Why do I see more Vandersteen model 3s vs model 2s for sale?

I agree with Bob. I know for a fact that the veneering that is done at Vandersteen is top notch. I too build furniture for fun with a buddy (I have MS and can't pick up large boards or use power equipment some of the time so he keeps me honest and safe) and have spoken with them a few times about finishes. I personally went an upgraded Audi Havana Black as many know (perfect finish when I used a magnifying glass).  Call first.

As for what to get, that's not easy.  Read and reread Johnny's post. He knows Vandersteen's as well as anyone else's.  

As for a powered speaker, I love them. That's why I went with the Quatro CT.  It's killer when setting up compared to adding subs, but their new Sub 3 will be so easy to set up wiht the built in EQ.  

2's or 3's????  Golden Ear as someone posted?  The Golden Ear will be much brighter than any of the Steen's IMHO.  That's not a bad thing, it's just not quite as tonally accurate, but it's a fun speaker and a good choice.  I personally feel that in the range you are in, The 2's are the best value new...That's new price.  Who knows if you can get a recent model used as very few come up and Vandersteen owners most often listen to their ears and buy them and don't worry about what the latest positive review says about speaker of the month club.  Not a knock on any other speakers, just the publications, lol....

You have to figure out what's important.  IF you can fit the 3's in the room, then it's a no brainer.  There is a reason Richard makes it....IT'S BETTER....I personally feel that it's a lot better.  It's easier to integrate them into a room, that it will be to integrate the subs and a 2 IMHO.

let use know what you are doing.

I have bought 5 or six things from TMR, always matched the description - agree the photos look a bit odd, the fronts show some “ sap wood” andwith the book match look to me interesting. A son of a gunsmith, cabinet maker, log salvor and sometime bandmill operator, I find wild sapwood, figure, spalt, knots, flame, curl, ambrosia beetle tracks interesting, not B grade
i get others may not share that, I think there are some rub marks and flask makes them worse in photo, I serious doubt they lady the factory with rub marks, a carefully read of the TMR ad might be in order....

Flask makes photos better, flash not so much

A giant killer upgrade path you are missing is 5a

zebrawood or wild Rosewood are my faves and you get a much better sub.....

Look guys, I said some people might like that look in the veneer. I personally, don't.  Remember I have Vandersteen Treo Ct's too!  And I love them. I have the mahogany stained walnut, and If my pair would have come to the dealer and looked like that pair, I would have rejected them.  I have talked to some speaker manufacturers, one of whom I visited and talked to the designer, and that type of veneer would be a "no go."  Please remember, this is just my opinion as to how I feel about it. 

Ctsooner. As much as I love Vandersteen, the veneers are not always top notch. I have seen some pairs with mis-matched grain and even a space between veneer pieces whereas you could see the MDF underneath (Pair of 5a's at a dealer). And also, If you can believe it, some veneer waivering  meaning it had peaks and dips on the side of a speaker you could easily see.  Overall, yes, Vandersteen does an excellent job with it's finishes. Near Perfect? No....And please don't tell me that wood is never perfect. I get and understand that fact but I think we can all spot less than ideal workmanship.