Audible diffferences between Vandy 2w & 2wq

Sdzink-I have been thinking about getting a 2Wq to go with my Maggie 1.6's. I have been thinking about only getting one. What do you feel the difference is between one a two subs running with the Maggies. By the way my room is 14X25. Thanks in advance.

OK, so lets say I go with the 2WQ. Next question is which comes first, upgrade mains to 3Asig or add sub?

Good question, Swampwalker. I have owned the Vandy 2Ci, 2Ce, 3A, and now the 3A Signature (and, as noted above, added a pair of 2Wq's recently). I think the 3A Signature is a MUCH better speaker than the Vandy "2" series speakers -- infact, I think the 3A Signature is one of the finest speakers I have ever heard selling for less than $5-6k. While the 2Wq sub(s) will certainly improve the quality of your 2Ci's, remember that the 2Ci is now a 13-year-old design and that Vandersteen has continued to make improvements since this model came out. My strong recommendation is to make a major upgrade decision and buy the 3A Signature speakers, which contain the same tweeter, mid-range, and crossover components as the Model 5. Then, at a later date, add the 2Wq subs (a stereo pair is the way to go). I think most of the other owners of Vandy 3A Sig's will also recommend you upgrade your main speakers before adding the subs. (You might drop a note to Garfish and ask for his recommendation -- he has owned the Vandy 3A Sigs, which he recently sold to upgrade to the Vandy Model 5. He also has a McCormack DNA2 power amp, and can thus give you some first-hand advice on the issue of power.)

The other upgrade you should be thinking if you opt to buy the Vandy 3A Sig's is to buy a larger amp, maybe even before you add the subs. Both the 3A Sig's and the 2Wq subs will derive substantial benefit from a high-quality amp in the 200-250 wpc range. The 3A Sigs are very transparent, accurate, dynamic, and have excellent soundstaging, so they really benefit from being paired with a good amp. (Your McCormack amp is a good one, but you might want to move to one of the more powerful models. I am currently using a Bryston 4B-ST to drive my 3A Sig's, but any similar quality amp should be a good pairing.) Whatever you choose to do next, good listening! -- Scott