What cable for Vandersteen 2WQ subs

Braro:

I did try the included Vandy cables, but was not terribly impressed with them. When I changed my main speaker cables from 8TC to Alpha-Core MI2, I had plenty of 8TC on hand and used it for the 2Wq's. The difference between the Vandy wires and the 8TC was not dramatic, but the frequency spectrum handled by the subs is pretty limited.

Bigtee is right that it often takes a lot of time to get the 2Wq's "dialed in" just right. I have a sub in each front corner of my listening room, and I found that a "Q" setting of 3.0 on the subs produces the most balanced sound IN MY ROOM. The "efficiency" setting is set to 90db.

I am also using the Model 5 X-overs, and have them set to 50k ohms to directly match the input impedance of my main 2-channel amp (I tried the next lower and next higher settings, and didn't care for either of them.)

Braro, over the past 15 years I have owned three pairs of the Vandy subs, and I am currently using a pair with my Maggie 3.6r's. I highly recommend upgrading the wire. My first pair I switched from stock wire to Kimber 8TC, and noticed a pretty significant improvement. I don't think you need to go real esoteric or expensive, but a couple hundred on some wire is well worth the expense. I just bought my current pair a few months ago and have not upgraded the wire yet, however I plan on buying some Purist Musaeus for the application. I think alot of different manufacturers lower cost wire would help out.

I agree with a previous post which recommends that you work on placement of the subwoofers to solve your sonic issues first. The 2Wq subs tend to work best very close to the corners of the room. Also, because your main speakers are Vandersteen 3A Sigs (and go deep enough to meet the sub properly), you shouldn't have to deviate from the recommended crossover setting for your amplifier's input impedance.

Start by getting the subs as close to the corners of the room as possible, make sure they are hooked up in positive phase with the speakers and each other, and then set the level to 90db and the "q" control to about 7. From there you can begin to adjust the level contol higher (one db at a time) until you have enough bass output.

As for better cable feeding the sub, you might try a high quality solid-core copper or silver cable for some improvement in sound. Remember, whatever cable you use on the sub is hanging off of the outputs of your amplifier all of the time, in parallel with your main speakers, which will affect the sound of your main speakers. Because the Vandersteen 2Wq sub is powered, the signal you are feeding it is only a voltage reference and does not require a very big or heavy gauge cable. I have used Audioquest Type 4 and CV-4 with good success. Good luck.

Dave
Ultra Fidelis Inc.