Numerous audiophiles and magazine writers often fawn over loudspeakers with prices as high as high-end automobiles. Raves will include how transparent and how accurate those speakers sound.
All of this is fine and dandy, but loudspeakers by most manufacturers are not transparent sounding because they are not accurate. Many scramble the audio signal. Many consumers fall for the bright treble that reaches their ears before the boomy bass does, never knowing how clouded the audio signal really is.
Meet The Vandersteens
Vandersteen Audio makes speakers that are time-and-phase correct. In a three-way speaker, such as the Vandersteen Model 2ce Signature II, treble, midrange and bass arrive at the ears at the same time. Other than Thiel, Vandersteen is the only company that currently manufactures time-and-phase correct loudspeakers.
Richard Vandersteen has been making speakers in the California town of Hanford for over 30 years. His line of speakers includes the lower cost Model 1C ($995.00), to the expensive (but not as expensive as other speakers) Model 7 costing approximately $45,000.00. Vandersteen also makes center channel, surround sound, on-wall, and cabinet speakers. He also manufactures subwoofers which are considered some of the best in the business.
Many consumers probably aren’t as familiar with Vandersteen because his speakers are sold in select audio stores, not big box retailers. This doesn’t mean his products are out of the hands of mere mortals.
The Model 2ce Signature II is a modestly expensive speaker ($2195.00, plus $150.00 for the recommended base stands) for many people. But it’s a sheer bargain in the audio world.
The speakers are modest in appearance. They’re not covered in elaborate paint or body moldings. Vandersteen has focused his energies into creating great sound rather than making them look sleek. They’re large, but can fit into a den or home theater perfectly. They also come in different woods to match almost any décor.
The speakers need to be bi-wired, which requires separate speaker cables to be run from the treble and midrange posts on the back of the speakers. Ordinary spade or banana plugs will hook into the amplifier or receiver.
Audio That Sounds Great
The Vandersteens sound wonderful and breathtaking, depending on the recording played through them. Being time-and-phase correct, the Vandersteens will reveal the excellence of great recordings, but will be merciless on poor ones. The Vandersteens will also reveal the limitations of a sound system’s components.
What the listener gets from the Signature II speakers is sound that has often been characterized as “right.” Other speakers will emphasize certain aspects of the audio spectrum, such as “airy” treble. Many speakers add their own sound characteristic to the sound being played through them. Not the Vandersteens.
Vandersteen speakers play exactly as the amplifier sends audio to them. There is no exaggeration. MP3 recordings need not apply.
Play Almost Anything And Be Rewarded
The Signature IIs are geared for almost any audio format. Compact discs, Super Audio CDs, and LP records benefit the best through the Vandersteens. The 2004 releases of Elton John’s early catalog titles on SACD sound superb through the Signature IIs.
“Closer: The Best of Sarah McLachlan” is an example of a great recording and how a CD should sound. The Vandersteens capture every nuance of McLachlan’s vocals and arrangements.
The Signature II speakers make movies sound excellent. DVDs with Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks pale in comparison the new audio options on Blu-ray. Some DVDs will still sound very good through the Vandersteens. Try the uncompressed, Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master audio formats on Blu-ray, it’s difficult not to be impressed by the depth and clarity they have over traditional DVD.
An Exceptional Buy
In buying the Vandersteens, a modest amount of money will get an audio lover a tremendous bang for the buck. For the price of one pair of vaunted speakers like Aerial or lower cost Wilsons, audiophiles can get a pair of Vandersteen Model 2ce Signature II speakers with stands, one Vandersteen subwoofer (two are preferable), a center channel, and surrounds for well under $10,000. That’s an incredible deal for time-and-phase accurate speakers!
There are some fine audio speaker brands like Paradigm and B&W that have built their reputations on good sound and quality workmanship. Yet with a little bit of shopping around, buyers may want to check out the Vandersteen Model 2ce Signature II speakers. Modest in price, these speakers are an exceptional buy.
