rutan knows them better than anyone else. So why don't ya'all put aside your audiophile egos, place your favorite record on the turntable, and enjoy the music ! We share a great hobby, with many divergent ideas, and life is good ! Relax, everyone, and Happy Listening !
I'm not sure what the sensitivity of the 2s is, but a fella with a lot of experience once told me the best he ever heard the 2s sound was with the small Music Reference RM10 with 35 watts - probably not for head-banging, but I suspect with 35-40 tubes watts you can get them to sound pretty good.
Adam you might try reading the WHOLE thread before you put your foot in your mouth and ramble on about egos. You are coming into the game too late to act as referee. No one is saying anything about the value of the speakers and what R. Vandersteen and John Rutan know. The issue is the published measurements and the motives of a magazine, at least that is my issue.
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