To Vandersteen or not to Vandersteen

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.

I'm running an LSA Statement integrated. I have a very small listening room and I'll be buying used.

3A's definitely need room to breathe. I'd go for 1c. 2's IMHO are the least favorable among Vandys.