Vandersteen 3x Owners: More Bass?

I have a stereo pair of 2Wq subs in tandem with my 3A Sig's. I've been very pleased with them -- not just for HT, but also for 2-channel audio.

I had a pair of 2Cis for 12 years in a 2 channel system located in a large living room with a cathedral ceiling. I listen to a lot of jazz and the bass was incredibly good - I never considered I needed subs to extend or fill the low end in. The base response measured below 30 hz at 3 db down. The 3s are an improvement on the bottom end so I'm sure they would have performed even better.

If I was trying to combine a HT with my 2 channel, I suspect I would have wanted a more floor shaking kick for movies, and the 2WQ subs would have definitely been the way to go.

Assuming you are considered an upgrade to a 2 channel, I suggest that you consider investing first in the best source and front end you can afford before adding subs.

I have no interest in HT, only 2-channel acoustic music (jazz, folk, classical). I own the Vandersteen 3A Sigs with VPI TT, ARC CD3, CAT SL1 Ultimate, and Pass Aleph 2 Monoblocks. I was curious as to whether the (2)2Wq would improve the overall sound, as well as the bass. Some postings suggests that the Pass Aleph 2 are a bit lacking a bass slam. I thought the 2Wqs with their 300 Watt Amps would make up for this perceived lack of bass slam - but would they introduce other problems: additional wire, filters, integration etc. Frankly my system sounds good to me, but it is hard to know what you might be missing till you hear a system that has better performance for comparison. I would be interested in any ideas for improving the system as a whole, including the "front end" -but I suspect this is not my problem area, but I'm interested in other opinions.

I agree that your front end is not an issue and especially like the CD3 as a CDP. One of my friends has the 3A/2Wq combination and in his listening room the bass did not sound nearly as good as the 2Cis without subs did in my room. The room can make such a big difference!

I am currenly blessed with the 5As and the subs have made a huge positive difference in my listening experience. They are so well integrated that you never "hear" them and recogize them as subs. The bass is extended,natural and present at all listening levels. I can turn the volume down and still "feel" the music. The bass in jazz has much more realism and richness - you can better hear the notes and harmonics, not just the pulse of the string.

If you have good bass performance currently in your room, you can probably improve it measurably with the 2Wqs and I would highly recommend it. If not, you might want to explore room measurements and reconfigurations first. More information on your room would help.