Vandersteen 7 mark ll or big Kef blades

@hifiman5 

I'm stunned.

OP, if you can afford the Vandersteens... they are absolutely outstanding.  In the uber expensive department speakers I've heard, properly set-up they are just unreal.

The Blades are OK.  I've heard them outperformed by lower priced speakers.  They are not bad, just wouldn't be my first pick in that price range. Frankly, I would to the legacy's over them on a pure sound basis. I like the Vandersteen 5a Carbon a lot better at that price point.

If I had a killer loft apartment in NYC, wanted something to look unique and sound decent, I could see getting the Blades, they certainly make a statement.  

If you go to the shows and meet with Legacy, talk to them.  They have always offered nice deals to show attendees I've found.  

But, if you are going to drop that much cabbage on speakers... ultimately I would make sure to listen to them.  

@tomic601

Did not know that on the 5a Carbon, those are a really good speaker.... something to watch for used down the road. Wonder if a replacement is coming? 

Quattro CT is really a nice speaker, and all I probably need for my space. But they just never, ever show up used. Likely the sign of a good speaker.

@mr_m 

It's simply, because no matter what thread Atroy gets in, he finds some way to spin how what he sells is better or a better value.

Like you, I actually do like some of the Legacy line-up, the Focus SE in particular is a good speaker, and a lot of fun as a rock and roll speaker.  Killer deals out there on them used, or barely used also.  Even new, if you talk to Legacy at a show you can usually score a nice price.

One of the things I like about Legacy - not afraid to let his speakers thump on the bottom end still.  No substitute for displacement sometimes... or I suppose powered woofers!

The Signature se is a nice speaker, but a properly set-up Quattro CT is simply going to be a lot more open, uncolored and articulate.  Even vs the Treo CT the Treo is likely better to most in the midrange and top end.  The Signature SE can probably out "thump" the Treo CT, though the Treo does a nice job.  

The Focus SE, or the Focus XD, allowing the amp to drive the low end, and tailor your top end with another amp would be a better comparison to the Quatto CT.

Room size would also be a consideration between those.  The Legacy's can move a lot of air and fill a big room quite nicely.

I really do like the Focus SE, I've almost purchased them a few times.  But given the choice I would take the Quattro CT all day long.  That said, deals on Vandersteen are hard to find, and the Quattro CT rarely shows up used.