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
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.
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.
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.
I see it mentioned that the crossover filters are easy to make. I just changed amps and need to change the crossover/filter to match the input impedance of the new amp as a starting point. I'd love to get any info on what is required for a homemade version. Anyone out there that has made their own?
Use a set of your favorite male and female connectors. Solder the cap between the center conductors and a piece of wire to join the commons. The caps can be figured using uf required is =1 / 6.26 x crossover frequency x input impedance. (Cover the entire assembly in a meltable strink tubing for strength.) If you wanted a 80hz crossover with a 100k input impedance to the amp, the cap would 1/ 6.26 x 80 x 100,000
The cap would be about a .019uf. I use 19ga Wonder Wire for the commons(silver over copper) Pick your favorite cap, I have used Hovland, Infinicap, Auricap and a few REL. Vandersteen uses REL is his x-2 filters. I personally like the Auricaps.