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Vandersteen 2CE Signature II: Is it worth the price of $2700? Why are so many for sale?

I have seen several ads on both AG and Ebay for a "variety" of Vandersteen 2CE's  

Question: Is:the "latest version:"of the model worth its  $2700 price tag  considering the evolution of this design over the last 10 to 12 years

Vandersteen's website shares a few paragraphs about the upgrades made; but, has their really been notable or marked improvements in sound quality and overall performance?.

The amount of 2CE's for sale regardless of what version seems unusual,and even cautionary for buyers looking at a used pair ( taking into consideration age and condition)

Lastly, does this model compete with the performance of other speakers in its price range??

  Thank you, S.J.


 

sunnyjim
drew_k's avatar
drew_k
34 posts
 
@twoleftears 

the quote you used from my post was about the 2CE Sigs, not the Treos.  The Treo (non-CT) do indeed have a much more forward sound stage than the 2CE Sigs that I had.  It may be heightened more by the SimAudio gear.  I had a SimAudio integrated with my 2CE Sigs before moving to Rogue Audio tubes.  The soundstage was further recessed with the Rogue tube gear.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I promise you that the Sim gear will move any stage forward.  That's part of what they do and why some who love the front row seats, like the Sim gear.  It's a different taste deal. 

That said, I've heard Sim separates on the Treo's that I used to own and the stage still started a bit behind them.  I also felt that it extended very deep, but I was using a Basis TT with a Rhea phono stage.  I didn't like the Sim with anything digital in my system and I was using an Ayre QX5 that I'm now selling.  It's a great DAC and matched well with the Sim.

As for the Treo vs the 2's, I haven't heard both in the same system in the same room to be able to really say.  
cbucki
69 posts
 

I've been waiting for quite a while for a used set of 2ce Sigs to appear in my area (Midwest). It just hasn't materialized.

I bought a set of 1Ci's last year. If these are better, it's a no-lose proposition!

gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
@cbucki ,
If it were me, I would get a 2wq sub or two and keep the 1ci's. You'll get performance almost as good as a 3a sig.
Vandy is coming out with a new sub soon, so prices for 2w's should come down even more. Once again, look for as current a serial number as possible- 
B
kharp1
4 posts
 
If you're ever in the Louisville, KY area I have a pair for sale locally, cheap. I loved them in the store, however, I didn't do proper research and realized when I got them home that my room was not conducive to proper placement, and, was never able to get them to perform anywhere near as close as in the store.
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