Vandersteen 2ce

[DGMCalgary]

(not the signature series)

While debating the virtue of kef 303 vs Ads L300c for $100.00, a pair of Vandersteen 2ce have shown up on the radar. The buyer wants $300.00 for these.

I'll be picking them up today.

There are, however, a pair of Kef 105.1 on Kijiji for $500.00.

Any thoughts on the Kefs vs the Vandersteens?

 

[frommerstop]

For the price difference, I'd stick with the Vandersteens. I like 105.1s (107/2s are one of my main speakers), and I think they're worth $500+, but I think Vandersteen 2s (in all their versions) are one of the over all best speakers you can get under a grand, and at $300, they're a "no brainer".

 

[cratz2]

I agree.

I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to compare the 2Ces to the 105.1s but I've heard a lot of speakers over the last 25 years and the 2Ce/Ci has long been a favorite and when you consider the extremely reasonable prices they pop up for on the used market sometimes, they are a killer value.

 

[skriefal]

A pair of (presumably) properly working 2Ces for $300? Grab 'em... now. If they're even half as good as the 2Ce sigs... and I think they are... then you'll be very happy with them. And you shouldn't have any problem reselling them if you decide that you don't like them.

 

[DGMCalgary]

Update - auditioned these in place today - found out they're 2ci's. This is always a problem for me. I agreed to purchase them for the asking price on the spot - they sound amazing to me. Then I research the difference in the versions and find that the tweeter is a lesser valued animal in the ci's than in the ce's. At this point I have to calm myself and realize that it's my nature to want the best, always.

However, in this instance I remember the brilliance of the sound from these and I'm just fine with this purchase. A great deal at $300.00.

Much better than anything I currently possess and when they're setup and properly tuned to the room I'm sure I'll again be amazed.

This is an example of the nature that keeps me acquiring ****. Much more than I need. Speaker sale coming up and it won't be the Vandersteens. These guys have GREAT presence and they're amazingly accurate.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[miketuason]

Yes Agreed with the above response, Vandersteen 2CE are worth way more than that. I use to have them and I didn't really wanted to part with them until the 2CE Signature II came out. The 2CE's are way under rated speakers, in fact the model 2's is one of the reason Vandersteen became successful and famous. Out of all the models Vandersteen sold, I think the model 2's were the one sold the most.

 

[cratz2]

Yeah, they are very decent speakers. I've heard both the Ces and the Cis though both were the original versions and not any of the recent updates. I didn't compare them back to back by any stretch but I thought they sounded very similar though I know the Ces are more... respected.

My first set of high end speakers were very nearly a pair of 2Ces though I ended up going with Apogee Centaur Majors. I've heard a number of great speakers between then (1994 or 1995) and now but a number of the floor-standing dynamic speakers I hold in equal or slightly higher esteem almost seem somewhat similar to the Vandersteens... Von Schweikert VR3s and 4s, Acarian Alon IVs, Aerial 10ts. I'm not saying they are based on his designs by any stretch, but they all reminded me of the continuation of his general path.

 

[hjames]

Based on my experience $300 for a clean working pair is a good price!
Do they come with the Anchor Stands or a pair of biwires cables?

I own a pair of both 2CIs and 2CEs - I got each pair for a great price.
The 2CIs have the wrong Anchor stand - they are shorter than the 2CEs with their anchor stands,
and the 2CI stand is suppose to make them taller to match.
But - the sound is good for each pair, and I marvel at them every time I listen to them.
After many speakers in my past, I consider them both to be keepers.
If I had to pick one pair, it'd be the 2CE simply because they are newer.

Imaging is great, the sound is great, and the presentation is great.

Plus, they are not ugly!!

Update - auditioned these in place today - found out they're 2ci's. This is always a problem for me. I agreed to purchase them for the asking price on the spot - they sound amazing to me. Then I research the difference in the versions and find that the tweeter is a lesser valued animal in the ci's than in the ce's. At this point I have to calm myself and realize that it's my nature to want the best, always.

However, in this instance I remember the brilliance of the sound from these and I'm just fine with this purchase. A great deal at $300.00.

Much better than anything I currently possess and when they're setup and properly tuned to the room I'm sure I'll again be amazed.

This is an example of the nature that keeps me acquiring ****. Much more than I need. Speaker sale coming up and it won't be the Vandersteens. These guys have GREAT presence and they're amazingly accurate.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[cosmoline]

my Vandy 2c (1st gen)

[/IMG]

Great buy on your Vandy's. You're going to love them. I think they sound great especially with jazz recordings. I refoamed mine and had the tweeters replaced by Vandersteen ($68 bucks a piece). Check out their site for room placement suggestions.

 

[hjames]

The 2CIs, 2CEs and later models don't have foam surrounds -
they have butyl rubber surrounds, so refoam for them is not an issue.

I will say I think they are not ugly when they have the grille cloth on them!

:thmbsp:

 

[DGMCalgary]

I haven't seen inside, but I understand the 2Ci's are the first iteration to use a rubber surround.

I auditioned these with some jazz hi fi recordings. Vibes, vocals, percussion, and piano were sublime. Bass too. Real bass.

 

[cratz2]

I haven't seen inside, but I understand the 2Ci's are the first iteration to use a rubber surround.

I auditioned these with some jazz hi fi recordings. Vibes, vocals, percussion, and piano were sublime. Bass too. Real bass.

I believe that is true but remember, the 2Ci came out before the 2Ce.