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Vandy 2CE S or Gershman's Cameleon: High-End Spks?

For many months, I have seen much praise on this site for Vandersteen's 2CE Signatures. (also, many resale ads for them which makes one wonder.) They retail for $1549. So, can somebody tell what makes them so popular?? I gather from the discussions they far exceed their performance/cost ratio?? or are they just "average" across the board? ALSO,has anyone compared the Vandersteen's 2CE Sigs to the Gershman "Cameleons" which are $1799, and only a two way system?? I am curious which speaker would adapt to and perform better using hi-end electronics.
sunnyjim
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Sunnyjim, I didn't think the Vandersteen 2B's that I had were very demanding. I had a modified Musical Concepts Hafler DH 200( 100w 8 ohms) and there was plenty of headroom for loud listening. If you are sincerely interested in the Vandies, continue searching the threads, including the two other sites, www.audioasylum.com and www.audioreview.com to compare other user's notes to your own, especially those with your same electronics.The Vandersteens lean to the warm side, so I would think any neutral or slightly lean may be the best match with the Vandies. It has been years since I have had my Vandies,2B's, which have gone through many changes since this model, so I am not as reliable a source of info as Mr. Klein and Tubegroover. I too am in a similar situation as you as I live way out in the boonies with little to audition. Most of my system, including the Osprey were bought sight unheard. I'm happy, though. No regrets yet.
shersta
140 posts
 
Sunnyjim,
If you click on my system link, you'll see that I have similar amplification to yours. I've been extremely happy with my 2ce's and my system as a whole since acquiring them six months ago. In fact, for the first time, I haven't felt the need to experiment with new cables, etc., or to upgrade my source components (well, the urge to upgrade my tt is there, but it's a managable urge). Placement is an issue with the vandys (as it is with almost all speakers), but for me, placement was a rewarding process, not a frustrating one. They sounded pretty darn good no matter where they sat, but experimenting with placement over a couple week period paid off in terms of soundstage and imaging. If budget is a big concern, you might want to consider looking at the CE's v. the Signatures. I've heard both, and the Sig's have a sweeter, more extended high end, but for me, it just wasn't worth the extra 500$ (I was able to pick up my CE's here on a'gon for 600$).
jrde8a6
95 posts
 
the vandys are classics...a destination speaker...the gershmans sound great but check back in about ten years.
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