Too much bass

El, although an earlier Stereophile review found the standard 2 series speaker to have a sensitivity of 82db, the Signature version had a measured sensitivity of 84db. The link is as follows: http://stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/284/index7.html
either way, this is pretty low, but would not really account for the bass issue. Different measuring techniques probably account for the difference, rather than any attempt to deceive. Stereophile measures anechoically, which seems standard. Vandersteen may be using the more optimistic in-room measurement.

For what it's worth, I had a similar setup (Cary SLM-100 monos, ARC LS1, Von Schweikert VR4JR) and a similar problem. I solved 80% of the boomy bass problem through room adjustments (I have a dinky room and needed to absorbe bass waves) and Mapleshade brass footers.

Viridian,

Thanks for the link and addtional info. Very interesting.

Thanks,

Burton

I have used this combo in 2 different rooms. I just recently moved to another house. My other house was my dream home that I built myself near a major Ski resort here in upstate NY. Well, good old NY state taxed me out of the house. Anyways, that room was 20'X 22'. This room now is much smaller. I think 11'X14'. the speakers are along the longer 14' wall because of doorway issues. I did have them along the shorter wall at first. In both rooms this has been an issue.
I have wondered from day one if they were the correct 8" drivers. I bought them here at AG last year and the seller said the 8" and midrange were replaced by Vandersteen.
The midrange is almost a clear or opaque color with what seems like standard silicone smeared on the foam surrounds. The 8" is a poly type cone. I tried to email Vandersteen to see if these were stock drivers but trying to get them to respond is impossible.
I have tried several positions from the rear wall. It does help some but the issue never goes away.
I kick myself for ever selling my Proac's. I just got board and had the itch to try other speakers. None I tried ever came close to them. They were the cheaper Studio 250's but the sure did sound good.
I am glas my audiophile OCD is all better now.
This is the first time I have been back to this site in many months.
I have tried both positions and I am currently running in ultralinear to get the most power thinking maybe the amps were clipping.

Just got up after a good nights sleep and thought about the power tube issue. If the KT88's could cause this then that is likely my problem. The Rogues are the original 120's with the internal dip switches. I bought them several years ago as they were demo models. About 6-12 months ago the 88's were starting one by one to go. They are EH KT88's. The 4 remaining tubes that haven't gone yet are in one amp. And the other amp has a mismatch of 2 different types of tubes. And they are not EH tubes. JJ maybe or something like that. 2 of those and 2 of some other brand. If that could be it I guess it's time to stop cheaping out and get 2 quads of fresh tubes.