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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
wlutke
733 posts
 
The Vandersteen 3A sounds slow and hazy. I had them for 18 years with many amps and never could get them to hurry up. The 3A Sigs are a major upgrade.
ltngstrucktwice OP
13 posts
 
I had some custom Mogami XLRs made up a while back, so Ill swap those tonight.
Wlutke, I dont have 18yrs...lol
Zd542, I get it. Ill tweak it some more, I just feel there is a bigger issue at hand here.
Even when I was trying to squeeze the last little bit out of my Martin Logans with placement, I could still hear the potential and I'm not getting that with the Vandersteens.
I wish I had a different speaker cable.
I have a ton of CAT6 left over from a project I just did, maybe ill try one of those TNT DIY projects and see what happens.
wlutke
733 posts
 
ltngstrucktwice -

I feel so old! My point was the 3A (and probably the previous 3 if that is what you have) is neither dynamic nor airy and has soft, slow bass. It's pleasant and nonabrasive. The presentation will not bring the band into your room. It will take your seat and place it mid hall at the venue. And they work much, much better in a large room than a small one. I'm not trying to be Mr Buzzkill. They are what they are. Good luck.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I forgot to mention this in my last post. But do you have your 3's on stands? That's very important.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Wlutke/
Anyone with an 8 ft wide room using a full range speaker
will have, in your words slow bass.
The reason for this is you would be 12 db up with your bass in room response with your speakers positioned in the corners loading the room.
This is easily fixed by high passing the speakers without a sub.
pop a Vandersteen x 2 in the system and start at the lowest settings and work up until the desired result is achieved.
These speakers can sound as fast as you want them.
The Audio quest interconnects/Speaker wire will be better choice for the rest and as Zd542 say stands and proper laser tilt back is important.
Best JohnnyR
PS
Sound Anchors with all 3 spikes properly adjusted side to side level and tilt back is vital rip off any heavy wall padding and go to diffusion as well at the first side wall reflection.
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