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

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.

A giant killer upgrade path you are missing is 5a

Oh man, that would be my ultimate upgrade. I do see these on the site every once in a while for 6-7K, but don’t know if I’ll ever be in a position to buy this much speaker all at once. If I could there would be no hesitation. But, yes, that would be #5 on my list (possibly #4 before the upgraded electronics)