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No bass for HT with Vandersteen 2wq...

I have a Vandy 2wq subwoofer that I use on my home theatre system. I bought this model rather than the 2w because, while not my primary music system, I listen to quite a bit of 2 channel music on it. But because this model uses a high level input, I have to set my Adcom processor to "no subwoofer" and the front speakers to "large". But the problem is that the bass level is not sufficient for HT. I don't use a crossover because the sound deteriorated substantially, even with the filters from Vandy. Also, I use a VTL preamp on this system for 2 channel music, and there is more than enough bass (no problem with the sub).

Here are my options:

1. $$$$- Buy a better processor with better bass management- I don't want to do this because I don't want to spend $4K or more on a decent one. Also, I'm not sure if even a better one can properly re-route the sub signal to the mains.

2. $$-Buy a low cost amp and run it from the sub out of the processor, and then hook to the vandy. The problem here is when I use for music (with the VTL preamp vs. the processor), I won't have the sub.

3. $$$-Buy a second sub for HT.

Anyone have any other ideas or opinions on which would be best sonically? Of course, the cheaper the better! I'm curious if others with this sub have had the same problem, or success with a different processor.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
alouie
alouie OP
12 posts
 
SD, thank you very much for taking the time to go in depth with you explanations. I will take your advice and spend the $150 to buy the crossover. Part of the reason I didn't buy the crossover was I tried one and I felt it altered the soundstage and muddied the sound of the mids/highs of my speakers. It wasn't awful like the temporary xover supplied with the sub, but still a sacrifice. When I ran full range without the xover, I did get a bit of a boomy bass probably in the 80-120hz range, but I felt this was better than having harshness in the highs and was able to play with the settings and placement to where I found it very enjoyable. Obviously from your post, you don't have any of the sound deterioration. I will try again with the temporary one and see if I can find the impedance setting that sounds right.

Also, I do get plenty of bass when I listen to 2 channel music. I route my processor through the processor loop on my music preamp, so the amp is the same amp for both systems. That's why I felt it was more of the processor not being able to route the bass signals back into the two front mains.

Thanks all for your help!
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Hi, Alouie. You're welcome. The "permanent" crossover that Vandersteen provides is decent, if not the last word. I think the X-over sells for $125. If you really want to go "top drawer", the Model 5 crossover also works with the 2Wq. It is, however, kind of pricey: $600 for the version with single-ended RCA jacks, and $800 for balanced/XLR. The M5 crossover, however, has excellent internal components, including 1% metal foil resistors, WIMA caps and Infinicaps, etc. The crossover is also housed in a single, single-steel enclosure. I was able to find a used M5 crossover that I bought for $350, and it's a distinct improvement over the "regular" crossover. Something more to think about...
maggieowner
44 posts
 
Just to throw in my 2 cents. I use both the V2W and 2Wq subs and am very pleased with the results. The subs blend perfectly with my MG 3.6R.

I orginally started with the V2W for HT and wanted to add a second one to balance the room out. My dealer recommended a 2Wq instead.

For the 2Wq, I use the xover capabilities of my Theta CasaNova instead of an external xover.
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