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Decisions, decisions, decisions

I initially had a short list of potential speaker upgrades for my 2-channel set-up and I find myself in a bit of a quandry. I've narrowed the list down to 2 speakers and neither are remotely like one another. I currently have some mid-level Polks and they're "ok" in that they get the job done for low-level listening enjoyment but I really want to step it up a bit. I can justify $4K for my budge which puts me in a bit of a sweet spot for my preference for stand-mount speakers vs floor-stand speakers. However, my short list consists of either the new Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 stand-mount or the Vandersteen 2ce Signature III. Because the SF Sonnetto II G2s are brand new, a used option is out of the question. The Vandy 2ce III's come up used occasionally but where I live, previewing either one is not a viable option because there aren't any nearby dealers. That being said, I can get both of these from Audio Advice. If I went with SF Sonnetto, I would probably supplement those with a subwoofer down the road after sometime. At that point, I'm nearing the price range of the Vandersteen's. The question I have for the forum is does anyone have experience with the SF Sonnetto II pre-G2 and what are your thoughts about them?

I have a Marantz integrated at 50W and my only concern w/ the Vandersteen's is not having enough power to get great sound out of them without adding an amp (while I have a vintage Adcom GFA-2 at 100W/ch) that I could use, I"m not against getting an amp for either the SF's or the Vandy's.

I listen to a wide array of music genres but lean towards rock, jazz, electronic/industrial, dub, funk, and classical with some pop and old-school country thrown in on occasion. 

I've the impression that those with the Vandersteen 2ce's are very pleased with the SQ. But does anyone have experience with both speakers? 

 

 

 

bipod72
2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,544 posts
 

I have had Vandersteen 2ce SigII speakers for many years now. They are truly nice sounding. Laid back and natural, organic. Great with jazz or blues. Musical to be sure. They like power, but to be honest 50 watts would drive them fine. I would agree that a dedicated amp would give better results. These speakers will take you up a level in sound as you better your electronics. Also can pair well with subs. I think these speakers are sleepers, because they have been in production a long time.

piebaldpython
56 posts
 

What is the model number of the integrated? If it is typical newer mass produced Marantz then the speakers will be severely limited by the amp to the point of the lack of capacitance, small transformer size and so on pretty much needed for the speakers you are asking about will equal some pretty constrained performance. 

 

The Van's are an excellent choice! Try them. Hope you have a friend that can bring over something that will open them up so you can hear what can happen as a comparison. I'm willing to bet a Pass Labs X250.5 would rot your mind on the Van's placed side by side with the Marantz, not running wide open, just cruising at say 20w/ch

12many
245 posts
 

Get the Vanders.  They will sound great with what you have and next year you can shop used for an amp that will take them to the next level.  It takes years to build the system up so no rush.  If you buy based what is best for your weakest link currently in your system, you system never progresses beyond that weakest link level.    

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
508 posts
 

You are looking at two great speakers, both of which would benefit from sn amp.upgrade. You have an Adcom GFA-5400 - that's a Nelson Pass designed 100W MOSFET that was a great amp new and is still competitive today. I'm pretty sure your Marantz has pre outs, so you're one set of interconnects away from a very workable amp setup. Now, let me toss out another speaker you should consider.  A Stereophile Class A rated full-range system, the only one under $10,000 pr. The Monitor Audio Silver 300-7s. I have a lot of respect for both the 2ce and the Sonnettos, but the MAs are simply a better value. Range, dynamics, transparecy, they are the complete package. If you're not a Stereophile fan, then consider these: the 2021-2022 EISA Award for Best Product in the Floorstanding Loudspeakers category, the 2021-2022 Hi-Fi News Best Value Floorstanding Speaker award, and the 2021-2022 Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product award. Yeah, they're that good. And with 90dB + sensitivity, your Adcom is plenty of power. At $3250 per pair $1750 less than the Sonetto, that leaves enough to start to consider what your next step might be. 

 

saboros
20 posts
 

I presume you’re talking about the Nelson Pass designed Adcom 545 II.

It’s funny- I recently got the Magnepan LRS+ for a bedroom 2,1 system and assumed I’d have to get a new amp.

Much to my surprise, my old Adcom 545II drives the Maggies so well I don’t know what more I could want.

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