Comments on: Vandersteen 1Ci Speakers: A Logical Used Choice for Newbies?

By: Ian White

Ian White — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:46:45 +0000

In reply to JCJ.

JC,

Appreciate the kind words. I have 3-4 new system builder articles coming this month.

I will certainly let readers know where components are made.

Best,
Ian

By: JCJ

JCJ — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:47:27 +0000

Hi Ian,
Fantastic site,like your approach with the system builder! For years wondered why nobody would do this. I understand that there are tons of frustrated audio/music fans that go through a pile of cash to find the right synergy, some never do, manufacturers and reviewers know this and of course play the game together.
I found happiness back in 1991 with Vandersteen’s 2ce’s, a Music Reference RM-5 Mark III tube preamplifier. Later I added a Odyssey Stratos amplifier when the B&K died, Musical Fidelity V90 Dac. Mapleshade Audio has good isolation products and wire that is amazing and affordable. Listening to Deodato 2 right now as I write this. I see you are also a fan of Freddie Hubbard! WDNA.org in Miami plays great jazz! DJ Michael Valentine is very good,others too!
Try Odyssey amps and you will be pleasantly surprised by the sound, they are bulletproof, mine is 22 years old and going strong, made in the USA with a 20 year warranty and good value. There is something very right with the tone, imaging and balance of Vandersteen speakers. The 1C beats a lot of the johnny come lately bookshelf speakers out there and there’s no need for stands. The music sounds like music! I continue to invest in tweaking my dedicated room (the room makes the system, not the other way around) and expanding my music collection. I also like Schitt Audio, value and excellent sound made in the USA, Jason Stoddard is a great guy.
Would you please consider letting us know where review products are made?
First audio site that makes me hungry, pastrami on rye bread for me, your suggestions look mighty and yummy. Love the vintage section too. My first system bought new in 1976: JBL L-100, Kenwood 8300 integrated and tuner, Philips GA-212 turntable. Except for the turntable, it all works and my son has it. Something about made in USA and Japan when it comes to audio, is called (Quality!). Congratulations and best wishes!

By: Ian White

Ian White — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 21:57:35 +0000

In reply to Steven O’Farrell.

Steven,

Would love to hear some suggestions.

Ian

By: Steven O'Farrell

Steven O'Farrell — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:41 +0000

You’re welcome, Ian. It’s easy to express gratitude after reading articles of such high quality as yours. I’ve been reading your articles for a few weeks now and they are all a pleasure, not just the ones about equipment I own. I’m a fan, and I’m already looking forward to any upcoming thoughts you have about the world of audio, or any of your other interests in general. For me, the gear is a conduit for the emotional impact and beauty of the music to flow through. Carefully chosen pieces of the system can create a whole greater than the sum of its parts, and that’s where the magic begins, audio wise. They don’t call it a system for nothing! I really enjoy your TASB articles, as well as individual items and may, if you don’t mind, suggest some specific products for you to consider at some point. Not many, but “sleepers” that for some odd reason haven’t gotten their just due, if you will. Greatness can be achieved at all the price points you suggest, and it’s the affordable great stuff that gets me excited. Things that I can possibly own are what interests me. I’m glad you had that pushback moment; we are all the better for it!

By: Ian White

Ian White — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:25:36 +0000

In reply to Steven O’Farrell.

Steven,

Greatly appreciate your letter and very kind words. Possibly my favorite letter of the year.

I plan on writing 1-2 TASB articles every week going forward.

I suppose I had this moment of pushback a few years ago when I started listening to more equipment below $1,000 and more used high-end products. I realized just how great of a system you could create now under $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, and even $1,000.

I have set a $10,000 limit for our system coverage on the site and don’t plan on deviating.

Ian White

By: Steven O'Farrell

Steven O'Farrell — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:21:17 +0000

I appreciate the fact that you listen to your readers feedback.The audio press loves to cover the the outlandishly priced gear that most people will never own in their lifetimes. This obsession with mega priced audio appeals to some audiophiles, but does nothing to to bring less informed, budget minded music lovers into this pleasurable pastime, which is sad. It only creates the perception that “a genuine taste of the high end” is unattainable, too expensive and out of the question. The consumer is also at fault, so many of whom go out and spend a small fortune on their devices, their junk lifestyle and last but not least, the infamous Home Theatre in a Box that they inevitably set up wrong, not that it makes much of a difference. These are the same people who are shocked if I tell them I spent $4500 on an amp, speakers and some decent cables. Articles like this, and your timely and terrific Audiophile System Builder column are exactly what is needed to convince people that great audio is attainable, affordable and a much better value than squandering a ton of money on junk. For half of what I spent, there are speakers and amps out there that would blow peoples minds! Of all the things I own, my audio system components represent the best build quality, the best dependability, and the best bang for the buck, pleasure returned for money spent. It’s a buy it, forget it and enjoy it proposition. Barely any maintenance required. We live in the Golden Age of affordable, great sounding audio and most of the population is totally oblivious. Your articles bring attention to this blatant disconnect, and I look forward to reading more articles like these. Great sound is not just for the privileged few, and you are really helping to bring awareness to that irrefutable fact!