For me, its an easy choice. I would definitely go with the Vandersteen. If there is a more neutral and transparent speaker, I haven't heard it. That said, they may be a little big for your room. If you call Vandersteen and tell him about your room, he should be able to tell you if the speakers will work.
Need speaker advice
One of my Silverline Audio SR-17.5 monitors has developed a serious tweeter problem that might require complete tweeter replacement (tweeter fades out and in unpredictably). I was told the replacement would cost close to $2,000. Since the speakers are about 3-4 yrs old (I bought them used but in pristine condition almost 3 yrs ago), I'm actually considering buying a different pair of speakers for about $2,000 to replace the Silverlines until I can afford something better.
The two speakers I'm strongly considering are the Acoustic Zen Adagio Jr. (I might be able to get them slightly used) or Vandersteen 2CE Sig II. I know there are other excellent monitors for about $2K out there, but I'm afraid they won't provide enough slam for my tastes, like the SR-17.5 can deliver (e.g., GMA Rio, Reference 3A MM De Capo BE, Harbeth P3ESR).
The challenge I'm facing in my selection, however, is the limitations of my listening area, which measures 11x12x9. The room is actually bigger as it is not completely rectangular, but opens on one side to a bathroom and walk-in closet area that's 3x7 sans the actual closet and the bathroom. I treated the room acoustically and the SR-17.5 blend in very nicely. So my question is whether the Vandies or Adagios might be able to blend in as nicely, or are just too much for the space. Other suggestions are also welcome. I have not completely rejected the idea of fixing the Silverlines, but they already had the crossovers replaced (this was the initial diagnosis, but did not fix the problem), and I have reservations about putting another $2,000 into a speaker that's a few years' old.
The rest of my system is an analog front with a ss phono preamp, tube line preamp and tube monoblocks so any replacement must be tube friendly, i.e., stable impedance, preferably higher sensitivity, but my amps can probably handle average sensitivity as well. Neutrality and transparency is the key as well.
My tastes are roughly classic rock (75%) and classic jazz (25%). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
The two speakers I'm strongly considering are the Acoustic Zen Adagio Jr. (I might be able to get them slightly used) or Vandersteen 2CE Sig II. I know there are other excellent monitors for about $2K out there, but I'm afraid they won't provide enough slam for my tastes, like the SR-17.5 can deliver (e.g., GMA Rio, Reference 3A MM De Capo BE, Harbeth P3ESR).
The challenge I'm facing in my selection, however, is the limitations of my listening area, which measures 11x12x9. The room is actually bigger as it is not completely rectangular, but opens on one side to a bathroom and walk-in closet area that's 3x7 sans the actual closet and the bathroom. I treated the room acoustically and the SR-17.5 blend in very nicely. So my question is whether the Vandies or Adagios might be able to blend in as nicely, or are just too much for the space. Other suggestions are also welcome. I have not completely rejected the idea of fixing the Silverlines, but they already had the crossovers replaced (this was the initial diagnosis, but did not fix the problem), and I have reservations about putting another $2,000 into a speaker that's a few years' old.
The rest of my system is an analog front with a ss phono preamp, tube line preamp and tube monoblocks so any replacement must be tube friendly, i.e., stable impedance, preferably higher sensitivity, but my amps can probably handle average sensitivity as well. Neutrality and transparency is the key as well.
My tastes are roughly classic rock (75%) and classic jazz (25%). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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- 16 posts total
- 16 posts total