• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Vandersteen 2 Ci's versus Vandersteen 3's

S

steve_eye

New Member
I have an opportunity to purchase either the Vandersteen 2 Ci's or the Vandersteen 3's ( straight 3's not the 3 A's). Without getting to technical, does any one know if there is any major difference in sound quality between these models? My room size is 26 wide by 20 long. Both seem reasonably priced the 2 Ci's for $200 and the 3's for $400. Im using Adcom 555 amp and Adcom 565 pre amp
Thank you!
 
Register to hide this ad
Be aware- speaking as someone who sold these speakers when they were new- the Vandersteen 3 takes significantly more power to drive, than the Vandersteen 2ci.

It's not as big of a difference than if it was 3As or later models (the Vandersteen 3 got progressively LESS efficient as further revisions came about), but I would hesitate to try to run them with LESS than 100w/ch, rated into an 8 ohm load.

Your Adcom 555 should have enough horsepower (200w), but I've seen people benefit from even LARGER amps on the Vandersteen 3s.

Regards,
Gordon.
 
For that kinda money, buy both pairs and sell the ones you like the least, and probably get more than you paid depending on condition.
 
That is exactly what is spinning around inside my head right now :idea:
I just gave him 400 for the 3's.... I do believe I got a pretty good deal, "socks" are in perfect shape no pulls of any kind and the wood only has one small ding. I pick them up tomorrow and my lay another cool 200 in his palm for the 2Ci's. I've seen the sound anchors go for almost as much as the speakers themselves.......
 
Yeah you got a great deal on the 3s.
If they both have stands it would be a no-brainer for me.
Then you decide what works in your space and pass the leftovers along.
Idk your financial situation, but if you can swing it, a choice would be a good thing with time to spend with each pair.
Good luck, and congrats on the 3s. I'm sure they will not disappoint.
 
Thanks jtee, you just confirmed exactly what I was thinking, both pairs will be coming home with me tomorrow. And yes, they both have the stands. Of course, this may lead to a divorce :whip:but a man has to do what he has to do. A deal like this does not come around too often and as much as I love music I cannot pass on this opportunity.

Cheers!!
 
Heck of a deal on both sets. You made the right choice and you will be able to share your findings after comparing them both. A win-win. :thumbsup:
 
I will post my results after I have some serious “sessions”, I plan on listening to every genre from classical to the Dead. A favorite disk for me with “everything” in it is Zappa’s Apostrophe.

One thing to note: I am not technical in any way, although I have owned some nice medium to higher end equipment for over 30 years I am in no way an expert. I only know what my ears like and all of our ears are different. So no fancy measuring meters, just ears.

I’ll keep you all posted! And thank you all for the kind replies......
 
Last edited:
I've had 2Ci s for a few decades and I wish that I'd tired adjusting the level
pots earlier. I find that they sound far better with the mid level at -2dB, it is
certainly worth a try.
 
So far what I'm hearing with the 3's is not a lot of bass and almost kinda tinny. I have them placed in each corner of the room, so my guess this is the issue. I have to do more arranging and re arranging which I have not had time for. Is there any recommendations for the height of the speaker from the floor, I am using the spikes but would a couple more inches help with the bass response? Also does it take awhile for the speakers to break into the Adcom components? The 2CI's seem to have better bass but the soundstage is not as well defined as the 3's. I do not crank the volume and prefer low volume hi quality sound. I listened to everything from Classical to the Dead. I do not do video. I've been going through a lot of different genres but the bass is not there. I have owned the Snell C IV's for over 30 years and that's what my ears are used to. I originally auditioned both these speakers The Vandy 3's and the Snell CIV about 30 yrs ago and loved them both but went with the Snells solely on the fact that I thought the cabinets would take the abuse of a twenty something year old that would be moving around frequently until he finally decided to settle down. I realize I have more placement arranging to do but am hoping for any help if anyone else has had similar scenarios. Also hoping to get some help with the tweeter and midrange adjustments. I also had used a vintage Niles SVC-4 speaker selector in a different home again with a finished basement laminate on concrete floor. In this home the room was 20' x 16', I had the C IV's in the corners the Bookshelves on stands in front and the 2c's on the rear wall. A little un orthodox but I loved the sound. My plan is to use it again with the 3's the 2 ci's and the CIV's. I know, un orthodox but I do like running multi speakers (smoke em if you got em) my ears love it when it all gets dialed in. For now the focus is dialing in the optimal sound one pair at a time. Any help will be greatly appreciated. On another note, I am in no way a true audiophile, I do not use meters or measure anything, at best i'm a hack, I only know what my ears like.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom