Vandersteen 2C Speakers

[AudioAddict]

Hi Folks , Im curious about these speakers. I've never heard them before and if anyone has a pair or has had a pair, can you provide your opinion of them?

Thanks ,
AudioAddict

 

[knotscott]

Never owned a pair, but have listened to them quite a few times at a local dealer, plus at an audio club meeting years ago. Richard Vandersteen actually flew form California to Rochester, NY to speak to our group. I met him quite a few times after that at CES. He's a class act. Excellent speakers. Very neutral, transparent and revealing of the rest of the chain, and have a very good sound stage.

 

[Designdweeb]

The 2c line is considered the best bang for the buck in the lineup. Donna and I have the 1bs in the dinig room, and 3a Signatures in the living room, as well as other types and makes. We have heard the 2cs at John Rutan’s Audio Connection several times, they share the family characteristics; they best match my acoustic memory (I played violin in an orchestra prior to an accident to my hand) of live unamplified performances and rehearsals I cover Montclair Orchestra, Montclair Opera, the Jazz Festival and several other groups and performers as a photojournalist. I miss it. PS: They like power and Room setup, away from the walls.

 

[trinhsman]

Great speakers if all is in good shape. I owned them at one time.

 

[jbailey930]

I have later serial number 2C's. Once placed in the room correctly there are not many speakers that fill the soundstage as well. Maybe not the most dynamic of speakers but rich and full range. I have fairly strong amplification. I believe they prefer decent current to move them.

 

[spark1]

The 2Cs are relatively benign from an impedance standpoint, but have somewhat low sensitivity, so need a high quality amp capable of good power output. Need to be at least 18" from back wall...more is better. Very sensitive to placement....google for placement instructions.

Early versions used foam surrounds. 2Ci and onward have rubber surrounds.

 

[Splatter Pak]

I have owned a pair for about five years, keep them well away from the back wall, and have powered them with several amps. I remember powering them with an Aiwa micro-component amp, then got another and bridged both to mono. It was OK. Later, it was a Yamaha DSP-A2070, and then bi-amping with the Yamaha and a Denon power amp. That did not work out. A Proton AA-1150 now gives me great sound. The 2C speakers are good enough that I have no plans or desire to upgrade, and even the bass is more than adequate.

 

[Caryg]

Looking for a completely different sound and can get a sweet pair of rebuilt 2c on the cheap. My concern is my current amp is a Jolida 3502. 60 watts max. Is this enough power to drive these properly? .Really like my current tube amp for my other high efficiency speakers. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciative.

 

[Art K.]

I would think that will be fine. However, I don’t know what levels you listen at or to what music. At reasonable levels your amp should work fine with the Vandy’s.

 

[Caryg]

Hi Art,
Mainly acoustic music, bluegrass, supergrass, etc. Had B&W for several decades now, sold off every thing , got this tube amp and some older Klipsch. Nice fun , lively sound, but not the sound im looking for, I really enjoy the mids. Got some little Martin logans, motion 40s, what a lively fun speaker!!!, just isn't full range. Have always wanted some vandersteens!

 

[Art K.]

I love the 2ce Sigs...natural, lovely sounding speakers. Because they sound so natural they rarely impress upon first listen. Richard Vandersteen knows what he is doing.

 

[Hajidub]

Owned the 2b's. Very detailed speakers, but the pickiest I've ever owned, as far as placement (in the bass department). My room wasn't viable for optimal placement so I sold them.