Agree with using Audioquest. I had MIT networked cables in my system, but when I got the Vandersteen's, these were the absolute poorest cables I could have used with them. As far as the up front sound of vocals you are experiencing with your Vandy's, make sure you have the tilt back of the speakers set correctly. When you determine the correct angle, make sure both speakers are at that same angle. It is critical.
Cheers,
Tim
Cheers,
Tim