andersencoates Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 Hi all! First-time poster here and recent member of the Vandersteen fan club. I'm 25 and limited to the lower rungs of the Vandersteen models financially, but I've been so incredibly impressed by the value that even these entry models possess. I bought a pair of early Model 1B's off Facebook last year - they replaced a pair of Paradigm Atoms. While it took me a while to not hear the Model 1's as "thin" (which I believe was essentially just me getting used to the absence of boosted/bloated bass), I eventually came around and enjoyed their sonic character. I have the opportunity to pick up some later Model 1B's for a few hundred bucks - these have the VIFA tweeters and Sound Anchors, neither of which my current pair has. For those with experience with one or both models, which would you recommend? Would the aluminum tweeter and stands be an audible upgrade? I spoke with a member here who spoke very highly of the stands, so I'm tempted to pull the trigger. Thanks a bunch! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDad Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 For a "few" hundred bucks, I was going to suggest finding a pair of very good used 2 series models. That all depends on what your definition of few is. I've seen excellent 2Ci's sell for between $400 and $550, with stands, for example. BUT - I then took a look on the internet, especially eBay. It took me a while to recover after seeing early 2 series Vandersteen loudspeakers being offered for between $2000 and - don't yell at me if whatever you're drinking while reading this shoots out of your nose - $5000. So, I got nuthin'. I need to get my butt in gear and sell the 2Ci's my daughter showed some interest in, before she ghosted me. Something to do with "cats." I'm also thinking of cats with those prices. As in, "holy cats." 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmz Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 2 hours ago, BKDad said: For a "few" hundred bucks, I was going to suggest finding a pair of very good used 2 series models. That all depends on what your definition of few is. I've seen excellent 2Ci's sell for between $400 and $550, with stands, for example. BUT - I then took a look on the internet, especially eBay. It took me a while to recover after seeing early 2 series Vandersteen loudspeakers being offered for between $2000 and - don't yell at me if whatever you're drinking while reading this shoots out of your nose - $5000. So, I got nuthin'. I need to get my butt in gear and sell the 2Ci's my daughter showed some interest in, before she ghosted me. Something to do with "cats." I'm also thinking of cats with those prices. As in, "holy cats." As an alternative idear, I would suggest finding a Vandy W2 sub and adding that to the 1Bs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted September 18 Share Posted September 18 I think a discussion of upstream components and power is appropriate before 2’s are a slam dunk recommendation….. i am a big fan of the Sound Anchors, the general advice is get the most current Vandersteen you can afford given you have adequate power… 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted September 18 Share Posted September 18 oh, and WELCOME to this wonderful forum and the sonic beauty provided by Vandersteen products 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andersencoates Posted September 18 Author Share Posted September 18 19 hours ago, TomicTime said: I think a discussion of upstream components and power is appropriate before 2’s are a slam dunk recommendation….. i am a big fan of the Sound Anchors, the general advice is get the most current Vandersteen you can afford given you have adequate power… Currently, I'm running a Pioneer SX-780 into the 1B's - I restored/upgraded this guy earlier this year. Caps, op amps, etc. I'm sure that doesn't count as audiophile grade, but I'm a sucker for the styling and have been impressed with the performance. Seeing as the SX-780 is a nominal 45 WPC (has tested at 50ish), I've been gunshy to jump into the Model 2 range. I think the suggested power is 40-160 WPC in the manual if I remember right! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratocaster Posted September 18 Share Posted September 18 @andersencoates welcome to the club. The combination you have is ideal both for the receiver as well as the speaker. There’s something to be said about generational compatibility between components. The 2’s will sound better with a healthy reserves of power so you are right in your assessment. Enjoy the current setup to the fullest until you are dead sure that the setup could use an upgrade. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmz Posted September 18 Share Posted September 18 2 hours ago, andersencoates said: Currently, I'm running a Pioneer SX-780 into the 1B's - I restored/upgraded this guy earlier this year. Caps, op amps, etc. I'm sure that doesn't count as audiophile grade, but I'm a sucker for the styling and have been impressed with the performance. Seeing as the SX-780 is a nominal 45 WPC (has tested at 50ish), I've been gunshy to jump into the Model 2 range. I think the suggested power is 40-160 WPC in the manual if I remember right! Hence my mention of the subwoofer. The high pass filter (HPF) cuts down the power in the bottom end and the sub is active. Not sure how one would do that with an integrated amp, would need to have something like a tape-out and tape-in maybe… But 45W with a sub would like ~100W without a sub and HPF. Or just know not to go to 11. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted September 22 Share Posted September 22 i think but my memory is fuzzy but the 780 used a chip based output device that may generate 50 wpc but is not capable of high current… it is an excellent match for the 1’s… i sold a LOT of them back in the day…because they sound great driven by a Delco car radio ( FM ) and it only gets better… NO ! a Vandy sub w high pass cannot be properly implemented w tape in / out. You need pre in / out. Jim 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctsooner Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 WELCOME to the forum and to Vandersteen speakers! I hope you like it here. Audio on this forum is not like others. Richard and Brad set up this place for Vandy owners only. It's as respectful as any forum I've even been on (many between my many hobbies). I agree with what others have said. Upgrade your components first. The 1B is capable of scaling like very few at that price point. I've heard 1b's a few years ago that were driven by an EX8 integrated from Ayre. I was in shock as to how good that system sounded. No need to go that high, but NAD and Rotel make some great integrated amps that are awesome for the price (B stock or used are even better). Please share pics of your system if you haven't. We all love seeing each others systems as we get to know each other better. Again, welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted September 27 Share Posted September 27 Here ya go Pete…. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctsooner Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 We have the same Stickley chair. We just bought a new house in Moore, OK. I will have the upstairs bonus room with a hip ceiling for my entertainment set up. I will probably even be allowed to finally use diffusers etc.. to make the room sound it's best. Once we move (could be up to 2 months as we need to sell first), I'll post pics and ask for help.... Everyone knows how much help I need! Do you still own this system? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKDad Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 51 minutes ago, ctsooner said: We just bought a new house in Moore, OK. You must love tornadoes. Best wishes on the move! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 Hi Pete - Yes… wow that is a big move… I do have an ancient pair of 1b… Wasn’t sure IF the War Dept would find the model 1 suitable in the “ lounge “… My plan is let her ease into me taking over yet another living space…and IF acceptance…order the latest model 1 🙂 The amp is a NAIM Atom which really sings w Vandy 1’s… Really - best wishes on the move 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomicTime Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 Plan B is the VLR….. plan C is as yet…undefined…. always scheming……. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmz Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 8 hours ago, BKDad said: You must love tornadoes. Best wishes on the move! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GdnrBob Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 I can say the VLR's are one of the most unsung heroes of the Vandy line. At least in my opinion... Bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huang Posted October 6 Share Posted October 6 Pete best wishes on the move, and I have the same chair as you and Jim it is the perfect Vandersteen listening chair. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oregon Posted October 6 Share Posted October 6 Welcome to Vandersteen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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