MAKING THE JUMP ... From Inherited Speakers to the right choice < 2K Price


So my uncle got my listening jump started about 15 years ago when he began unloading his old speakers on me. A roached pair of Klipsch Heresy Decorators that I refinished and straightened out with some new Crites woofers, a pair of Celestial DL-10’s (which I always enjoyed) and some newer Klipsch bookshelf speakers have satisfied my listening until this point. Now I have been scouring the forums for reviews for some new speakers. Ready to go for some NEW OR USED UP TO 2K but just can’t seem to get past a couple speaker models and was hoping to get a more expert opinion on these and thoughts given my rig and space for best application.

Room size is a funky 18x20 - living room main listening area (speaker placement either side of TV in corner, so speakers on either side)

Rig is currently either a Luxman C-02/M-02 or my Luxman SQ-N10 tube amp (which I would like the option of running as well albeit very low wattage - just have no plans on going in on another tube amp in near term) Yes bitten by the Luxman bug. Just can’t get over the look and that sound.

I’ve been really eyeballing the Vandersteen 2CE - Omen Dirty Weekend MKii and the Tannoy XT6F,
I am all about source material and finding that intended sound- but do like to be engaged at both low and high volumes.

Any thoughts before I make the leap ?
jjack5182000
Some lovely choices for you; kudos on your window shopping. As someone who has owned the Vandy 2CE in the past, I find it a warmer, less technical speaker. I suspect it would play more laid back overall than the other two choices, though I have only heard the ZU speakers at shows and reviewed the older generation of Tannoy Glenair, a different critter than the model you are considering, however of the concentric driver ilk, which relates to the Zu speaker especially. 

Really, you can build a very nice rig with an�y of them. Be aware that you likely will get the most bass output from the Vandy, second likely would be the Zu, and the last place in terms of overall bass impact would be the Tannoy. (I'm not interested in arguing my thoughts - to those who might wish to be contentious about my observations). 

The concentric driver is a captivating technology, and many love the tight, precise soundstage it offers. I have heard Zu speakers yield a compellingly taut soundstage and razor sharp phantom image (middle). The Vandy cannot do so, but that is a technical difference, not a shortcoming per se. (Again, those who wish to argue, I'm not interested.)

You have some good gear to start. You'll find that cabling is a most contentious topic; I suggest you do not adhere to stock/manufacturer throw away cables. I would put at least 10% of total system cost into cables, including power cords. 

No one can tell the final result with your combination. You simply have to either do a home demo, or select and go from there. That is, unless there is someone using the very combination you discuss. Even then, the preferences may vary considerably. 

You will have potential for a very different sound depending upon which speaker you select (As well as components, including cabling). My question would be; are you afraid of potential high detail and a more in your face sound? If not, if you love definition and can't get enough intensity, then I would suggest not the Vandy, but the other two. If you want to err on the side of warmth and avoiding the potential for a more bright or intense performance, then select the Vandy. 
To the community, YMMMV 

Congratulations on the big move upward. You will have a great time! 
Oh, and BTW, you won't make the "RIGHT" choice. The only right choice is the one which you would select after you tried all three - or some other technologies such as a panel, omni, line source or horn speaker, etc. 
Just sayin', you may think you're striving for a perfect selection. That's not really an option at this point. You would have to gain far more experience with different speakers to have a much more informed opinion. 

So... don't over stress about making the "right" choice. The array of sound capable with simply these three speakers is staggering. I could make literally a dozen different presentations with them. So, look at this more like a longer term car lease which can be changed versus having to make a "correct" decision. It will alleviate a lot of unnecessary pressure put on yourself.  :) Trust me, I know; I've been there a long time ago.  :)
I recently bought a new pair of Klipsch Heresy IIIs after auditioning them and they might be the best 1500 bucks I've spent on audio. They need a sub though…but so do most other speakers.
I’m not familiar with your Luxman gear but in my experience the Vandersteen Model 2 speakers need some power to show their full potential. I’ve tried mine with amplifiers ranging from my own 10wpc Class A tube to 200wpc McIntosh MC2200  as well as a borrowed pair of Bryston 7B-ST monos and they sounded the best with my MC2200 amp. Zu is almost at the other end of the spectrum and can sound very lively with a low powered tube amp.
Also, the vandersteen 2CEs employ 4 drivers, and they are a true full range set of speakers.  In the right environement and with power, I am sure there would be little to gain by adding subs.