Vandersteen Sub woofers v Rythmik Subs

@hifiman5 
Only a proselyte would believe that it is possible for a dumb amplifier to change characteristics based on it's driving source. If that were possible, changing any of the 'perfect' electronics in our systems would hopelessly dependent on its upstream device.

In the Vandersteen 2ce II, the impedance doubles from 4Ω to 8Ω between 35 and 75Hz, dropping to a nominal 6Ω @ 200Hz.

The output of a tube amp transformer will be a non-linear voltage driving such a load  as can been see on any Stereophile tube amp review.

The Vandersteen sub amp is a voltage driven device, as are most amps. When the voltage rises the output of the sub will also rise. What results is a doubling of the bass output @ 35Hz vs 75Hz. This would not occur with a tube amp driving a loudspeaker.

Another issue I never considered a good design was the passive XO with limited adjustment. In all but a limited number of amp input impedances, the frequency will be sub optimum possibly varying by as much as half an octave. It's been my experience that as little as 10Hz can have a significant effect when tuning a sub into room. A fixed frequency sub may work well in the lab, but may not elsewhere.

ALL MANUFACTURERS MAKE CLAIMS. As consumers, it our task to separate the buckwheat from the b...s...

@mr_m  Well said!  I recently had my McCormack DNA-1 upgraded by Steve McC at SMc Audio.  Upon discussing the prospects of upgrading/rebuilding my amp, he told me that some well-heeled clients afforded him the opportunity to design some ultra amps. He was able to take some of what he learned designing those amps and trickle them down to his SMc modifications and that my amp. would benefit from such. Exactly the same mentality as RV who loves to push the limits with the Model 7s and then bring some of what he learns down to the lower end of the line.  I agree with your assertion that the Model 1, 2, 3 designs are the bread and butter of his company as all of those speakers deliver great sound for the price and accommodate to diverse listening tastes and listening spaces.  For those who are ready to move up the line for an even more refined listening experience the speakers are there to be had.

@ieales  I guess you straightened Mr. Vandersteen and I out.  Thank God someone did!😯

ieales,

Since you have now claimed to have blown holes in all of Vandersteen's theories in subwoofer design, what would you suggest to be correct????

@noble100 

tim - it looks like you missed a few decades of Vandersteen innovation since your speaker shopping experience with now long discontinued model 4

yes Vandersteen has always been about frugal value many of the products ( which you can still buy in upgraded version today ) have risen less than inflation ( Model 1ci data available on a recent thread ) perhaps you have run a business and did better that inflation... I can say having run a $1b a year operation it can be tough and requires constant improvement

i would say including Dick Hardesty that Vandersteen entered the ranks of the very best of high end with the model 5
which includes a magical push pull aluminum cone driver with patented honeycomb bracing - lots of crappy non pustonic drivers might even out frequency response but out of phase junk is distortion.
the 7 which you seem to malign ( have ya heard it ? ) as Uber expensive is with exceptions of Magnepan probably the best value in SOTA speakers
count me as biased, I own a pair and the monoblocks
look at peer group prices at Munich show and perhaps learn that $62k might be good value
did you by any chance take time to understand the carbon fiber and constrained layer cabinet in the 9 sub ?

finally Vandersteen are ruthless about driving advanced features and technology down the line to improve Sound in less expensive models
i get you love swarm, you are happy
enjoy the music !!!!