To Vandersteen or not to Vandersteen

I had the original 2C way back in the mid-1980's and listened to them for many years. Don't think I could live with them now, although in fairness, I've never heard the newest models and there have been many upgrades since then! As others have stated, they don't offend but may not excite, either.
They needed a lot of breathing room to the rear and sides and very careful placement, IIRC. When we finally added on a room and I got the chance a few years ago to take the rig out of mothballs, my wife nixed them. They are, shall we say, aesthetically challenged and not the greatest in a smaller room unless all you use it for is listening, because, again, they need to be pretty far out from the wall and can be pretty imposing looking.

BTW, I have De Capo's now! :-)

2ce seemed to me pedestrians compared to 1c in terms of speed nearly with any amp driven. More than decade ago I was spending quite a time to build up my decision on speakers with John Rutan at Audioconnection. Ever since I haven't found any better dealer than him!
de capo's would do much better job for small rooms since 1c i've realized isn't upgrade to them.
best value in high definition audio is always different from mind to mind don't get me wrong

^Your criticism is not without merit, and there are others to boot. Perhaps that's why I chose Thiels. But, still it wasn't an easy decision and dollar for dollar I still stand by my earlier declaration. Once again, YMMV.:-)

if I were in your shoes I would try to hear some of the GoldenEar products - per the recent raves in the mags...