Subwoofer Question s

Most, but not all, subwoofers offer a high-pass filter when you connect the sub via the speaker-level connections. You run the speaker wires from the amp to the sub, then from the sub to the main speakers. This is often a preset frequency filter and roll-off.

I have a pair of Vandi 2Wq subs, and swear by them. I did upgrade to the battery-biased outboard crossovers, though. They are not small. See the Vandersteen web site for more info and dimensions.

OK, this topic is related to a question I asked some time ago. Another answer to this situation is the Classe CP 800 preamp. It outputs for two channel setups like yours. It has an internal crossover. I own one. I use it on my Snell Type A V 5's which consist of two tower (38 htz to 20,000 htz) and two 18" bass units. Normally the system came with outboard active crossovers which are RCA only. I wanted better so I bought a Marchand crossover for splitting the signal. The bass was to die for but the upper frequencies lacked something. I thought that removing the Marchand unit might do the trick as I'd have a shorter signal path and fewer cables. The midrange and treble are now incredible with the Classe but the bass is now lazy. I used to be able to shake the walls if I wanted to. No can do now. I need to try a few more things. Does anyone know about the differences between LFE processing and an active crossover? Maybe the answer to audio bliss lies in unraveling this mystery. Joe

Schubert - Well, large is relative, I suppose. They were larger than I had expected, but since they tend to be placed in a corner, it's not a problem in our space.

I believe the Vandersteen setup is unique, but can't swear to it. But as Bondmanp says, I swear by them. The moment I placed them into my system, the overall sound improved tremendously.