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Trying to extract more from my Vandersteen

I've come to the realization that my ideal system is always 2 steps ahead of whatever my current system is. I am only satisfied with whatever updgrade for a few months, before I convince myself that I need to upgrade again. This is as exciting as it is unsettling.

My current system is as follows:
Vandersteen 2CE sig
McCormack DNA-1 deluxe
TAD-150 sig tube preamp
Eastern Electric Minimax tube CDP
Blue circle Power cords
MIT IC's and speaker cables

I had spent the past two years building this current system, and I had been fairly happy with it. I thank this system for introducing me to the world of jazz. Switching to tubes really helped my Vandersteens "sing". I had entertained the thought of replacing the McCormack with a tube amp, such as TAD-60 or other equivalent, but I never did. I was happy with my system and figured it would remain intact for awhile.

Then something had to rain on my happiness or complaceny. Due to a busy work schedule, I was forced to do most of my music listening either in my office through my old NHT and all rotel setup or at home through my Sennheiser headphones. After a couple months of this, I finally had time to do some listening through my main system. It had never been apparent to me before, but all the music coming out of the Vandersteens sounded "veiled". Before, I purchased my vandies, I read and heard all the criticisms regarding this "veiled" or "shrouded" sound. I never felt this was true about my vandersteen's until now.

So instead of making generalizations, I figure this is a good opportunity to "improve" my system. I am still more than happy with the soundstage, midrange clarity, and bass dynamics. Perhaps what I want to improve is higher frequency extension.

All this being said, I welcome all recommendations and comments that need not be limited to the following topics:

tube-rolling...

Pre-amp...
Any recommendations on pre-amps (tube or SS)?
How about a passive unit (Sonic Euphoria, Placette, Mccormack TLC)?

cables...
anyone recommend Purist?

Amp...
Any good integrated's out there?
What do you think about the Eastern Electric Integrated?
How about Krell KAV 400xi? For that matter, how does Krell match with Vandersteens?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your comments.

Drew
drewyou
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
One aspect to keep in mind when positioning is the vertical angle. I can't stress this enough as it's what made the real difference for me. If you have them tilted back as recommended then remove most of if not all of the tilt and start from there.
Oh yeah, and keep us updated on progress.
fishboat
245 posts
 
I run the same system with respect to pre & power. Other pieces are a Jolida CDP & Snell Type A speakers. I'm not noticing any veil at this point, but this is always subject to change I suppose.

One large step I experienced toward clarity & transparency was the addition of VH Audios silver ICs (DIY). Big change for the better.

I'd agree with treating the room. You have a large room & no doubt have some acoustic issues to deal with. With the $2K you have available you, you could "do" the room and probably have some money left...depending on your approach & extent of the work. Consider it an large-positive investment in any system you run now or in the future.

Here's a few references to get you started:

This one is for a home theater, but his approach is fairly typical.
http://www.sbrjournal.net/journalsite/archives/acoustics/acoustics.htm

This next one is a great resource, scroll down to the bottom for research links:

http://www.bobgolds.com/AbsorptionCoefficients.htm

Here's a DIY approach to bass traps:

http://forums.studiotips.com/viewtopic.php?t=535

Ethan Winer is a great resource (he hangs out over at the Rives forum on AA). He sells "Real Traps", but also tries to educate people...never met the guy, but he looks to be an interesting fellow:

http://www.realtraps.com/articles.htm

Here's a white-paper...blue-paper I guess that he wrote that can get you started:

http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html

And his home page:

http://www.ethanwiner.com/

That should keep you busy for a while. There are many sources for room-treatment panels, corners, diffusors...do a search on A-gon & you'll find them. Or find a consultant and see what he/she thinks. This is one area transcends equipment mixing & matching & makes anything sound better...and it's logical why this is the case.
shersta
140 posts
 
Drew,
I just went through a process of trying to find a replacement for my 2ce's (non-sig). I listened to about 8 pairs of speakers (which is not a lot, but all I could find in my area). The only one I could imagine myself I liked better than the vandy's were Totem Forrests. Just a really nice speaker that retain the strengths of the vandys (a big, rich, natural sound) while adding more detail (without sounding forward or fatiguing). Try to listen to a pair. You can pick them up used for under 2k. As an added bonus, they are smaller and more attractive than the rather homely looking vandy's.
gregcon57
10 posts
 
You could also find a pair of 3A Signatures for ~2k. Improved mid driver and tweeter, bigger bass driver, and upgraded crossover all make a difference. They sound more like series 5 speakers then 2s. Check out a pair if you get the chance, at least.

greg
eagleman6722
217 posts
 
Drewyou,

In response to your question about high- FQ roll off. I am still in the process of tweaking the cable mixture to find the best math. I got a pair of DIY from someone at the Houston Audio Club. I connected it to my TT and from the pre to the amp. More extention at the extremes and nice detail. I have a pair of Aural thrills air silvers coming from a purchase that I made from Ebay. I will also be trying some interconnects and speaker wire...

Right now the sound is very listenable but, can still be improved a bit. I would look at the 3A signatures except the room that I am in is a it too small..
Eagleman
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