vandersteen is a passive speaker than is not out front, but very neutral in it presentation, most rock people don't like them because they aren't dynamic or loud enough in it's presentation..but jazz lover's love them because they are neutral and passive and have great balance in the sound. they are rather large in the room ,so you must take that to notice, they need power ,but when set up, WHOW, that is why they always make the best buy speaker selection in the audio magazine every year...i have owned them with solid state equipment and tubes and they work well with both., although i believe they are alittle more aggressive with solid state...if you audition them , listen to the 1b or the smaller ,then go to the 2ce, small difference in sound big difference in price and looks in a room...most women do not like vandersteen in their house because they look like a speaker and not a piece of furniture, and richard vandersteen will discuss that with you if you call him, although i know you won't...he hates looks over performance.good luck in your venture...dwhitt
