Optimal Vandersteen 2Wq settings


I have a pair of 2Wq subs I am trying before I buy (chances are more than good that I will).
I have trawled posts here and elsewhere and would appreciate some help.

NB- my evaluation is somewhat flawed as my Cary DAC is in for repairs and I am using a USB DAC similar to an older Audioquest Dragonfly (Prodigy D2A which never made it to market). Less gain, sound a little recessed and flat and harsh on the tops for my liking. The implementation does give it more body than I recall it ever having and I can definitely hear my Eminent Technology LFT8b speakers singing more freely, with more gain.

Still fiddling with dip switches and not sure if 50k or 33k works best (with polarity reversed).
Q is at its lowest, db about the same as my speakers (84).
Not sure what changes to these settings do.
My Hypex Ncore amps have a DM input impedance of 104kohms.
Preamp is a Modwright LS100.

A shortcoming of the LFT8’s is some thinness or lack of body. i would like to know if anyone can advise a setting that may remedy this (without buying speakers or using Jriver's DSP).
128x128adiebear

Showing 2 responses by hifiman5

I am using a pair of 2wq subs. with my Vandersteen Treo CT speakers.  With an amplifier impedance of 104kohms, you should set the crossover dip switches to 50kohms.  The 2wq manual says to set your crossover one setting BELOW the actual amp impedance.

As far as the "Q" setting, I too have mine set at "1' for the tightest bass response as the 8 inch woofers in my Treo CT are very tight in their response.  For the db setting I started with the efficiency of my main speakers and then adjusted slightly one way or the other by listening.  I found listening to a good recording with a stand up acoustic bass to be helpful with this.  I used Ron Carter CDs to help me with that.

I hope this info. is helpful.  Please feel free to ask more questions you may have.

If you decide that 100kohms sounds best, let me know as I have a pair of 100kohms  X-2 crossovers.