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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Vandersteen Audio 2W Speakers by Duilawyer

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REVIEW: Vandersteen Audio 2W Speakers

64.161.168.252


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Model: 2W
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $1,250
Description: Original 3-driver (8 inch), 300 watt subwoofer
Manufacturer URL: Vandersteen Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by Duilawyer ( A ) on February 06, 2004 at 17:53:54
IP Address: 64.161.168.252
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for the 2W


Absolutely love this subwoofer. GREAT. I paid $400 for it on Audiogon, and have mated it to 3 sets of speakers, each time it performs like a dream. Worked with Thiels, Reynauds, and now Maggies.

I put on bass heavy music, such as "Soular Energy" SACD, or "The Firebird" SACD, and wait anxiously for the low energy sounds to shift from the left or right channel to the sub. IT DOES not happen. You can put your ear to the sub, and not know it is on, the sound does not emenate directly from the sub (it seems). But it fills in the music in a VERY musical way. As a mate for Maggie 1.6's, which do benefit from a sub, it adds impact to the orchestra, and allows the low notes on the bass to be heard; i.e., Kind of Blue, or Evans\Portrait. Yet, the notes DO NOT come from the center, unless the bass itself is in the center. If it is in the right channel, even the lowest note comes from the right channel. Amazing!

BTW: It works on a truly bizarre XO system. The XO takes the signal in from the preamp, modifies it, then sends it to the amp. Both the mains and the sub are connected to the same speaker terminals on the amp!!!!

The crossover has different settings for the input impedance of the amplifier(!) Then the XO turns both mains into Bose radio satellite speakers (more or less) and this same thin sound is sent to the 2W! The 2W gets a full signal from the amp, as modified by the XO.

The sub then compensates for the tinny satellites, and (perfectly) fills in where they leave off. The sub is not adjustable; 80 hz is the XO point. Sounds like it would be "too high" for Maggies, but the combo is great, and the Maggies do a lot of the mid-bass heavy lifting. If you have 1.6's and no sub, grab one of these; you will be very happy you did.


Product Weakness: Heavy! Upgrade cost is absurd.
Product Strengths: Invisibility, price, power to spare. VERY nice cabinet finish, black cloth with wood (matches Maggies!). Can be esily upgraded by Vandy.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Mc 252
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Music Reference RM 5 MK III
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony 555ES
Speakers: 1.6QR
Cables/Interconnects: Kimber 8???
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Fusion jazz, Jazz, Rock!
Room Size (LxWxH): 30 x 20 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments: Not necessary, couches, stuffed chairs, etc.
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster Cable Power Conditioner
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Vandersteen Audio 2W Speakers - Duilawyer 17:53:54 02/6/04 ( 3)