Tower Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: V2W
Connections: Two mono line-level inputs: in phase/phase inverted
Enclosure Type: Passive radiator
Woofer (size in inches, type): 8, fiber cone (3), 12, passive radiator (1)
Power Rating (watts): 300, RMS
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Light Oak, Dark Oak; Other finishes also available
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 18.5 x 18 x 17
Weight (pounds): 80
Price: $1,295

Subwoofer 2Wq
Connections: Stereo speaker level in
Enclosure Type: Sealed
Woofer (size in inches, type): 8, fiber cone (3)
Power Rating (watts): 300, RMS
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Light Oak, Dark Oak; Other finishes also available
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 18.5 x 18 x 17
Weight (pounds): 80
Price: $1,295

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker 1C
Type: Two-way tower
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, metal-alloy dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 6.5, polycone
Woofer (size in inches, type): 8, die-cast basket with curvilinear polycone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 6.8
Recommended Amp Power: 20–100 watts
Available Finishes: Light Oak, Dark Oak; Other finishes also available
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 36 x 12 x 10
Weight (pounds): 44
Price: $785/pair

Speaker VCC-5
Type: Three-way center
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, metal-alloy dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 6.5, polycone
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, polycone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 4
Recommended Amp Power: 100–200 watts
Available Finishes: Light Oak, Dark Oak; Other finishes also available
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 24 x 9.75 x 18
Weight (pounds): 68
Price: $1,995

Speaker VSM-1
Type: Two-way, surround
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, metal-alloy dome
Midrange (size in inches, type): 6.5, polycone
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, polycone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power: 30–100 watts
Available Finishes: Light Oak, Dark Oak; Other finishes also available
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 23.5 x 12.25 x 5
Weight (pounds): 31
Price: $949/pair

Ratings: Vandersteen Audio 1C Speaker System

Build Quality: 94
• Real wood veneers
• The 1C and VSM-1 feature tweeter-level controls
• The VCC-5's complex internal cabinetry is a remarkable achievement

Value: 92
• Vandersteen offers some of the most affordable domestically manufactured high-end speakers you can buy.
• Custom finishes are available for a minimal extra cost

Features: 93
• You can adjust the subwoofer for tight, lean bass or maximum rumble
• The 1C tower, VCC-5 center, and VSM-1 surrounds feature phase-correct crossover designs

Performance: 95
• The speakers' holographic soundstaging approaches the state of the art
• The sub's impressive bass slam is matched by nimble pitch definition

Ergonomics: 82
• The 1C towers aren't shielded, so keep them at least 10 inches from direct-view TVs
• The zaftig center speaker may pose placement problems

Overall Rating: 93
If you've got the space to accommodate 'em, Vandersteen's time-tested designs and stubbornly American-made approach produce a huge, highly focused sound.

General Information
1C Tower Speaker, $785/pair
VCC-5 Reference Center Speaker, $1,995
VSM-1 Surround Speaker, $949/pair
2Wq Subwoofer, $1,295;
V2W Subwoofer, $1,295
Vandersteen
(559) 582-0324
www.vandersteen.com
Dealer Locator Code VDR