iso Vandersteen sound under 15" tall

[aloysius]

I heard the 2ce's a couple of years ago and was simply stunned. It was the first time I ever heard a speaker simply disappear and create a wall of sound. I've listened to countless speakers since then and have never found anything better. Due to and extreme lack of space I currently only have the space for a "mini-monitor"...something under 15" tall. Any suggestions as to what speakers I can look for that will get me closest to that Vandersteen sound. I'm willing to spend up to $2000. Thanks.

 

[cornelius]

15" Plus stands?

I would suggest Ohm Microwalsh Talls. I'm a Vandersteen fan, and I'm really glad they didn't fit into my space, otherwise I would have never tried the Ohms! Ohms were not my first choice, but they were worth a try due to space limitations. They are fantastic speakers, and are similar in sound in many ways to the Vandys, BUT with a huge sweet spot, and easy to place - I now prefer the Ohms.

I have also tried countless brands of speakers - countless (every NYC store, hi-fi shows, recording studios...), and the Ohms being a home demo went unnoticed. I read a 6moons.com review, talked to the reviewer and decided to try - nothing to lose (4 month return policy) since I didn't want to settle with anything else that I'd heard.

The Talls are 36" tall/6" square, and the Short version is 23". I've heard the Shorts - don't let their size fool you, they can take on any monitor or floorstander in (and above) their price range - but I recommend the Talls.

It is a home demo, so let me know if you have any questions.

 

[craigsub]

Check out the Onix Ref 1 - It is 14.5 inches tall, and is fantastic at disappearing and leaving you with a wall of sound. Plus the finish is beautiful.

 

[aloysius]

I don't even have room for stands. This room is so cramped they are going to be sitting on a desk in the room which is
29" tall already. I am going to use some spiked stands for floor speakers on top of the desk to isolate them from the desk, so 15" or so is all the speaker I have room for.

 

[jaxvon]

What are your plans for amplification?

I was surfing around and found this awesome deal from AV123...

Their Ref. 1 bookshelves are normally $1500. They have a super combo deal going right now where you can get their 38wpc tube integrated amp, their X-88 CD player, and a pair of their Ref. 1 bookshelves for $1499.

Here's the link...

 

[Dan]

I understand what you mean about the Vandy sound. I have had a full Vandersteen setup for about four years and it's great. I'm still not sure what element of the main speakers make the phenomenal image. I suspect it is the baffleless design but the time and phase correct aspects may factor in as well. It is a controversial subject here. Have you tried the Vandersteen VSM1 wall mounted speakers? They are my rears and are quite good. They are coaxial and act as relative point sources. Also try the Meadowlark Swallow and Thiel SCS3 which fit your parameters. I have not heard these particular models but the models I did hear were excellent. These are the only other time and phase correct manufacturers left that I am aware of. I think you should consider a musical sub for better low end response as well when the budget allows. Good hunting.

 

[silversurfer]

The Onyx Ref1 is a very nice speaker, very dynamic. The highs are nice, but a bit tipped up, which adds to its dynamic perception, some may find them bright. The bass is good for a speaker of its size, the 5.25" driver is very capable.

If it is a sound you like, I have seen some on Audiogon for a low as $650. I would go that route if you like them. It seems resale on these nice speakers took a hit when AV123 started offering the special packages deals.