I have now owned the 1B for five years and it has lasted me several component changes. My system is currently thus: Dynaco Stereo 70 Mk II amp, Acurus Pre-amp/Phono section, Rega Planar 2 w/ Blue point, Nakamichi CD Player 2 w/ Aragon D2A Mk II. I have along the way listened to several other speakers from B&W, NHT, Paradigm et al yet always found that my audio buck was better spent upstream. The 1B is not a perfect speaker but it is a very well balanced speaker. The bass is not the deepest possible but in its price range it is taught and tuneful. The mid range, especially w/ tubes is luscious, perhaps verging on the other side of romantic, but I find this preferable to it being cold. The treble is not as refined as I would like but it is rarely objectionable. Imaging and soundstaging are first rate. I have had this system set up in four different houses and the speaker has worked well in all situations. I don't think one can do better in the sub $1000 price catagory. I have yet to hear the 1C but if it is anything like the Bit is a worthy succesor.

These Vandersteens are very interesting speakers. They sound better and better as I listen to them. I like them so much that I am going to replace my NAD 314 amp with Jolida SJ502A int amp to do them justice. That's how much I like them. When I first got them, I regretted not purchasing Superones with a subwoofer. But now, these Vandersteen speakers sound so sweet to my ears. NHT Superones can sound dry and metallic. Five enthusiastic speakers.