Vandersteen 2CE vs. Thiel CS3.6?

Hi, I'm driving my CS3.6 with Krell FPB200 amps (400 watts on 4 ohms)and this really made the Thiel's get all the power they need.Not a hint of brightness or grain on the highs, the reason I mentioned this is because the CS3.6 will sound bright if underpowered and you'll know it right away. Given that they are very demanding speakers and sensitive with cabling,the flipside is they are very rewarding once you actually hit the right combinations. I'm using Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables and Silver Reference IC's on them now (and Nordost quattro fil between CD and preamp). I used to use all AQ cabling (AQ Diamond and Clear SE)on them before which also sounded good but the AZ cables gave it a touch of sweetness and warmth.

Don't know whether you have made a move yet but here's my experience. I've have 3.6's for about a month, drive em with a Classe 200 and using right now Kimber 8TC. I'm waiting on my MIT to be converted from bi to single wire, but the 8TC does a superb job. I've also got cj tubes in the preamp. I've got plenty of power, no harshness, not bright, smooth and ultra clear. I just had Clapton "24 nights" and SRV "Couldn't change the weather" cranked and I've never heard either better. Acoustic guitar is great as well as driving bass/rock/blues. Good luck in your decision.

i've never been fond of vandy's, always liked the thiels - for pretty much the reasons already stated above. so, if it were me, it's a no-brainer decision. however, if *you* really like those vandy's, i'd make sure ya had an opportunity to audition the thiels in a familiar setting.

regarding 3.6 vs 7, i'd suggest a pair of the 3.6's w/a dedicated subwoofer set-up - a pair of good subs, outboard electronic x-over, & decent hi-power s/s amp. more bang for the buck, imo...

Hi Sedond, do you really think he needs subs with a 3.6? I've got mine in a large room and the bass is excellent.

hi pops,

nah, ya don't *need* subs w/the 3.6's, yust, imo, i'd rather have *that* set-up than a pair of 7's. when i had my thiel 3.5's in my main system, (due to electronic equalization, these are actually flat to 20hz), they were definitely improved w/a pair of vmps larger subs, x'd over at 70hz. i was able to lose the equalizer, too. the bass was tighter at volume, and the mids & highs were also better - less stress on that 10" driver, and losing the equalizer both helped.

regards, doug