Vandy sub owners-crossovers for 2WQ


Given a amplifier with 50k input impedence and Vandersteen's recommendation that the filter be set at the next lowest value ( according to the WX-2 box )which is 33K, my question is: If the amplifier is an actual 50K input (as is the case with FET transistors used in the input circuitry)why would you want to set it below the 50K? The instructions say set it for the input impedence---very confusing)If you want a 80hz high pass wouldn't anything but a 50K alter this? Also, does anyone have the formula for computing capacitor value for various input impedences to achieve a 6db high pass @ 80hz? Thanks
bigtee
Thanks guys. I noticed in the owners manuals I received with both subs that the section about the filters was repeated twice. One section said next value down period and the other said try one up, one right on and one above. I mean two complete sections. Go figure. Anyway, the one down sounds a little on the heavy side and the one that matches the impedence sounds a bit lean unless you run the sensitivity control up a few DB. One over is lean period. I'm trying to match the things with his speakers(3A Sigs)They blend seamlessly but I can't seem to get the output right on. Any insight you guys can provide will be greatly appreciated. Any little secrets? Sometimes the dealers remind me of car salesman, they just sell! I bought the subs new from a dealer on the other side of the country, Aris Audio in Utah. Scott is a really nice guy and I'm very satisfied with the way he handled the sale. I'm in SC. He told me to try and match what sounds best(like yall have) and go with it. I guess that's about all you can do. I thought I might try e-mailing Richard Hardesty and see if he could enlighten me. Hopefully he has a secret since he seems to be a Vandersteen guru. I've talk to Richard V. on the phone and in person. Most of the time he seems OK but I did notice he gets testy---maybe its harmones!
Don't worry about what the sensitivity setting on the back of the woofer reads. Sounds like you have it about right with the impedence matching and the woofer level adjusted to suite your room.
After you get it dialed in get the fixed X-2 filters in the value you liked best to get rid of the WX-2 like I have or buy some model 5 filters like Sdcampbell uses.
You might try listening to a test disc like the one Stereophile produced with bass warble tones just to give you a reference point for level.Pop and Rock Recordings vary wildly these days as to the amount of bass, so use the best acoustic bass recording you have for the final level and setting evaluation. I like a Bobo Stenson Trio disc, titled "War Orphans" on ECM, track 2. You will still find recordings that sound "heavy" after you are done, I think it is the recordings and probably not your rig.
I'm going to try an ASC bass accelerator sub stand for mine, which should give me even more clarity and punch in the lows. ASC Tube traps would be next but I don't have it in the budget. Make sure that you have good isolation under all your electronics ecpecially the source components. Vibrapods are a good start or a Bright Star Air Mass or Big Rock would be even better. It will clean up everything and give you real athority in the bass. Two 2Wq's are going to move air like crazy and make real isolation critical especially if you run tube amps and pre amps.
I also made the mistake of calling Vandersteen Audio on this issue. It was such an unpleasant experience that I immediately sold the two subwoofers and cancelled my order for 2 VSM1's. This is clearly a hot button issue for Dick Vandersteen. You would think that the guy could get someone other than himself to field questions from the unwashed moronic public.

It is also my experience that Vandersteen dealers are by and large poorly informed on this topic.

Product -- A+ Customer Relations -- D-
just purchased a pair of 2wq's, here's my take: i believe that the manual says to leave the x-over 1 level below until the subs are broken in, then experiment with 1 above, right on, and 1 level below.

aloha keith
BigTee--

ArisAudio is my local dealer, and you're right, Scott is a great guy to work with. One of the great dealers out there.