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Vandersteen 5 vs Model 2c/2wq Combo

If anyone out there has read any of my posts, I have been scouring the Earth to find a speaker setup that will fit my needs and fit my pocket book. I have found some great info here and now I have another question.

I thought about getting the Vandersteen Model 5. I believe that with this setup, I would not have a need for a subwoofer, but my listening room is small and I believe that the Model 5 would be alot like practicing scales with my guitar plugged into 100 watt Marshall stack in the bathroom. It would be complete overkill in both price and size for me; plus, I don't think I could afford that big of an investment all at one shot and you know how savings usually goes out the door because of emergencies or whatever. However, I could afford to get the Vandersteen Model 2ce this year(with help from tax refund) and then next year maybe get one Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofer. How would this setup compare to the model 5 in sound quality? The model 5 would probably still be much louder and probably get better integration, but how close can I come to a good sound with the 2ce/2wq combo?

TIA
matchstikman
maxgain
526 posts
 
Ok guys Chaskelljr2001, brings up some interesting questions.My direct experience with the 3's is limited. They were not introduced until after I got out of the dealership where I sold Vandersteen(I do know a bit about the Model 4 first hand though, talk about a bitch to drive!). I have never thought of the 2C in any version to be difficult to drive as far as load or any other aspect. The Model 3 is more efficent on paper by 1db. Why wouldnt the same amp that can drive 2's drive 3's as well? I don't see why not. Anyone?
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I know that I found a very significant improvement when I went from a McCormack DNA 1 to a pair of DNA 0.5s in a horizontal bi-amp. I know that RV recommends vertical biamping, but right now I've got one Rev B and one Deluxe, so I've got the Rev B on top and am saving to upgrade both to Rev A. Whereas a single 0.5 was plenty with the 2cis I had. One thought Chas, with the 2Cesig/2wq combo, you can definately get away with a smaller amp, with the 300watt sub amp taking care of the lows. I would respectfully suggest that the Vandys would benefit from a better, lower powered amp. If I had one or 2 2wqs in the mix, I would probably use a single 0.5 Rev A gold or similar high quality amp, maybe BAT VK60/75, Pass, etc.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Swampwalker, brings up a good point. Perhaps spending some of the money on better associated equipment might be a better investment than spending it all on speakers.
maxgain
526 posts
 
By all means I think that most people give up on their speakers before they know what they are capable of. Hell, I don't think "Dick" himself knows what a 2Ce/2Wq combo can sound like, as well as I do. They get better every time I tweek what's in front of them! I think I have gone beyond what most Model 2 owners have before they moved up to another model in the line. I wonder if he(Dick) has cryo treated Hubbell's in his listening lab? I do!(if you don't have, get some!) I also have custom made X-2 sub woofer x-over filter clones that blow his off the face of the earth! These refinements along with my slow and careful selection of gear has shown me that there is more performance potential in many speakers than most audiophiles understand.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I agree Maxgain, the 2Ce/sig are very capable of showing changes in up-stream components and tweaking for good or ill. I continued on the up-grade path 'cuz I had the bucks to do it, and ultimately specifically wanted the 5s for their built in subs more than than anything else.

Either the 2Ces or 3As (and sigs) are excellent alone and great when subs are added. Cheers. Craig.
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