Vandersteen 3A Signature vs. Theil 3.6

milwaukeekid · « **on:** 13 Mar 2011, 04:01 am »

Looking for comparison of Vandersteen 3A Signature vs. Theil 3.6. They both have the same design philosophy that I'm interested in.

What should I expect from one vs. the other? I'm interested in direct comparisons.

Thanks

Phil A · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 04:32 am »

Welcome to the forum. Have not heard them side by side. The Vandersteen is a current model. The 3.6s have been out of production almost 5 years. The Vandersteen is more efficient and a much easier to drive load. From memory the Thiels are rated 4 ohms but the minimum is around 2.5. Don't get me wrong, I like Thiels (if you look at my Gallery I have 3.7s in the main system and SCS2s in the bedroom), but they are the poster child for needing everything that comes before them in the chain as being good from cabling to electronics. Both are really nice speakers. The questions I'd ask is how big a room, what are your electronics and what are your listening habits with regard to music preferred and how loud do you listen?

milwaukeekid · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 04:56 am »

Room is 13' x 15' living room.

I admit that I listen to pretty much anything. Mostly blues (chicago, texas, etc), jazz, classic rock, and current pop. A little classical, dance/trance and others too.

milwaukeekid · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 05:26 am »

Just looked at your systems. Great set-ups.

As far as matching equipment. I'm just starting to upgrade to true audiophile components. This will be my first step. I figured speakers are the starting point. I only have a very basic Sony lifestyle surround system right now.

I will be building a system for home theater and for stereo computer audio. I plan on eventually getting the new Oppo BDP-93 or 95 universal player, some sort of Firewire DAC and running a Mac Mini. I could see purchasing a separate 2-channel pre-amp, but I think that a home theater processor + separate amp along the lines of the new Cary Cinema Series or something equivalent would be a smarter first choice. (Frankly, I could use some advice on choosing which way to go as a first step regarding the pre-amp/amp vs. processor direction).

Phil A · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 03:27 pm »

A couple of thoughts. As noted, the Thiels are not a current model. If you are going to do a center and surrounds, it might be something that is a bit harder to do vs. a speaker that is a current model and the manufacturer makes current center and surround speakers. The size should not be an issue. It is a bit smaller than my bedroom (probably 13.5x17.5 but has a tray ceiling so it is a bit more volume). I have a BDP-93 in the bedroom. It's good for an all round piece and a great Blu-Ray and DVD Player but it is not something I'd call audiophile playing CDs. It's not an issue for me as my bedroom system backs to the main system and the balanced outs of my Bryston BDA-1 DAC go to the main system preamp and the RCAs go to the bedroom. So I can play any of the sources hooked in the main system, including the Squeezebox Touch or the HDMI Audio De-Embedder I have hooked to my modded BDP-83 to extract hi-rez PCM from SACDs.

Decide on a budget. Don't ignore sources like accessories4less.com where you can get a factory authorized refurb from Marantz (or Onkyo). I got my basement receiver and an exteneded warranty through an independent co. (Warrentech) that way. A Marantz pre/pro will be good for music and movies. I have a Marantz SR6003 (receiver) in the bedroom (and it makes an excellent preamp and I have a Bryston 3BST for the left and right channels). Decide if you need something like 3D. If not, you can snag a bit older model sometimes at a really good deal. Cary would be a good choice as well. I ended up with a preamp (with HT Bypass) and a separate processor in the main system as new digital technology changes fairly rapidly and then you have something that is obsolete to an extent. People who are into HT without being an audiophile, which is probably most people, usually don't want yesterday's technology except at a steep discount. I snagged an Integra pre/pro for the main system at a great deal on Craigslist (the guy just wanted HDMI 1.4 for 3D) and I could sell it for 35-40% more than I got it for ($600) and it sounds great on movies.

If you are going to do surround (or even if not), layout your room with regards to seating and where components and a TV would be. That may dictate certain constraints. Don't overlook the used market (Audiogon, Craigslist amoung others). Once the room is laid out, go take your favorite CDs and listen to speakers. By then you should know what will fit, whether you want floorstanders or whatever and once you do that you will be ready to make purchases of the various components.

Phil A · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 03:54 pm »

Don't know if you are located in Milwaukee (by your user name) but Audiogon also does allow searches by zip (too many people list items here and neglect to put the location - I may have asked about a couple of things either for myself or others I know in the market if I had known it is a car ride away) and you go do such a search and get results like this:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl?ZIPC=53&submit=Go

and then click on an ad that may be of interest to you such as:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl?ZIPC=53&submit=Go

milwaukeekid · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 06:58 pm »

Thanks!!! This is great advice!

I started looking at the Theil 3.6, because I have an opportunity to pick up a pair used. The Vandersteens are also used. Both would be around the same price too, so that's why I started to look at comparisons. Based on your comments it does sound like the Vandersteen 3A will be an easier speaker to start with, that will allow me to upgrade components over time and still tolerate lesser gear while I get there. The one advantage the Theils have is they are local.

rollo · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Mar 2011, 06:43 pm »

Good advice but moot. no offense meant. The Vandys are a richer darker sounding speaker. The Theils are highly detailed neutral and slightly bright.
Knowing that will help with the character of sound you desire. Your room 13x15 almost square is a tough room. IMO neither will work well without room treatments. both speakers have a need for high power as well. If you like the character of the Vandys check out the 2Ce sing. If you like the Theil character focal comes to mind as well as B&W.

Monitors and a sub may be your best bet.

charles