Vandy 2ce vs. 2ci


I have been interested in purchasing the 2ci for my system & found a reasonably priced pair of 2ce's. What are the differences between the two? Does Vandersteen update the older speakers to the new specs & if so would it be worth the money? I listen to rock & need nice deep tight bass, musical mids & highs with great soundstage & image. I currently have a pair of Polk RT10's, CJ PV10AL & Carver TFM-35, thanks for any help.
fishwater
What is the sonic diference? My main concern is that I may not be "as" pleased with the older as I would if I purchased a new sig.
The 2Ci does not go quite as low as the Ce, the bass difference is subtle as are the other changes. The Sig is reported to be a much improved speaker using the tweeter from the old 3a( the 3a Sig uses the same tweeter as the 5)and upgraded Xover. There is a cut off serial# for upgrading 2Ce's to Signatures. It was listed on their web site. Mine are too old to have it done or I would have by now. People I trust say to go with the Signature if you can. I have listened to the 3a Signature and is where I think I will go in the future.
The 2ce has a different tweeter than the 2ci in most models. There was a time when Vandersteen put the 2ci 3/4" tweeter in the earlier 2ce. Then he went to the improved 1" tweeter. The 2ce has a little better bass than the 2ci and with the 1" tweeter, a little more clarity. The 2ce Signature is a good bit better than both of these. It usually sells used around $1000.
I would stay away from the 2ci myself. I also would have to call into question using these as rock speakers depending on how loud you intend to play them. They are fairly inefficient and take a lot of power to get loud. They also run out of volume quicker than some speakers(especially in the bass). They are extremely refined, require a lot of attention to set-up, and have a window you MUST be in when listening. They have great transparency and image focus in this window and are extremely natural sounding. Not your typical rock speakers.
If I was going solely rock at loud levels, I personally would look elsewhere. They will "Rock" just not at most peoples idea of a rock approved level.
Bigtee-
What would you recomend then for "rock" speakers in the under $1000.00 range new or used? What about PSB's? or some of the newer speakers on Stereophiles under $1,000 list? The Athena towers were raved about but I can't hear one first so I'm a little nervous.