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Vandersteen 3 w/ARC d240 MKII

Good evening all.
Recently I had to retire my ML Sequell IIs and replaced them with a pair of Vandersteen 3s.
At the same time I swaped in a new amp and realized my speaker cables were damaged.
After several weeks of tweaking I cannot get the sound right.
I have a feeling it's the speaker cables.
I was using Audioquest Midnight 3 bi wired and am now using an old set of Audioquest Type 4+ in a shotgun bi wire.
The speakers sound muffled and lack dynamics and good imaging.
Before I replace the cables im currious if you guys think the d240 has enough power to drive the Vandersteens--was using a sunfire on the MLs.
Thanks in advance for feedback.
ltngstrucktwice
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"02-04-15: Plasmatech
The D240 has plenty of muscle."

They sound very good too. I've always felt the whole D series was very under rated. Its a great sounding, all around amp.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Lightening. Could the problem possibly be the Vandersteens? I've listened to the 3's and every version of the model 2,Ci, Ce, Sgnature, etc. Both these vandy,s the 2 and the 3's have some common problems. That is lacking in mid range resolution and dynamics. Not that they are bad, just other speakers at that price point that are better. I have heard these problems at various Vandersteen dealers with various equipment so I think it might be more than coincidental. Just an opinion.
ltngstrucktwice OP
13 posts
 
Thanks All!
Good replies.
I have read very good things, here and a few other sites about the d240, and when I auditiioned it, I was very pleased, so it very well could be the placement--I just find it hard to believe this much resolution could be affected by toe and tilt, but stranger things have happened in my world....lol
I also understand about finicky placement/set up as I was using Martin Logans before this, so even if the speakers weren't set up perfectly, I feel they should image and reproduce better than they are currently.
I remember the first time I listened to Vandersteen 3s and it was Pink Floyd Dark Side of The Moon.
I heard background sounds for the first time I didnt know were in the recording.
Its pretty much what got me into our hobby...lol
Plasmatech. Im using and ARC LS3b in Direct mode connected to the amp with Transparent XLRs.
So, I will play with the set up over the next few days and post the results.
If anybody has any thoughts, please do not hesitate to chime in.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I just find it hard to believe this much resolution could be affected by toe and tilt, but stranger things have happened in my world....lol"

Its more of a timing issue than resolution. Once you get your speakers set up a little better, play some music while sitting in your listening chair, and then stand up. Notice how much the sound changes when you do this. You'll see right away as to what I'm talking about.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
(((mode connected to the amp with Transparent XLRs.)))
Transparent cables are on the darker side.
I would insert any decent Audioquest interconnect in there ASAP!! JohnnyR
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