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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Vandersteen Audio 2Wq Speakers by Craiger56@aol.com General speaker questions for audio and home theater. |
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67.169.92.16
Model: 2Wq Category: Speakers Suggested Retail Price: $1,250 Description: 3-driver (8 inch), 300 watt subwoofer w/adjustable Q Manufacturer URL: Vandersteen Audio Model Picture: View
Review by Craiger56@aol.com ( A ) on January 27, 2006 at 13:51:06
IP Address: 67.169.92.16Add Your Review
for the 2Wq
My wife and I added two 2Wq subwoofers to our Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures two years ago and can't imagine being without them now.We had a 200wpc solid state amp at the time and have switched to 120wpc Ultraliner Tube amps since then.
The 2Wq's with their unusual crossover design ( see Vandersteenaudio.com for details) make bass quality comparisons as heard through the subwoofers, between the different amps especially noteworthy, solid state sounding forceful, gripping, but a little mechanical. Tubes sounding richer, tuneful, detailed, but softer.
The adjustable "Q" tightens (improves) the sound, but lowers output somewhat justifying two units for a large room.
2Wq's come with an adjustable crossover (WX-2) that is used to find the best sound to taste, a higher quality fixed value, single ended or balanced crossover (X-2) is available after a value is chosen ($100)
The 2Wq's effectively bi-amp our system by relieving our main amps of bass below 80hz by 6db, enabling our speakers to sound even better, clearer, more dynamic than before. I am very impressed with the effect.
Having twin subs has had some of our friends saying things like "bass fiends" or "home theater types" but I can't stress enough that these are music subwoofers and never draw attention to themselves unless the signal is there that is best served by a subwoofer.
Those looking for max output could be disappointed by these, their strongest trait is reproducing the venue ambiance and subtleties not normally reproduced at sane listening levels, if at all.
Best wishes, Craig
Product Weakness: None really, but visiting casual listeners have asked "are they on?" when playing recordings with little bass. Product Strengths: Seamless integration with speakers, reproduction of fine detail, hall ambiance, subtleties. Enables speakers to sound even better, raising performance throughout audible range.
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Quicksilver V4 Monoblocks 120w Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Quicksilver Remote Preamp Sources (CDP/Turntable): SME Model 10A/EAR 834P/Shelter 901 Speakers: Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures 86db Cables/Interconnects: VH Audio DIY Silver IC/Cat 5 Speaker Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Blues, JAZZ & Classical Room Size (LxWxH): 26' x 16' x 8' Room Comments/Treatments: Bass Busters in corners behind speakers, back wall only 8' the rest open to another room Time Period/Length of Audition: two years Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Amps and Subs on dedicated lines, front end onTopaz isolation transformer Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Vandersteen Audio 2Wq Speakers - Craiger56@aol.com 13:51:06 01/27/06 ( 9)
- Where are the subs in your pictures, Craig?NT - Johnny B 03:08:28 01/29/06 ( 1)
- Re: Where are the subs in your pictures, Craig?NT - Craiger56@aol.com 08:45:52 01/29/06 ( 0)
Vandy Subs w/o the crossovers - Doug Schroeder 17:22:07 01/28/06 ( 0)
excellent review!... - crooner 14:55:08 01/28/06 ( 1)
- Gee! Thanks, sniff, I'm gonna have a nice week! (nt) - Craiger56@aol.com 15:19:37 01/28/06 ( 0)
Nice review and a personal opinion about one of your comments. - tubesforever 07:56:34 01/28/06 ( 1)
- Thanks, and I couldn't agree more (nt) - Craiger56@aol.com 08:41:20 01/28/06 ( 0)
Did they get louder after break in? - AMSTAFF 16:15:54 01/27/06 ( 1)
- A little more output and more definition... - Craiger56@aol.com 18:17:42 01/27/06 ( 0)