New speaker with imaging

Using a certain kind of tube amp with the Vandersteens may account for the sound you heard. Could also have been the positioning in the room. I used to use an Audio Research VT100MKII amplifier on the 3A Signatures and I never would have described the bass as ripe. That particular tube amp had good control over the Vandersteen's bass.
Considering you can buy a pair of Vandersteens new for about 3100 (or used in the 2000$ range) that leaves a lot of money for more music or other component upgrades.
Just my opinion- good luck!

Will

Tabl10s- Yes, there was too much brown but I didn't have much choice at the time, since it was all finished wood. I will try to get new pictures up in the near future-
Ok, back on topic now ;)

Will

call your local McIntosh Dealer and see if he has the LS360's. They are voiced well to tube and solid state gear- large sound stage- deep tight bass, furniture grade cabinets @ 140 lbs each, audiophile binding post and can take 600 watts of power! I know that McIntosh speakers are never spoken of because Mc gear is known for amps- but they make some great value equipment and it is timeless.
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/mcprod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=20&cat=Loudspeaker+Systems&prodid=1033&product=LS360

You may want to consider Audio Physic, if it's imaging you are after. My sense is that AP may be peerless in this particular area. Virgo III, or a used Avanti may be ones to consider. Ones you're sitting in the sweet spot, the speakers literally disappear. That's the unique quality about this line that made it quite a hit. I guess I may be biased - I own a pair of Virgo IIs, but I used to own B&W Nautilus 805, and had a friend with N804. Apples and oranges from a comparison perspective, but I certainly found the Virgo II to be a step up in many areas - most prominent of which was imaging. Good luck with your search.

Have you ever auditioned Thiel 7.2, they are the imaging king. soundstage width, heighth, and depth. please audition the 2.4 and up as well.

enjoy
dave