Any one have Vandersteen speakers?

[pgblu]

Just wondering, as I've been a fan (and owned a set of 2C's) since 1986. I now use the 2C's for the front, VCC-2 center, V2W sub and VSM's for the rear.

Paul

[prerich]

Originally Posted by pgblu

Just wondering, as I've been a fan (and owned a set of 2C's) since 1986. I now use the 2C's for the front, VCC-2 center, V2W sub and VSM's for the rear.

Paul

Pics please That's a nice system! Vandersteens are wonderful speakers! We have a user that has Quattros if I'm not mistaken.

[pgblu]

Originally Posted by prerich

Pics please That's a nice system! Vandersteens are wonderful speakers! We have a user that has Quattros if I'm not mistaken.

Thanks, prerich. I'll try to get some pics after I replace the rack my gear is on. I currently have an "el cheapo" rack for the electronics, originally intended as a temporary solution when I replaced the big-screen with the flat screen. Well... that has been almost 2 years ago (sheepish grin).

My next major upgrade will be when I go to Quatro's. I'll probably keep the 2C's for a 2nd system, maybe even give them to my son. 23 year old speakers and I still like them; they are the least fatigueing speaker I've owned.

Paul

[jdub]

In my days of scouring for a good deal on a my first used pair of speakers I seriously considered some Vandersteens. I never got to demo them but everything I read on them from owners to critics was they were really good. Do you use them when watching blu rays? How do you feel they do with home theater duties?

[Johnny Vinyl]

The first really high-end system I ever saw in someone's home, was a good friend of mine. He had the 2C's, Meitner/Melior Amps, Oracle Delphi Mk II turntable, and his system just rocked!

From what I remember they had a very open and airy sound and also delivered lots of solid, quick bass. I thought they were kind of odd-looking with those 360° grilles, but in a very pleasing way.

John

[pgblu]

Originally Posted by jdub

Do you use them when watching blu rays? How do you feel they do with home theater duties?

Absolutely, I use them for blus. I started out as a 2 channel audio guy and have added the 3.1 over time. They do really well for HT. The bass is not boomy, whether for music or movies. It is very deep but tightly controlled and fast. If I want more boom (explosions, etc.) I can adjust the V2W to provide more energy, although I don't adjust it much.
The key with Vandies is to have the correct amplifier (i.e. plenty of power and stable to 4-6 ohm loads, depending on which speaker). This usually rules out receivers and requires a dedicated amp.

Paul

[pgblu]

Originally Posted by John72953

From what I remember they had a very open and airy sound and also delivered lots of solid, quick bass. I thought they were kind of odd-looking with those 360° grilles, but in a very pleasing way.

John

My impression, too. The soundstage is wide and tall. They are definately NOT the most attractive speakers. Luckily, I had them before I was married and my wife knows she has to live with some things; Vandies are 1 of those things...

Paul

[D_M]

I auditioned Vandersteens and loved them. I ended up trading in my Totems and getting Focals at that time. Vandersteens sound fantastic.

[rded]

I'm with Rich....pictures please

[pgblu]

Originally Posted by rded

I'm with Rich....pictures please

Took some pics but can't seem to copy / paste them. Any ideas? They're just jpeg images.

Paul

Edited to mention I have uploaded some pics to my HT Gallery.

[rded]

Very nice Paul! your speakers rock

[Halcro 1]

Vandersteens are an awesome speaker ..One of my favs...

[jdub]

Awesome setup, I'm jealous I bet it sounds great.. I don't think I have ever seen a full 5.1 Vandersteen setup. I gave you a 10, just clean the gear up a bit and your good to go. Btw the center is 68 lbs??? That's crazy!

[pgblu]

Originally Posted by jdub

Awesome setup, I'm jealous I bet it sounds great.. I don't think I have ever seen a full 5.1 Vandersteen setup. I gave you a 10, just clean the gear up a bit and your good to go. Btw the center is 68 lbs??? That's crazy!

Thanks jdub. The good news is the VCC-2 speaker (just like the VSM-1 rears) comes with a built-in mount on the speaker, and an easy to install wall mount. Yes, one should find the stud to mount it properly...

Paul

[pgblu]

Hello,

Just wanted to give an update to my "upgraditis" (I'm cured for a while now)... I finally upgraded to the Vandersteen Quatro's from the Vandy 2C's. My son is pumped, as the 2C's will end up being his. Anyway, love the sound and have been rediscovering some music, especially my reference cuts that I listened to quite a bit before the change so that I could compare the differences.

New pics in the HT gallery.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Congrats on the upgrade!

What do you like most about them after the upgrade?
John

[pgblu]

What do you like most about them after the upgrade?
John[/QUOTE]

Where to start... Richard Vandersteen has been very busy refining his line. The Quatros are 2 models up and many generations of almost continual refinement over the 2C's. The Quatros have much better bass extension (very seemless due to built in powered sub), midrange and tweeter upgrades, too. They image somewhat better too; however, that has always been a trademark of all of the Steens I've ever heard, including my 2C's. If I had to pick one thing, probably the bass extension would top the list, with the improved mid-range as a close second.

[jdub]

Nice upgrade! I bet two channel sounds even better now. Also all your gear looks very organized now What's your favorite vinyl to spin on your setup?

[DangeRuss]

Upon listening to Vandersteen's , they come closest to my favorite speakers of my youth (along time ago I might add) The Dahlquist DQ-10's. The imaging and soundstage must be heard to be believed and I'm writing just about 2 channel audio. I can only imagine what a 5 or 7 channel setup (done correctly) would sound like... . That Vandy array you have is very impressive indeed and I love inclusion of a turntable in the system (I have one too). You don't see many setups powered by Adcom around here either. All around wonderful audio gear

BTW......... When I'm ready to upgrade my speakers I may need you for some advice......

[pgblu]

Originally Posted by jdub

Nice upgrade! I bet two channel sounds even better now. Also all your gear looks very organized now What's your favorite vinyl to spin on your setup?

I still listen to old Beatles albums (Magical Mystery Tour is favorite). Probably my favorite album is a half speed master I bought years ago, The Stranger (Billy Joel). Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits) is another favorite high quality. However, I still cannot listen to Money for Nothing, since it was shoved down out throats soooo much when it came out. The rest of the album is pretty good though. I will admit that I don't listen to albums as much as I used to, due to the inconvenience (aka laziness).

I am still waiting on the tube to repair my phono preamp, so no albums for now. I do have an el cheapo electronic phone pre-amp, but it doesn't sound all that great.