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Calling all Vandersteen Fans

A little over a year ago I owned he 1Cis for a short time. While I enjoyed many aspects of the speaker, I found their top-end was a bit ripe and sibilant, with multiple amps. I ended up having to attenuate the treble by 1.5db in order to enjoy them at all.

Lately I've been thinking about how well those speakers produced a realistic decay of instruments, the likes of which I haven't encountered in any other speakers. I'm wanting to give Vandersteens another chance and am considering the 2CE SigIIs, however, it appears they and the 3As have the same tweeter as the 1Cis. That and the measurements in the Stereophile review give me pause. I suppose it could be that I didn't allow the 1Cis enough break-in, or that I was actually hearing upper midrange distortion from their 8" midbass driver

I'm soliciting input from those very familiar with the brand. Would you say the 2 Sig IIs produce a warmer balance than the 1Cis? Do they in-fact share the same exact tweeter? 

Is a 100 watt/ch amp enough to drive 2CEs to satisfying levels in a 26×15' room?








helomech
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,957 posts
 
however, IF ya do call, suggest reading the ask Richard FAQ on the website for ? about older models
focus any ? on current 1 vs 2 vs 3, try dealer first, Johnny R for East, Jon at Ultra for midwest/ north, Alan at Hifi Buys for South, .....you get idea....really nice guys IMO
Victor in Tacoma is a cool dude 2 .....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,957 posts
 
 @drumsgreg love that summary
tomcarr
1,523 posts
 
I had the 1s decades ago, and am loving my 2Cs for the past several years. Driven them with a Denon (100W/ch), Krell (150W/ch/8 ohms/300W/ch/4 ohms) and currently a Vincent (150W/ch/8 ohms/300W/ch 4 ohms). Clipping never happened, the only difference being the sound quality markedly improved going to a better amp. I don't know what levels you consider satisfying, but at what I consider satisfying, (peaks of 85-90 dB), I would say you should be ok with 100W/ch. Last but not least, did I mention I LOVE my 2Cs?

Tom
bstatmeister
537 posts
 
Love my ancient 2C's, too. Vandy stuff is getting too $$. The Treos just increased by $600 over the past year or so :(
gdnrbob
4,452 posts
 
Love my ancient 2C's, too. Vandy stuff is getting too $$. The Treos just increased by $600 over the past year or so :(
Costs go up, especially with a 'trade war'. Also, Mr. V. might be using some new parts that are more expensive.
@OP,
If you found the 1ci's 'sibilant' with many amps, I would say you may have a room treatment issue.
B
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