Will a sub woofer mess up my tone and phase aligned speakers

The Reference 3A Decapo’s are phased aligned speakers and in answer to your question then as well as now no, a properly integrated sub can not only add the lower frequencies but flesh out the mid bass through the upper frequency range. One of my earliest experiencies with the benefits of a properly integrated subwoofer was with Vandeersteen 2C speakers in a properly set-up and treated room over 30 years ago, subs, there were 2 subs in that setup both Vandersteen as well. With my current setup there in absolutely no loss of anything least of all tone. The amp is working less, lower distortion, less noise/artifacts, thus greater clarity, detail, dynamics and tone. The room is treated and the subs were adjusted using a spectrum analyzer. One thing I would add two subs offer a significant improvement over one.

I would speak with John the of Audio Connection in New Jersey. I’m sure he could help you with any questions regarding your 1ci’s. Good Luck Jim!

Don't be afraid…you simply move the sub around until it sounds good to you. Not rocket surgery, not difficult unless you want it to be. Also, music is not a test tone, so adjust the damn thing from time to time.

a 60hz FREQ is 16 feet long. 1/4 wavelenght is 4 feet


As a rule, path length differences of less than 1/4 wavelength do not need to be corrected (time-aligned).

So, if the distance from listening position to main speakers and subwoofer are less than 1m different and the crossover point is below 80Hz, no correction needed.

I concur with audiogroover.
Call/email John Rutan at Audioconnection (that is his ID on Agon, too).
He can give you the best info regarding Vandy speakers.
You can also call and leave a message at Vandersteen. 
Mr. V. usually calls back the next morning- but, have all your questions ready, as he can be a bit brusque. (Well, he does have a company to run).
Bob

I used to have 1Cs, and I added a pair of 2Wq subs. They did not mess up the phase or tone, but the in-line filter was less than fully transparent. I later upgraded to the battery biased Vandersteen crossovers, and the transparency was restored. The Vandy 2Wq is specifically desigend not to introduce phase issues with the main speakers.