Vandersteen 2C versus 2CI, 2CE, etc.

If they are in good working condition and you expect to use them as an interim I'd say go for it. Be careful though as the Vandersteen sound is seductively smooth. You can always move up to the newer version when ready.

The sonic differences between Vandersteen Model 2 speakers from one generation to the next are significant. It takes Vandersteen many years to accrue enough improvements to warrant a new model. As for whether a pair of 2CE's is "worth" twice as much as a pair of older 2C's; that is in the eye of the beholder.

For me, there is enough sonic difference between the two that I would have no interest in the much older 2C at any price.

You'll probably find that a new pair of 1C's are better sounding, overall, than an old pair 2C's.

Thank you for the responses! I think I'm going to look a little harder and try to get a pair of 2CE's instead. I may be very pleased with their sound in the long run anyway.

I know it's an old post but here is my 2 cents worth. I am an owner of both a pair of Vandersteen 2C and Vandersteen 2CE Sig (A version). Both are very very good speakers and I have A/B them a couple times. I would have never believed it until I set them side by side using the same equipment, but personally I prefer the 2C over the 2CE Sig models. To me the earlier version is brighter sounding more like Thiel or Hales and the later version is more veiled sounding similar to Gershman Acoustics.