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750 or so -- B&W 602, Vandersteen 1C, or...?

Which speakers would you pick for $750 or so to go with a modest system including an NAD C340 integrated amplifier, a Cambridge Audio D500 CD player, an old Yamaha turntable, an old Dynaco tuner and a JVC cassette deck? I've been thinking about B&W 602 or Vandersteen 1C speakers. (Sure, Vandersteen 2Ce would be nice, but they cost twice as much.) How would you describe the differences in sonic quality between these, the types of music they would best be suited for listening to, and their compatability with the rest of the equipment in my system? Have any other suggestions (polite ones I trust) for roughly the same price? I listen to a broad range of music -- jazz, classical, and occasional blues, rock or folk. I tend to listen more to solo performers, duets, trios or quartets, playing at moderate volumes, than to large bands, full orchestras or loud rock, although I occsionally crank it up.
02pete
prs123
58 posts
 
Pete - I made a similar decision many(ten) years ago. Suffice it to say, that while I liked B & W's speaks, and thought they were slightly more convincing on brass, with a fuller tonal balance, I went with(and still own) the Vandersteen 1B's, which sounded more transparent, less boxy, and just generally more magical to my ears. By using NAD's loudness contour, I was actually able to get the Vandy's to fill out like the B & W's, whereas I could never get the B & W's to sound as airy and engaging as the Vandersteens. Just my opinion, but I may have come closest to your situation. I now have a Linn LP12 and a recent Pioneer Elite CD player, but still have my same speakers. If the 1C's are anything like the 1B's, they should be towards the top of your list. Your musical tastes sound similar as well. Better out there? Sure, but probably not for $ 750. Personally, I would entertain used speaks to upgrade your options, as some real gems come up on this site from time to time.
Good luck in your search!
chelillingworth
309 posts
 
See if you can find a used pair of Meadowlark audio Kestrels. Much better than the 602's (which I owned a while back) and the 1c's, no comparison. I prefer the Kestrels to the Vandy 2ce's. Kestrels sound great with a wide variety of equipment and will keep you a happy for a long time.

Have fun.
sek
105 posts
 
I love the natural, open, non-fatiguing Vandersteen sound. I have a pair of Vandersteen 1C, which I have powered by a 60 watt/channel NAD integrated amplifier. They do a very nice job with most music. If you supplement them with a fine subwoofer (I have an ACI Titan II LE) to fill out the lowest octave, they can do it all with plenty of slam, even in less optimal rooms. If you have the space, a used pair of Vandersteen 2Ce might be affordable (A friend recently got a pair for $600), and they are virtually full range, but they might require a bit more power (though my friend runs his well with 50 watt/channel AR tube amplification).

I'm generally put off by most B&W's, especially after living with Vandersteens. They tend to have fatiguing highs and sound more like speakers and less like music to me, but you may hear things differently.
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audiophile35
23 posts
 
Pete,
Like PRS123, I made a decision 9 years ago to purchase the Vandersteen 1B's. Over the years - I have changed CD players from NAD to Sony to the Rega Planet, changed turntables, amps etc. but never felt the need to give up my 1B's. They are so sweet sounding, I never get tired of hearing them. BTW, I also own a pair of B&W DM 302's in my second system which are pretty good...but the Vandys rule!
Good luck with your decision.
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