Model 1Ci+

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.

Starting at $2,020 / Pair With Stands


Prices shown do not include duty, taxes, or freight

Available Finishes

Click on Finishes to Enlarge

(*) indicates upgrade finishes.

Vandersteen Audio has done its best to photograph these wood finishes on each product page, but please know that while the woods we receive from our vendors are unfailingly high in quality, no two pieces of wood are ever exactly alike. This is dictated by nature. We promise that your speakers will look gorgeous, but not that they will precisely match the photos you see on our website or on our dealers’ in-store demo speakers.

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"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.

Model 1Ci+ Specifications

Tweeter

1” Exclusive Dual-Chamber, Transmission-Line Loaded, Ceramic-Coated Alloy Dome with Ferrofluid Voice-Coil Cooling

Woofer

8” Mineral-Filled Polycone with Die-Cast Basket, 1.5” Dual-Layer Voice Coil with Ventilated Aluminum Former, 40 oz. Focused-Gap Magnet Structure

Phase

Positive

Recommended Amplification

20-100 Watts Into 8 Ohms

Frequency Response

38Hz – 22.5kHz +/- 3dB

Sensitivity

90 dB, 1 meter with 2.83 volt input

Impedance

6.8 ohms +/- 2 ohms

Crossovers

First order/6dB per octave, 2.8kHz

Input Terminals

Barrier strips, 7/16" max width

Dimensions (WHD)

12” x 36” x 10”

Weight

44 lbs. Net

Country of Manufacture

Made in the USA
  • Jun 1, 2003
    Model 1Ci+

    "Hearing the Vandersteen System 1 with two different receivers makes me want to jump up and down and grab people by their ears to hear what can be accomplished in a $6000 home-theater system with a $1000 to $1700 receiver."

    Doug Blackburn

    See Full Review