2. speakers
  3. 127616-1601

Vandersteeen 2wq (or any sub) in small room

Hi everyone,

I have an 11x16x8 room for music, with Vandersteen 2ce's and Aragon 8008BB amp. Tried all manner of placement, but still feel the bass is a bit thin (I realize that Vandersteens produce musical and accurate bass, but this is my perception). I have been reading about the merits of the 2wq sub in improving the Vandersteen sound, but these advocates usually have much larger rooms. Is using a sub in a small room a fool's errand? Would teh 2wq be a particularly finicky addition? Should I return to my efforts at room treatment with bass traps? Thank you. 

Paul.
paulburnett
Post removed 
Post removed 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,836 posts
 
The response characteristic the subs take on from the system amplifier makes for a virtually seamless mating between bass response of main speakers and response from the Vandy subs.

The seamless integration of main speakers with the 2wq subs. makes for a satisfying listening experience.  Another benefit of the Vandersteen approach is that the main amplifier is freed from reproducing deep bass and thus leaves more power (dynamic response) for the main speakers.  Cleaner midrange and treble.  Greater PRAT.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,836 posts
 
@gdnrbob,

The 2wq add the ability to adjust the "Q" of the subwoofer.  Because the Treo CT has a tight 8" woofer, I have the "Q" setting of my subs. set to the minimum setting (Tightest) so the response characteristic of the subs. mates best with the Treo CT.

gdnrbob
4,506 posts
 
Thanks hifiman5, I am wondering if it would be worth moving up to the 2wq. 
I have a pair of HSU subs for my office that have a 'q' function, but I seem to keep them on the low side anyway(-I'm not a fan of boomy bass).
I can't remember, but I think the 2w has a low q response. Maybe I should call Johnny R.
More to discover