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Seeking informed advice on speaker acquisition (Vandersteen vs. OHM Walsh)

I bought a used pair of Vandersteen 2CEs about 6 months ago. They sound great to my relatively uninformed ears, but I would like to step it up. The Vandys are 25+ years old.
I have two speakers under consideration and would like input from individuals who have heard both. I am considering upgrading the Vandys to the 2CE Signature II model. I am sure the improvements in the last quarter century will greatly enhance my listening experience. The other speaker I am considering is an Ohm Walsh 2000. I have read many rave reviews on the Ohm Walsh and am seeking input from those who have heard both.

I would also like to hear from those who have heard both speakers, but have an alternative in mind. My budget cap is $3000. I prefer to buy a new pair, but I am not opposed to acquiring a used offering in great condition. I am in the Atlanta area if anyone has a used pair for sale.

My room specs are 18 x 15 with 7 foot ceilings.
System:Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II; Merrill Super12 Polytable; Oppo UDP-203; Parks Audio Hybrid Budgie phono
arturos73
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gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
@arturos,
Thanks for clarifying your listening habits.
In my experience, Vandy's are very good even with off center listening.
Like you, I don't want to be held in a vice. My chair is literally in front of the left speaker, but I still get a very nice soundstage. And, the sound is quite listenable even behind the speakers.
I owned the 3a sigs and currently the Treo's. Both exhibited the same qualities. So, I think whatever model you choose, you should be good to go. 
Like I said, the Ohm's are more direct/reflecting. Given proper positioning, I am sure they can offer a detailed soundstage like the Vandy's, but in my opinion, having a time and phase aligned speaker is the best way to go.
I wish there were a way for you to audition both speakers. 
Where are you located?
Bob
mlsstl
694 posts
 
>> ... having a time and phase aligned speaker is the best way to go.  -  -  -  -
Just a point of clarification. The Ohms, by inherent nature, are time and phased aligned since all frequencies up to 8K are reproduced by a single driver. The range easily applies to the fundamental frequencies for voice and all instruments. By the time you get to the crossover frequency on an Ohm, the wavelength is well less than 2" which means even minor head motions would impact that. Our hearing simply isn’t phase sensitive that high up, and we are only dealing with higher harmonics.

mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Both are time aligned which is probably the beneficial thing most similar about the two that tend to put both in the same conversations.
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