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Want something more forgiving than Vandy 3a sigs

I think Mike Fremer's comment about the Vandersteen Quatros, in his Stereophile review, applies to the Vandersteen 3a sigs: "...treble performance may strike some as being too honest...". I'm one of those "some." We all know that a lot of source material out there suffers from some degree of treble emphasis. I listen to a wide range of classical and jazz recordings, and, even after a fair degree of experimentation with cables, pre-amps, and amps, I've been unable to come up with a combination that is sufficiently "forgiving" to allow me to listen, easily and comfortably, to as much of the source material that I want to hear on my Vandys. In particular, I'm often disappointed with orchestral string sound...and indeed, have figured out, with this experience, that massed strings are quite difficult to record well. My system starts with a Linn CD12. I've tried PSE, GNSC-modified ARC LS-15, Cary SLP2002, and am working with a Cary SLP98 now on the pre-amp side; and have tried a VTL ST150, a BEL1001, and an ARC VT100 MKIII on the amp side. I've used various Audioquest, Kimber, BEL, and Purist Audio cable, and am happiest with Cardas Cross and Golden Cross (to which I was led by things I read on this Forum). All of that is good gear, some of it more top-focused than others. None of it has been able to give me as consistently as warm and "lush" a listening experience as I think I ought to be able to find, and this is especially true with orchestral music. Probably not surprisingly, the Cary 2002 combined with the ARC VT-100 has leaned closest to the right direction. (Let me hasten to add, though, that a really well-recorded chamber music or jazz CD will often sound terrific with most of this equipment and the Vandys.) (I should also add that I came to the 3a sigs from the 2ce sigs, which I also felt were capable of being a bit unforgiving, frankly.)

Within Texas, where I live (and where I would prefer to buy), I've figured out that some options include Sonus Faber Cremonas, Audio Physic Scorpios, Wilson Benesh Circles (I think) and not much else (of which I am aware)that will fit into the room without creating domestic discomfort. (My wife thinks the Vandy's are too big as it is.)

Any ideas out there about the speakers mentioned, other speakers, or possibly electronics?
eweedhome
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
As a former 3A Sig and 2ci owner, I am also surprised. Laid back and forgiving are both terms often applied to VAndys, the former in criticism and the latter in praise. I would look elsewhere for the problem (or double check the tweeter controls as noted above.)
eweedhome OP
227 posts
 
I knew there was one brand available in Dallas that I was forgetting, that being the ProAc, and I'm grateful to be reminded of that. From what I've read, and now see from the responses above, the ProAc and the Sonus Faber appear to be the most obvious speakers to really audition closely. But I'm also open to other ideas, if there are any out there, and I'll give some time to the Audio Physic as well.

I suppose it is possible that my ears are just very sensitive to high frequencies. Frankly, I find that most high end systems I've heard seem too bright, and that's been a bugaboo for me since I started getting into high end gear years ago. I know that the Vandersteen "buzz" is not in that direction, which is why I was almost relieved to see Fremer's comments in Stereophile about the "too honest" highs in the Quatros. I auditioned the Quatros with my own CDs and was disappointed for that very reason. Yet I'll be the first to admit that, with certain combinations of gear and CDs, the 3a sigs sound "right there"-- very involving and exciting.

Thanks again for the comments, everybody. Look forward to others.
eweedhome OP
227 posts
 
In response to a couple of comments: Yes, I do have the treble control all the way down (as I did with the 2ce sigs), and, yes, I have a window in one of the side walls to my room. (Room is about 20'x17' with the speakers about 4 feet out from one of the short walls, slightly toed in.) I've got rugs on the floor and used to have fabric covered walls, now dry-wall, but no difference in sound. I'd be more concerned about the window, except that the "too honest" high problem is something I encountered in the showroom as well.

I am very interested to note that Krisjan's 3a-sig system is somewhat like the most satisfactory version of my own, but with Cary amplification, and their top end pre-amp. (As noted, I seem to be happiest with the Cary pre-amp and the ARC VT100 amp.) Perhaps I should take that as a form of advice that I should explore the Cary line further, on the amplification side, as I also consider other speakers. Sounds like we're listening to similar repertoire.

Thanks again.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
Quad & tubed c-j?
sherod
1,681 posts
 
If your ears are indeed that sensitive to high frequencies, you might want to consider one of the many popular single driver speakers, i.e. Cain and Cain,etc. Go to the search engine and type in the two words "single driver". Lots of information.
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