Vandersteen 3A sigs, whats wrong here.


I recently purchased a Pair of 3Asigs here on Audiogon.
The problem is they dont seem to have much bass at all.
I have tried many different room placements. They are being feed by ARC VTM100MKII, ARC LS25MKII, ARC CD3MKII. Also with Kember 8HTC true Bi-wire cables, And a variety of IC's including transparent and Cardas Gold reference. Tried single ended as well as Balanced. So the front end gear should be ok, but no matter what I do there is weak bass. I also prefer to listen at lower levels, however regardless of volume it is always week. Any ideas, please help.
vdosc
Use a test CD to do a phase test. I use a Rives Audio test CD 2. You could always just raise the cover sock on both and put some heavy kettle drums and place your finger to see if the woofer pushes out or in as others suggested. If one pushes in reverse the woofer wiring. I keep a cheap integrated amp just as a system isolation tool. The woofer coils could also be overheated as it is used. The 3a is not as efficient and may need more power amp.
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there is no passive radiator in a Vandersteen 3,  the acoustic coupler is driven.

Go thru every connection and check phase ! 

might have to check to see IF they were not properly repaired.

working correctly w decent 100 wpc amp, they produce amazing bass.
i would say the 3a sigs have very good but short of excellent bass

careful positioning and side/rear wall reinforcement matters

as is using a good powerful solid state amp... i had wonderful response from a hegel amp, known for its outstanding damping factor

no accident r v went to active subs in his 5's as next rung up back in the day
It could easily be a phase situation, but it may be something else.  Teh cable isn't going to make THAT large a difference based on how bad it seems to be.  AS others have said, go to the Vandersteen home page and join the fourms.  It's just all about Vandersteen products and music, but you will get to the bottom of your issues much easier as Richard will see your post and make sure he or Brad respond.  Let's get this fixed!