Brand new Vandersteen Model 2's

I would rather have a piece of audio equipment that stands the test if time, that is so good the manufacturer doesn't change it every few years just to boost sales.

I always thought those contour controls were superfluous in my model 2Ci, especially as they get older and tend to get scratchy. I now wished I had tried opening them up and taken the controls out of the circuit just to see it made a difference. 

Hi Jafant (Mr Theil, lol).... Welcome.  I need to get to LI to hear your system and you are always invited to CT to come listen.  I will get Sam Laufer who owns Laufer Teknik's to come over and show off his source gear and DAC.  Pizza is on me! lol.

Guys, Richard is the most conservative designer I've ever met.  He constantly finds better components for crossover, wiring, boards, solder, teflon connection strips and the list goes on.  He implements these changes over the years without coming out with Mk 2,3,4,5 etc... unlike most other speaker designers.  HE's frugal beyond all get out (most of the older timers were, including Jim Thiel, for jafant!).

He only comes out with a different number or 'signature' when there are so many changes that it makes sense.  I know that we all hear differently, and for those of you who have spoken with Richard, you know he's a no BS guy in every way of his life.  For anyone to think this isn't a much much better speaker (for only $100 more), when you haven' heard it, it's not fair to make the statement that things are anticlimactic. 

Go listen before feeling it's anticlimactic.  

Don’t think anyone has said it’s not better, I have no doubt that it is. Richard dosnt make changes lightly and certainly not if it’s not going to be an improvement. Having said that, 17 years is a heck of long time, and personally I’ll pay more to get more, there are no free rides. I’m hoping since the 3a is so similar that we might see something happen there soon also. I already have called my local dealer to let me know when they get a pair of these in so I can hear them. 

Bump, just saying that he has constantly upgraded every part of the 2's since the last model. He's found recent ways to upgrade even more.  Just upgrading basic components on boards can cost hundreds per pair.  Just saying that we shouldn't think that upgrades are always 'seen'.  It's all good as folks will want to go hear the new ones and upgrade if they want to.  Of all folks, Richard isn't looking for free rides,  

I've never spoken with him about the 3's upgrading, but I assume that will happen soon enough.  I also bet that he's upgrade the 3's with at least what he's done with the 2's as that's how he's done it since day one.  Again, I've never discussed this with him.  Just exciting to see the oldest model in production upgraded enough for another mark.  :).