Vandy 2ce vs. 2ci

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.

They are great for all sorts of music, and I play lots of rock and blues too. They are quite natural and accurate which works for everything."Rock" speakers are a breed unto their own and I would stay away myself. I don't know anything about the PSB. Vandersteens are easy to sell if you don't like them. Everyone knows what they are. It's not like selling some mystery item.

I agree with Maxgain's assessment of the Vandersteens' ability to play all kinds of music and about how easy they are to sell. I've also not encountered a situation where Vandersteens could not play more than loud enough (but I don't play music at unambiguously dangerous levels any more either, having been rendered temporarily deaf by arena concerts and the music in many smaller venues).

All speakers have a "sweet spot", a restricted area where they perform optimally. Properly set up (and I've not found that Vandersteen 1's and 2Ce's, at least, are not especially problematic in that regard), the 2Ce's do sound quite nice over a broad area.

I have 2 friends who had Vandy 2ci's and they both rocked pretty good, not ear bleeding sound levels but good enough.

BTW when we bi wired them the bass tightened a lot, it seems they like bi wiring more than most speakers

You should buy a pair, they are musical in the best sense, I would have myself but when AB'd to the Maggie 1.6 I preferred the Maggies open sound (but I am a planer fan from way back).