From: kcalica@pyrman2.mis.pyramid.com (Kelly Calica)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Vandersteens 2Ce versus Definitive Technology BP10 ???
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 93 17:21:54 -0800
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
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Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


Two years ago my fiance and I were in the same market you are in.  We listened
to the Vandersteen before the Definitive Technology.  We also auditioned the
Theil 1.2, Spica Angelue, and Epos 11.  

I was the first to try the Vandersteen.  For some reason, while I auditioned
the speakers with excellent electronics:  AR60 classic amp and comparable
AR pre-amp, along with the proceed processor...I was not impressed by the 
speaker.  The music I tested included classical, latin jazz and pure vocals.
I admit to leaning toward 'tube' versus 'not so tubular' sound quality.  
The Vandersteen did not appear to be 'naturally' musical to me.

We auditioned the Definitive Technology on three different occasions, post
Vandersteen.  With X7 Sony processor and VTLs, we couldn't stand to listen.
The VTLs, while providing power, did not allow for any clarity what so ever.
On another try, we tested the BP-10s with Conrad Johnson's PV8 pre-amp and
either the mv52 or PF1 amp.  In both tests, we began to hear the musical sound
we were looking for...smooth, rich voices, depth and width of a sound stage,
some resemblance of a tight bass.  We still had not found the sound we were
willing to pay for.  Until the salesman replaced the Conrad Johnson amp with
the Classe Audio DR3.  I was sold almost immediately.  Even at high volumes,
the voices were clear, saxophones were tuneful, and some resemblance of a tight
bass.

We bought the system we last auditioned.  Since that purchase, we have made
minor modifications:  hockey pucks to absorb unnecessary vibration being
generated by all components, tip toes, XLO interconnects and speaker cables.

We are very happy with our system.  We feel that the Definitive Technology is
a very neutral speaker, that the sound we get is a reflection of the strengths
of our components.  

When we talk upgrade at home, my husband, the real shopper in the house, never
talks about speakers, just da converter.  When I ask about improving the sound-
stage, we talk about upgrading from the Classe Audio, which I don't want to 
sell, to the Krell.  Can either of us think of another speaker we would rather
have for $1000?  Emphatically, the answer is no!

Are stereo is on from the moment we get up until we go to bed.  

You may have some doubts about the bass.  This is a question my husband continued
to deal with.  The trick here is to eliminate as much of the unnecessary vibra-
tion as possible.  Hockey pucks and tip toes really helped tighten up the bass.
When we added the XLO speaker cables we were amazed at how the speakers 
disappeared!  The speaker cables seemed to have more of an impact than the
interconnects.

We listen to a lot of acoustic music.  Donn never complains about the base
anymore (he is an ex-drummer).  The symbols are tight, Chesky recordings are
yummy...

Got the idea.  No Wilson Watts for me.

Only your ears will not for certain.  Forty miles isn't really that far to
travel when it comes to such an investment.

Have fun.

kcalica