No bass for HT with Vandersteen 2wq...

The Vandy is a nice subwoofer. However, the easiest way to solve all of your integration problems is the get a REL subwoofer.

Well, for starters, the Vandy 2Wq MUST be used with the Vandy-supplied crossover. The Vandy 2Wq system is designed so that the crossover not only switches over from the main speaker to the sub(s) at about 80 Hz, but the subs themselves have a built-in compensating curve that is the inverse of the roll-off to the main speaker.

It sounds like you may have a phase problem. When I first installed my pair of Vandy 2Wq's, I thought the bass response sounded recessed. I talked to my local Vandy dealer, who suggested reversing the phase on both subs (instead of positive-to-positive connections, make them positive-to-negative). Once I reversed the connections -- VOILA! huge increase in bass (both depth and volume).

You may also need to play with the crossover settings in the crossover box. The Vandy guidelines suggest setting values on the crossover to one level below the one that matches the input impedance of your amp. I found that with my Bryston 4B-ST power amp, I needed to set the crossover values to exactly match the input impedance of the amp. You will be surprised how much difference in performance there is from one crossover setting to the next (either up or down).

The crossover box that Vandy supplies for use with the Model 3A's and 2Ce's is OK, but not great. If you own high quality main speakers, you may want to consider buying the crossover that Vandersteen makes for the subwoofer in their Model 5 speaker. The Model 5 crossover is much higher quality, and since it has DIP switches, rather than being hard-wired, you can easily play with settings to see their effect. You can also use this crossover with any new amp that you subsequently buy that has a different input impedance than the previous amp. I have the M5 crossover in my Vandy system, and it is absolutely seamless -- can't even tell it's there.

Last comment: I use my pair of Vandy 2Wq's for both audio and HT, and have been very pleased with them. They may not be the last word in reproducing explosions, nor the absolute best choice for playback at extremely high volume levels, but they do a terrific job with music and the majority of LFE. If you want more "oomph" from them for HT and LFE, try turning the "Q" setting up to the maximum setting, and down (to around 2 or 3) for 2-channel audio.

Of my various suggestions above, I'd suggest you start by reversing the signal leads at the subwoofer inputs. If your phase has been reversed, you will notice an immediate and substantial increase in bass output.

Go to www.Audioperfectionist.com and read his articles on subwoofers and home theater in general.

Sdcampbell. Excellent response !

I agree; great answer. Sdcampbell really knows his Vandersteen subs. The REL's have a phase switch, so it is easy to determine which phase is correct without a lot of fuss. You don't need a crossover with a REL either. You can adjust the crossover/slope and volume right at the sub. These are the reasons I stated they are easy to integrate.

That said; the Vandersteen is a very nice musical sub at its price point; and you will enjoy it once you can get it setup correctly.