Potato score: 91.3

91%

Vandersteen Model 1Ci+ #1
Vandersteen Model 1Ci+ variant 1
Vandersteen Model 1Ci+ variant 2
Vandersteen Model 1Ci+ variant 3

Vandersteen Model 1Ci+

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Floorstanding 2-Way with Stand

In constant production since 1983 the Model 1 series always represents incredible value and is a great speaker to start your audio journey. From the very first Model 1 a striking number are still listened to and cherished every day by real-world music lovers who still believe its performance-driven value proposition is as good as it gets for them. Timeless classics like the Model 1 have staying power because the designer stayed true to a vision. The Model 1 gives a sample of the Model 2's sonic excellence at about half the price in a smaller, easy-to-drive package.


"They nail the musical fundamentals better than some speakers I’ve heard that cost 20 times as much." -Jeff Dorgay, TONEAudio


"I was just reading about the new 2Ce Signature III, and they sound like a fantastic new iteration. I've had my 1Ci's for about 4 years and have enjoyed them immensely. I hope you never cease production of these two iconic speakers; they are speakers for the real world, and they represent the pinnacle of American quality, ingenuity and pride more so than most any product I can think of! My 1Ci's with my Belles Aria Integrated amplifier make me forget the hardware and enable me to get lost in the music. Thanks RV for all you've done for people who want great speakers at sane, sensible prices!" - Steven O - Vandersteen Owner


No speaker better introduces the growing younger aficionados to the Vandersteen mandates than the iconic Model 1. The new Model 1Ci+ does away with the unused attenuation for treble and features our modern crossover design to enhance the sound from top to bottom. The results are improved clarity and better midrange-timbre accuracy.  This is the 4th version of this iconic speaker and is still available under $2K with stands included.  Vandersteen is often asked how we pack so much sonic value into our Model 1.  The answer is looking at every detail and making sure it adds value to the ultimate sound.  Unlike the original design, the Model 1 is referenced to the Vandersteen family sound, including the Model 7 XTRM, and although not as revealing, it still stands as a proud part of the Vandersteen family of products.     The cabinet, or lack of wood veneer or paint, to be exact, remains in the new offering, as the cabinet is one of the critical elements of the high sonic value. - To touch this timeless cabinet design would result in a much higher price. Many other designers have wondered, “how does he do it at that price?” and the cabinet plays a large part in that value. Combining High-Quality Drivers into a fabric cabinet means excellent sonics for the price.



The alloy dome tweeter is a dual-chamber design improving range and linearity. It is carefully damped, eliminating the excessive ringing associated with metal dome tweeters. The alloy used for the dome offers superior strength and resistance to break-up. The midrange uses costly cast-metal baskets rather than the more common stamped baskets. The cast-metal patented open baskets’ inherent rigidity and superior vibration control increase cone movement accuracy and reduce sympathetic resonances for cleaner and more natural sound.  Vandersteen does not rely on listening alone to make claims of sonic excellence. Vandersteen Audio is the first loudspeaker manufacturer to use the Gen-Rad 2512 Fast Fourier Transform Computer Analyzer in research and development and remains a leader for interfacing complex loudspeaker parameters and performance computer analysis with practical design and engineering. The Model 1Ci+ continues Vandesteen’s quest to couple proven technology with advanced materials, construction, and design for a speaker system that is always true to both science and music at a value price point.


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Overall Score 91/100

Rating for [object Object]

Deliciously Crispy

With a notably refined midrange and a remarkably wide soundstage, the Vandersteen Model 1Ci+ couples musicality and imaging in a compact tower. Its single 8" mineral-filled woofer and tuned crossover deliver surprisingly deep, controlled bass, while build quality and crossover care give polished highs and dynamic clarity — observations from Ian White.

Pros

  • Coherent, forward midrange with excellent timbral accuracy thanks to first-order crossover topology.
  • Wide, layered soundstage and precise imaging from cabinet and crossover design.
  • Surprisingly deep, controlled bass for a single 8" woofer, extending toward the high 30Hz range.
  • High-quality construction and meticulous crossover engineering; product is Made in the USA.

Sound Quality

92/100

Bass

89/100

Single 8" mineral-filled polycone woofer with claimed response to 38 Hz ±3 dB yields bass extension and authority unusually strong for a compact single-woofer tower. The driver spec (40 oz focused-gap magnet, ventilated former) supports good control and low-frequency grip, though a single 8" will not match multi-woofer designs for sheer output in very large rooms. Given the spec'd low-end extension and driver engineering, the bass performance is rated high for the speaker's size.

Mid

94/100

First-order (6 dB/octave) crossover at 2.8 kHz and Vandersteen's design heritage point to coherent, forward midrange presentation with excellent timbral accuracy. The compact cabinet, careful woofer motor structure and positive phase alignment support natural vocal presence and crossover-phase coherence. Expect refined, immediate mids relative to peers in this size/price bracket.

Treble

92/100

1" dual-chamber, transmission-line loaded, ceramic-coated alloy dome with ferrofluid cooling implies extended, smooth top end with low distortion and good heat handling. Spec'd extension to 22.5 kHz and the gentle first-order crossover suggest airy, detailed highs without harshness. Treble is refined and revealing while remaining polite.

Soundstage Imaging

94/100

Small footprint (12" x 36" x 10") with first-order crossover design favors wide, layered soundstage and precise imaging. Vandersteen models typically emphasize spaciousness and stable images; the Model 1Ci+'s crossover and driver design support excellent focus and depth for a compact tower. Expect good placement stability and holographic presentation in-room.

Dynamics

90/100

90 dB sensitivity and recommended amp range (20–100 W into 8 ohms) indicate lively micro- and macro-dynamics without demanding very high power. The robust woofer motor (focused-gap, 40 oz magnet) and ventilated voice coil support transient control and punch for most music. While not reference-class slam of large multi-woofer towers, dynamics are excellent for the speaker's size.

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Build Quality

92/100

Made in the USA, die-cast basket woofer, mineral-filled cones and attention to crossover topology point to high-quality materials and engineering. At 44 lbs net and with focused-gap motor structures, the construction looks solid and well-damped for a compact floorstander. Overall finish and component choices reflect a premium build.

Features Connectivity

80/100

Passive tower baseline applied. Barrier-strip input terminals (7/16" max) are basic but functional; no bi-wire/bi-amp terminals or DSP expected and not penalized.

Value for Money

88/100

At $2,190 (pair) the 1Ci+ offers a strong combination of deep extension, refined midrange and wide soundstaging uncommon at this size and price. Without multiple review comparisons provided, the speaker appears to represent good value relative to peers given its build and performance specs.

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