Quote Originally Posted by electronicsprof2 View Post
My experience with Vandersteens is that everyone pretty much likes them, but some people think that they are too mellow. They are definitely not an "in-your-face" type of speaker that just blows you away with their "hi-fi" presentation. I don't think its really a love-hate thing, just which flavor suits you...lol.

When you put them with an amplifier that complements them, though, they get everything absolutely right. The model 2s, which I used to have, tend to sound bass-shy with many amplifiers, which is not good. The model 3, which I have, is much better all around, but a bit pricey these days at $4500 (they were $2800 when I bought them many years ago). I also have two Vandersteen 2W subs, which I kick in for huge kettledrums or pipe organ music or that sort of thing that goes way way low.

Another issue with the model 2s (and 3s) is that they are fussy about where you place them in the room in order for them to sound their best; I have seen them in showrooms where they are definitely NOT giving the bass or imaging they can give because of poor placement.

Once you get them set up properly, they are impressive.

For the money ($1200) I am very happy with the PSB Image T6 speakers. They are not big enough to go super-low in the bass, but for 98% of my music, they do very well; especially with the M3i amp. IT's an extremely nice system for the money. I would think you would have a hard time equaling it for the price.

I have been very impressed with PSB and KEF speakers generally; I think both companies put out products that perform very well at their price points (I have the KEF iQ9 speakers in my AV system at my big house).

I have never heard the Totem Winds, but for $14,000 they should be pretty damn good if they expect to sell them. A fair comparison would be to put them up against the $10,000 Vandersteen Quattros, I guess. That's more than I would care to spend on ANY speaker, in any case. A retired teacher can only stretch the budget so far, lol.

(by the way; is that Wlimington, CA or Delaware...?)
Wilmington, De. I didn't even know there was a Wilmington, Ca.
My wife is a retired teacher also, so I know about the budget not stretching like it used to.

My dealer has just recently added the Vandys and Totems so I'm sure they're still tweeking the setups on both. Now that I'm retired I'll have more time to go and check out both speakers.