Replacement for Vandersteen 2ci

Rufipennis

Is your user name taken from the ground-cuckoo bird?

I recently replaced my 1986 Vandersteen 2C's with the newer 2CeSigIIs. Treat yourself and go listen to these speakers...

Exocet 954 and Ruffipennis

What did you find to be the difference?

Jtma,

My 2C's were older than your 2Ci's but the difference with the 2CeSigII's is the more transparent mid range and top end detail. Of course the crossover and drivers are all improved(using the 3A Signature mid and tweeter)over my much older 2C's. The bass seems deeper I believe my older 2C were 36.5 inches high vrs 39.75 giving the bottom end a little more authority. I've never heard your 2Ci model but let your ears be the judge and give the 2CeSigII's a listen...you won't be disappointed...

Jtma, As I wrote above, I have never heard a pair of 2cis. But I am confident that the Sig IIs have far superior tweeter and midrange drivers, plus 20 years of incremental improvements to the crossover, cabinet, and woofers. They should sound much more transparent and resolved at a minimum. I would guess they're better in almost every sonic parameter other than, possibly, bass extension. Take a look at the discussion board on Vandersteen's website. RV strikes me as a straight shooter who's not trying to sell you something you don't need. You wrote that you want to keep the price below $3K. If you're buying new, IMO the Sig IIs are the best choice in this price bracket (assuming that your room is big enough to sit 8' away, with the speakers at least a couple of feet from the back wall). Read Art Dudley's review in Stereophile. I think it's spot-on.
Albertporter, Yes, my username is derived from the animal kingdom.