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Vandersteen 2CE Signature Speakers

Hello.  I recently auditioned a used pair of Vandersteen 2CE Signature speakers. I found them to be amazing for jazz (lots of detail, great imaging) - really everything I read about on how these speakers sound.  However, upon listening to classical (full orchestral recordings of Mahler symphonies and Strauss tone poems), I found them to be boxy, dull and closed (quite the opposite from the jazz recordings).

Is this normal?  Why would this happen?  What can be done to fix this? I would like to buy them. 

Thanks
128x128cspiegs
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
OP - Please report back after listening to a variety of symphonic recordings.  What associated components are you using?
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
I listened to them at the seller's home with his Manley Neo Classic 250 amp and Sonic Frontier 3 preamp.  And I listened to both LP's from Mobile Fidelity and Telarc; and CD's from DG and Phillips (all high sonic quality recordings which normally sound great on my home system (Yamaha DAP A1 integrated amp and Wharfedale Rubiance RB 27 speakers).

I do realize that they will sound different in my listening room.  But I don't think I can take them home then return them if not happy. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,656 posts
 
Pass on them. They are just not your cup of tea!
cspiegs's avatar
cspiegs OP
42 posts
 
I should add that I'm quite pleased with my current setup. But we all have that nagging feeling of what better components can do. Vandersteen's are definitely a better speaker than Wharfedale's. But I can think of better things to spend $1000 on (including more records). And I don't think my 12 x 15 foot room (listening widthwise), is best for the Vandersteens. Additionally I'll probably want to upgrade my electronics to make them sing.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,384 posts
 
I had Vandersteen 2ci for 22 years and also a pair of 2ce for 3 years until I put them in storage.  The 2ce had a tipped up treble compared to the 2ci.. I am not sure how different the signatureII sound but On my 2ci speakers Classical was excellent.  Very full sounding with just the right amount of treble.  The triangles and wire brushes sounded so real and life like.  Jazz was excellent as well as Rock.  I drove mine with a 175wpc Classe amp and a tube preamp.  I wish I still had that system. 
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