Vandersteen model 1

zarrdoss

I might be able to pick a pair of these up (like I need them) that seem to be in great condition for around $150 or so from my pawn shop connection.
Any issues with them, foam rot, x-over failure? does anyone know the exact specs on them? and most importantly how do they sound? I did search but didn't really find what I was looking for. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you!

mshan242700

Why not contact the designer himself?: http://www.vandersteen.com/vandersteen_001.htm

Timothy Smith

Zarrdoss (by the way great name and a weird movie if that's what it refers to)

If the Vandersteens are early series, they are likely to have rotted foam surrounds on the woofers, unless someone has already replaced them within the last 5-10 years. Or, the plastic woofer cones may have separated from the surrounds.

I have bought used Vandy 1's and 2's and both had rotted surrounds, and/or separated cones. Unfortunately it is hard to check without removing the "socks". You can try looking thru the black cloth with a strong flashlight, or hook them up and see if they make flapping sounds.

It is a pain to take the socks off, you have to unscrew the bottom plates, remove about 100 staples and glue, then roll the socks up to expose the drivers. But these speakers sound great and it should be well worth it.

You can replace the foam surrounds yourself, have Vandersteen do it (kind of expensive), or use an outside service. If the cones have separated from the surrounds you might be able to fix them with black silicone "windsheild trim" adhesive.

You might even decide to leave the socks off since they look pretty cool without them.

If you can show the pawn shop owner that the surrounds are bad wih a flashlight, you may be able to get the price down.

Good luck, you will love the speakers.

Tim

zarrdoss

I just read that they have rubber surrounds on these, but will check anyway. I have time to contemplate this as they just went in and have to sit for 30 days.

zarrdoss

Yes that is that weird **** movie with Sean Connery. It would be great if someone would re-make it.

cubdog

mshan242700 wrote: »

Why not contact the designer himself?: http://www.vandersteen.com/vandersteen_001.htm

I second this suggestion. Richard Vandersteen is very open to anyone looking for information about his speakers.

cubdog

zarrdoss

cubdog wrote: »

I second this suggestion. Richard Vandersteen is very open to anyone looking for information about his speakers.

cubdog

So do you think he will give an unbiased opinion on how his speakers sound?:rolleyes: I might contact them to find out for sure on the woofer surround and any other problems upgrades that needs to be done but I would still like to know if anyone has had any personal experience with these?

Thanks

mshan242700

I would assume he thinks they sound good, but he should still be able to tell you what type of equipment works particularly well with his speaker and probably some tips on how to set them up for optimal sound.

Timothy Smith

Zardoz,

On second thought, I think you are right, the Vandy 1's woofers had rubber surrounds and the Vandy 2's had foam surrounds. The 1's only needed some silicone to reattach the cone edge to the surrounds where it came loose.

As far as sound quality goes, I actually liked the 1's better that the 2's. The 2's had a metal dome tweeter that sounded a lttle harsh to my ears. I read somewhere that music lovers tend to love Vandy's vs. audiophiles. I probably am some where between the two.

I have owned and enjoyed more Polk speakers than any other brand, but I still like (and currently own) Vandersteens, Dahlquists, ADS's, and Magneplanars too. Sometimes I wish I could just settle down and decide what I like best in terms of speakers, amps, preamps etc. but I keep changing out different combinations. Maybe that makes the hobby fun.

stuwee

They are great speakers, they do like some power though they don't tax an amp with a difficult load.

zarrdoss

Thanks all.
I went to check them out again and with a powerful flashlight they looked good and had tweeters and components that looked like the ones in this pic.

Attachment not found.

stuwee

zarrdoss wrote: »

Thanks all.
I went to check them out again and with a powerful flashlight they looked good and had tweeters and components that looked like the ones in this pic.

Attachment not found.

Snag those puppies! You'll love them. That design has been around a long time for a good reason. Enjoy