Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT Setup Questions

Vandersteen Quatro CT Setup Update

I decided to ask Jonathan Spelt from Ultra Fidelis in Milwaukee do a masters setup on my Quatro CTs. Bottom line is the difference is remarkable.

Originally I set them up myself. I was extremely detailed when I did my initial setup. I followed the Vandersteen instructions and really took my time. My system sounded better than it ever had and I was very pleased. After several weeks of listening, I decided to have Jon do the Masters Setup to see what improvement gains could be had.

Jon came to my house armed with music, tools and know how. His procedure was completely different from the one in the Vandersteen manual. I took notes on what he did but once he really got into the process I realized that my notes would in no way allow me to recreate the years of experience Jon has, or his ear... 3 or 4 hours later and my system sounds so much better that I was amazed. Probably the single biggest jump I could imagine for the money.

If you have Vandersteens, get Jon or someone like him to set them up properly. I took notes, I could elaborate on Jon’s process, but I would absolutely recommend a masters setup. Jon works closely with RV - and RV himself referred Jon to me; I am glad that I listened...

That is great to hear. I probably should have John Rutan set up my Treo's. (But, I hate to have him see my placement- there is only one place for them in my room).
Bob

pilrem,

Good choice on selecting Jonathon Spelt for your set up! When I lived in Wisconsin I bought my Treo Ct's from him. His store auditions were impeccably set up and is what convinced me to buy from him. Love my Treo's and also have a Vandy 2Wq sub. Couldn't be happier, unless I got a pair of Quattro Ct's!!!

wow cool
can you point out a few differences ?
the laser jig helps setup the 7
so i have worked out some of that math and use a laser when setting up the 5a , Q and Treo for toe in. I use the manual chart for tilt. Obviously music is the ultimate test
i do get the listeners chair away from wall effect.

so glad you are enjoying them !!!!!!!

You don’t need a master jig...only a pen laser you can get cheaply on line. Here’s how to do it... You need the laser pen, a post-it, and a pen. For one speaker, click on the laser, put it on the flat top of your speaker. I have Vandersteen 5A’s so I take the black shroud off. With the laser on top of the speaker, with the laser pointing at the wall in back of your listening position, rotate/spin the laser left/right for the red dot to be in the rear of your listening position. Put the post-it on the wall and put a pen mark on that laser spot which is now on the post-it. Do the very same thing as above but with the other speaker. One speaker’s laser will be slightly higher or lower than the original dot. Be careful that the laser pen doesn’t roll while doing this setup - if it rolls, it doesn’t accurately point to the same spot on the wall. Adjust either speaker - up/down so that the laser dot is right on top of the mark for both speakers. That sets up the height so that they are now level to each other...big difference in sound. The sound is now much more focused and halographic. The laser is not for toe in adjustment...use your ears for the sound you like best. I adjust mine so that the soloist is in the middle of the 2 speakers....just hanging there.....not spread out. The singers mouth has to be right there, and no more. I found that carpet right in front of the speakers reduces the 1st reflection point for a more stable image. Good luck - its fun to dial these guys in.  I don't mean to spoil your pleasure, but I would look askance at a setup that doesn't follow the Vandersteen model.  No one knows as much as the Richard himself (maybe John Rutan of AudioConnection in New Jersey.)..just one thing more.....   If all the adjustments are in their mid position, you very nearly have perfection for the vast majority of rooms.