Vandersteen 2WQ Subs and ARC Power amp

 {Input impedance and getting right}
What the input impedance spec in the owner's manual reads doesn't matter, its what the voltmeter reads plain and simple.
The reason this is misunderstood is some amps use
J fet drivers, some bipolar which measure slightly different at 1000 vs100 Hz or 80 Hz
The absolute only way is to confirm proper settings is with an AC Voltmeter, not an owners manual or what the salesman tells you
Install red and black voltmeter probes in amp speaker binding posts turn down the volume in pre amp play Vandertones CD track 27 1000 Hz with Voltmeter set to AC millivolts adjust pre-amp volume slowly up till it reads 1V AC then play track 30 for 100 Hz Vandy five, seven, Quatros, etcWhen doing a 2WQ or Sub 3 This means you Scott ((((track 31 for 80 Hz Vandy 2W 2WQ or new Sub 3))) if X5 dip switches are set properly or installed at amp factory it should read.707 If not start from the beginning adjust dip switches until you have it set properly. If you are using other speakers that are out of time alignment flip the subs 180 degrees by inverting the speaker wire inputs and see what serves your preference.Best,JohnnyR, Vandersteen Dealer

I did exchange emails with Mr. V yesterday, and along with John R of audio connection the suggestion is to purchase some X5 crossovers so I can adjust the impedance matching and dial in the bass using the procedure that John outlines above (thanks John).  Guess you can add my name to the list of guys who has been initially fooled by these subs.  I will check back again once I have (hopefully) made some progress.

Mr V, BTW, was very skeptical about using the subs without the crossovers.  I did that only at low levels to verify that the subs were working.

Richard Vandersteen told me that operating the subs consistently without the crossovers will damage the internal amps in the subs. He very sternly warned me from doing this. Said, "Don't come to me with a warranty claim if you do this!"

I probably should have pointed out Mr. V. can be a bit 'brusque'. Best to have all your information at hand, as well as well thought out questions.
But, hey, he is doing this for free. How many manufacturers actually answer the phone to answer questions?
@scottwsmith ,
Like I said plug in the subs, if they thump, they are working- Or, just play the subs without speakers and listen to the grumbling.

I really hope you solve your issues with the Vandy Subs. They are, in my opinion, one of the best buys out there. And, though they aren't the cheapest, they are built like tanks. I just sold a pair of 2w subs that must have been 30 years old, and they still functioned like new.
BTW, I also use a pair of HSU subs in my office with a pair of VLR's.
For the money, they are quite good, but not as good as the 2wq's in my main rig (soon to be replaced by a pair of Sub 3's). The HSU can give me big boomy bass, but the Vandy subs just disappear.
Bob