Vandersteen 2ce Signature and Signature 2?

@harley

audioconnection is referring to original Sig IIs compared to current production. Both are “Sig IIs”. Note that the first run of Sig IIs did not even have the 30th plate.

Richard Vandersteen isn't one to change letter/number designation very often in his speakers. As John Rutan said, look at the drivers. The small but significant changes in driver topology will give you a clue as to what you have as long as you know what to look for.

The original question was

Any way to tell the 2ce Signature to the 2ce Signature2?

The 2Ce Signature is distinguished from the original 2 Ce by the inclusion of RV's autograph on the backplate. An easy way to distinguish the 2Ce Signature II from 2Ce Signature is if the backplate also says "30th Anniversary". *But* early Sig II's had the 2Ce Signature plate with "II" added to the serial number. [of course, there are many substantial internal changes, also]

I know because my pair, purchased January 2008, was the latter case. Circa 2012, RV upgraded to the midrange driver to the "woven" diaphragm that audioconnection referenced. This is an improved, but un-named, version, ie, still "2Ce Signature II". RV (and many other manufacturers such as Ayre) often includes running improvements in his models but only changes the name when he feels they're significant.

If you want the very best performance you need to buy current production. But $1000 for the first iteration of the Sig II will sound really good and is a good deal.

I went from vintage 4' tall generic floor speakers with 8" drivers to ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2s. Even without hooking up the sub, these babies sing. The old guys had decent enough bass but like older gear, they lacked something. I am not a sophisticated and experienced reviewer so I am not able to say just what it was. Not so with the ELACs. I am actually listening to real music once again. I even have taken a first few steps into vinyl. I gave my old 1999 Technics TT away because we had not used it in a decade. I haven't broken the bank with my new U Turn TT but I got the loaded up version for about $450 and Ortophone Red cart. Time will tell if I go very far down that road but I will give it an honest shot. Now I have to find some reference platters. 

I had one that didn’t have the 30th anniversary sticker it it had the “II” at the end of the serial number.