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Connecting Vandersteen 2Wq

I just got a single 2Wq to go with my 3A signatures (a second 2Wq is planned for some time in the future) and was wondering if anyone has experimented with the wire used to hook up between the amp and sub. The wire included with the sub appears to be off the shelf stuff with "Vandersteen" stamped on it. Since it is carrying a signal it should make a difference, but rather than spending money to experiment I want to see if anyone else has done this. I did check the archives and didn't find anything related to this, if someone recalls a post on this please paste a link in your repsonse. Thanks and Happy New Year!
pmotz
pmotz OP
412 posts
 
Thanks for the response. I'm not surprised to hear that the wire is Audioquest since Vandersteen uses that for the Model 5 crossover pigtails. Guess I should have put two and two together! I've read quite a few posts on the crossovers and will try to make my own. I would love to use the Model 5 crossovers as I did borrow a set from the dealer, but I think I can get pretty close for a lot less money. Plus I've got single ended interconnect right now, but I hope to upgrade to balanced (by getting a new preamp) in the near future. No sense in buying the Model 5 in single ended then having to replace with balanced.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I have a pair of Vandy 2Wq subs in my current system, and I replaced the Vandersteen-supplied speaker cable with Kimber 8TC. There was some improvement in the bass, although the difference was subtle.

If you decide to keep the Vandy-supplied speaker cable, I suggest that you trim the length so it is no longer than necessary. I think the Vandy cable is supplied as a 20-foot length, which may be considerably longer than you need (shorter is always better with speaker cable -- unlike some things...).
bigtee
803 posts
 
Sdcampbell, What subtlies did you notice with the 8TC? I have a couple of sufficient lengths to use. I tried the AQ Type 4 wire since it was solid core. I didn't notice much. I have been using the Vandersteen wire cut just long enough.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Aural differences between IC's and speaker cables are generally subtle, but I thought the Kimber 8TC cable provided slightly tighter, better defined bass response. This may be due to the Kimber's somewhat larger gauge. Kimber 8TC has, over the years, received a number of positive reviews for its bass-reproduction characteristics. To be honest, I had about 20 feet of 8TC that I was no longer using, and decided to substitute it for the Vandy-supplied wire. Again, I'd emphasize that the improvement was subtle, but nevertheless worthwhile -- particularly given that I spent no additional money.
bigtee
803 posts
 
I'll give it a try since it want cost me anything either. I used 8tc for a good while. Thought its bass performance was great but seemed a little grainy in the highs and lacked a little in sounstaging. I still feel it is a heck of a bargain in wire though. I use it on my home theater system.
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