vandersteen 2w subwoofer


I hope someone more tech-savvy than I am can shed some light: would it be possible to replace the proprietary x-2 crossover with a high-pass filter generated by the parametric EQ of a DSP engine? I tried to roll-over 6db/octave at around 80Hz, and it seems to work -- but I don't know if that could potentially damage the subwoofer.
Thank you in advance,
Roberto

dainotto
Hi Dainotto,

You can’t damage a subwoofer by feeding it too much high frequencies. :)

Yes, you can use your own DSP / EQ to act as the HP filter for your main speakers. Vandersteen is a 1st order fanatic, but THX usually uses sealed satellites with 2nd order electrical crossovers as a matter of convenience.

What is most important in my mind is the phase and amplitude matching. If you are going to use an external DSP engine for your mains, you might as well use it to EQ the sub as well.

Having said this, DSP engines use A/D, D/A conversion. If you spent a lot of money on your DAC, this is not the way to go.  For this reason I keep my EQ out of my main speaker path, but feed the sub through the EQ.

Best,


E
Also, I"m not sure what your preamp is. The Parasound P5 and P7 have integrated bass management. That's how I roll. 

Best,


E
The Vandie subs don't care how you achieve the high pass as long as the main amps are crossed at 80hz.
Thank you both! I am using Benchmark DAC2 HGC as preamp (no bass management); DSP is done through Roon (as far as I understand, EQ is applied to a digital signal). I will go ahead with DSP then, since I believe there is something wrong with my X-2 crossovers.