To Vandersteen or not to Vandersteen

The Vandersteen sound is rich, full-bodied, lush. All models in the line have the same somewhat dark and very lush fullness. all in the line play well at low volume. All are full range (even the 1c's). If you have bright electronics, the Steens will be great. If you have somewhat laid back electronics, the Steens can be somewhat dark sounding and, to some, too dark. But, if you like a smooth, rich, lush and laid back sound... you will love the Steens. If, on the other hand, great dynamic PRAT is your cup of tea --- well the Steens are not weak in this area (they are weak in no area) --- but PRAT is not a strength. If micro detail is desired... here too --- not a weakness but not a strength.

I love my Vandersteens. They do everything well and nothing great --- so some find the Steens "less than exciting" in a short listening session. But they are great to live with because they do everything well, never fatigue and never get in the way. They are a great value too.

I owned the IICE signatures for a few years and loved the sound. Got sick of looking at them, though.

I had the 3A's for 18 years before recently upgrading them to the Sig version. I do not recommend the non Sigs. They are pleasant but slow/dull sounding. The Sigs have been described as a music lovers speaker and I agree. They can bring you to the venue, meaning they convey the atmosphere and ambience of live recordings and are very good at that. They do not believably recreate the band in my room. The presentation is a little distant for that. I guess that means they are laid back. A great speaker if mid hall is your cup of tea.

Bill

The latest version of the Vandersteen 2 and 3's sound fantastic. A very complete sound , top to bottom.

Will you be buying new?

I never liked any Vandersteen's. I always come away feeling like I drank a warm cup of water on a hot day when I listen to Vandersteen speakers. They try so hard to not offend that everything they do is so totally mediocre.