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Original Vandersteen Model 3

I have a chance to acquire an old Vandy 3 pair for $400-500.  I haven't had a chance to listen to them yet.  I have a set of Maggie 1.7 with nice electronics, just looking to add a little spice to my life with a box speaker.  Looking for opinions on these speakers as compared to applying the same $400-500 to something else in the used market - floor stander or monitor.   Would it be worth my time to follow up on these?  Thanks
abnerjack
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
I am I am confused model 1 or 3 ?
the sound anchors are essential for 3 IMO
fair price is no surround or other issues
i had 3a sig for many happy years
i am also a very biased long term happy Vandersteen owner - running 7 mk2 right now

mgreen27
147 posts
 

"I am I am confused model 1 or 3 ?
the sound anchors are essential for 3 IMO"

He's talking about the original version of the Model 3. The Models 1, 2 and 3 all come with the Sound Anchor stands. (At least that's how its been for quite a while now). Without the stands, you can't set the back tilt, and its very important if you want the speaker to sound right.

"I have heard the more recent 3a Sig. and 2CE and appreciate them very much, but my concern is that the Original Model 1 is so old and outdated that it might not be a prudent purchase."

I would call Vandersteen and see what they think. There's been many upgrades to the Model 2 and 3's over the years. Owners of these models are able to send them back to Vandersteen and have them upgraded. He'll give you an honest answer if its worth it to have an old pair of 3's updated.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
I doubt that RV would want or be able to upgrade a pair of older 3s to current spec.  Almost every aspect of the 3s has been changed over time as all of RV's speakers are of an evolutionary nature.  If he could do it, it would no doubt cost more than simply buying a new pair of 3A Signatures.  If you get the chance to listen through the Model 3s that are available and are satisfied with their sound then the price you're talking about seems quite reasonable.  Having owned an early pair of 3s, I found their main weakness to be a bright treble leading to a bit of glare in the upper midrange.  If you are using "warmer" sounding components it could make for a happy marriage.

wlutke
294 posts
 

I owned the Vandersteen 3A's for years and they were sweet, warm and musical but with sluggish bass, no matter the amp, of which I tried quite a few.  I upgraded them to 3A Sig status (which only the original owner can do) and they're way better.  Actually decent with the additional bracing in the cabinet, upgraded crossover and new mid/tweet drivers.  I would not, could not own the 3A again.  The 3A was reviewed as a major improvement over the 3.  I've seen a few 3A's advertised for $800.  $500 for a 3 is probably fair market but no big deal.  
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
I also did not like vandy's because they're slow. They're great for orchestral music, but for small bands, rock and electronic instrumental music they don't do the trick.
The best Vandy combo you can get is by purchasing 2x 2WQ subs with 1C smallest floor speakers. 2WQ bass is substantially faster than in any integrated speaker they've ever built.

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