If you are able to move, hopefully you can have a dedicated room for audio/HT. It makes a huge difference in the experience. Until then you are blessed to have two systems. Enjoy!
Yes, I was thinking, "What a shame the 2CE's are not in the primary listening system..." One always would like the best stuff in the rig that gets listened to the most. One thought that struck me is whether you are able to rearrange the furniture to accommodate the larger speakers in your primary listening room. You can always toss out a sofa or chair; who needs to entertain guests? Audio systems are for one, max two people anyway. ;)
You do not have full blown audiophilia nervosa until you are relentlessly scanning the classifieds, pining for two or three components you really have no clue how they would sound, and dreaming of their being the "missing component" in your rig... But you're well on your way! Systems are like children, once born they tend to need care and feeding. Isn't that a wonderful sentiment for you on Mother's Day! :)
Al, it appears in the pic that she does have the Sound Anchor stands with her speakers, so she should be able to tilt them. Tough to tell from the pic but they might already be tilted slightly. Looking at the angle of the component cabinet's top relative to the speakers' top edge I would say they have a decent backward slant to them; my guess is the speakers have already set up with their backward tilt to optimize them as Vandersteen suggests.
Having used these speakers extensively in both on and off axis listening, I would characterize them as having only a very marginal improvement in "energy" by positioning them properly. A slight increase in clarity, yes, but not significant increase in "energy". A more powerful amp would yield far more "energy" with greater dynamics, larger soundstage, potentially better detail, etc. It would also vastly improve transient response, something the low end of the 2CE really needs.
A pertinent question for Audiowoman would be: Do you feel the bass or the mid/treble needs more energy? Or the speaker overall? The reason I ask is to ascertain whether you feel the bass is too strong, too muffled, or the midrange/treble not potent enough> The 2CE is a very laid back speaker. If you don't sense enough sizzle or vitality to it, then it may not be your ideal speaker. This can be remedied to a point with different components and cables, but not entirely.
If overall you love the bass, the tonality, etc. and can't think of changing speakers, but think it doesn't have enough slam or heft, then move to a more powerful amp.
Also try the NAD cdp just for the fun of it; you may be surprised. Just that change alone might satisfy your craving for "energy". However, if all manner of component changes fail to impress you, then it's likely the speakers which are not to your satisfaction. The Vandy's are excellent, but have their own voice, which you will judge in time whether it's your ideal or not. :)
You will find that, "I'm not sure what to think about that," is a common perception in audio. Virtually any change conceived for a rig is met with questions, concerns - not major life concerns, but audiophile concerns, that the change hopefully will improve things, hopefully a LOT!
I have always felt it's worth experimenting with the components on hand, as I have either learned something about systems, or achieved a more desirable result. If you are really liking the tonality of the NAD gear with the 1C then definitely you should experiment further. You can move the speakers and see what the 2CE's sound like with the NAD rig. Then you can determine if you want to take it in that direction.
Lovely system, Audiowoman! I used to own the 2CE's. Are you seeking more detail, more clarity when you say, "Dealer has recommended updating cabling in this system to bring more energy to it."? i.e. were you suggesting you would like more energy?
If so, there are couple things you can do; some cheap, the others more costly.
Cheaper: Bi-wire the speakers. Use double runs of cabling to the inputs of the speakers. I only see one very thin speaker cable; it may be single pair of leads L/R at the amp and doubled at each speaker. If so, Kudos, you already are taking advantage of this option, which in my experience has never failed to add "energy" and vitality to speakers offering it. However, this is not as effective at changing the sound as changing components or speakers. If you only have one pair of L/R leads for each speaker and are using jumpers to take the signal from one input on the back of the speaker to the other, then definitely you'd benefit from bi-wiring. Your dealer can explain it to you further, or you can do a search on the Net.
Very cheap: I felt the low end had a bit too much bloom/bloat at the time I had the 2CE (different rig, different room). To eliminate some of that low end overhang I placed sound absorbent material behind the speaker about 1 foot away (you might also try larger pillows initially for experimentation); this absorbed some of the bloat and allowed the mid/highs to shine a bit more. Very economical and might do the trick!
More costly: I hate to say it, but you may like a "brighter" and leaner sounding speaker than the Vandy. Vandy's are very laid back, smooth, warm and somewhat syrupy. If you want more snap, forwardness, detail, etc. you likely will have to change speakers to get the level of those qualities you want.
If you really like the tonality of the Vandy and just want more "oomph" then possibly move up on the power of the amp. Maybe your dealer can loan you an amp with higher power to let you experience it in your system. You'll likely be impressed at the difference it makes.
Hopefully, if your sound is in need of tweaking the more cost-efficient answers will help! :)
