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Here's how the Vandy 2wq works ...

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In Reply to: Re: Ditto on the ACI Force ... posted by mnilan on November 30, 2006 at 06:08:17:

There's no real "issue" with using the crossover required with the Vandy 2wq. It is just an added complication to take into account and adds a capacitor at the input of your amplifier. Since I currently use an integrated amp without any preamp/amp loop, it would not work in my situation. I also needed a sub with line-level inputs that could do double-duty for multi-channel/home theater (both the REL and ACI subs allow you to do this with separate inputs for two-channel and LFE).
Here's how the 2wq works:
When you purchase the 2wq, you get a small crossover box with RCA inputs and outputs (so you'll need to add an extra set of interconnects). Switches inside the box allow you to adjust it as appropriate for your amp's input impedance to create a 1st order roll off at 80hz. That way your amp and main speakers are relieved from having to reproduce those low frequencies at their full level. The sub plugs into your amp's speaker outputs and is equalized to reproduce the low frequencies below 80hz at their proper levels. You cannot adjust this crossover point, but you can change the sub's level relative to the mains and it's "Q".
Once you've determined the appropriate setting for the crossover box, you contact Vandersteen and order a higher quality fixed crossover that plugs directly into your amps inputs (it has a male RCA on one end and a female on the other so you don't need the extra interconnects). Basically, this crossover is simply a capacitor in line with your amp, with a value selected based on you amp's input impedance to create the necessary 80hz/1st order roll off.
When I used the 2wq it was with balanced (XLR input) amps. So I built my own crossover directly into the interconnects using InfiniCaps. I forget what the exact formula is for determining the appropriate capacitor value, but I could probably dig it up if you needed.
You'll find much more detail at the Vandersteen link below.
c.

Initiative comes to those who wait.
- Alex, "A Clockwork Orange"

Follow Ups:

Avoid the stock Vandersteen crossover! - CometCKO 12:59:14 11/30/06 (1)
Even though you're only inserting a capacitor in your signal path, the quality of the cap really matters to the whole musical presentation. When I first tried the VAndersteen in my system, I was appalled at how bad it made everything else sound (because of the poor quality of the crossover).
Krikor avoided the issue by using nicer quality caps. But even the caps offered by Vandersteen after you've dialed-in the right value with "the box" aren't very good sounding.
One nice Vandersteen solution is to use the crossover from the Model 5 loudspeaker. This has much higher quality caps in it, and sounds pretty good.
My experience... Hope it helps someone.
Frank
- I agree completely ... and the Model 5 xover is much better (but pricey) - krikor 14:22:56 11/30/06 (0)
  Though I didn't state it in my previous post, one of the reasons I walked away from the Vandy sub was precisely because of the caps in the signal path affecting sound quality. I was happy enough when I had the small MG 10.1s as my main speakers, which needed to be relieved of bass below 80hz. But after moving to 1.6s, I found that I prefferred them without the crossover and instead running full-range with a sub to just augment the very bottom end.
  I did borrow a Model 5 xover from my local dealer and thought it was a great improvement. But he wasn't able to get one from Vandersteen, as they are built primarily for the Model 5, and even if he could a pair was going to cost me something like $600.
  BTW: I took a look inside the Model 5 xover and found that it contains much more than just better caps. It uses a 9 volt battery to somehow bias the caps (I'm not exactly clear on how this is done). I tried to figure the circuit out so I could build my own, but I was never confident enough in my skills or understanding to go through with it.
  
  Initiative comes to those who wait.
  - Alex, "A Clockwork Orange"
Ooops, link didn't post. Here it is ... - krikor 07:09:58 11/30/06 (1)
http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/2Wqlit.html
c.

Initiative comes to those who wait.
- Alex, "A Clockwork Orange"
- Re: Ooops, link didn't post. Here it is ... - mnilan 05:12:31 12/04/06 (0)
  krikor:
  Thanks for your details about the Vandersteen 2WQ.

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