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Vandersteen 2w or 2wq's

I have a nice pair of Vandersteen 3a sigs and was thinking about adding subwoofers.
Audiogon has listings for a pair of 2w's. My question is:
What differences are there between the 2w and 2wq's(besides the variable q) sound wise?
Should I be concerned about buying an old subwoofer-does anything wear out and need replacing?
Thanks Bob
gdnrbob

Showing 4 responses by audioconnection

audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
gdnrbob
(((I will leave a message with Vandersteen. (I was surprised last week that he personally called me back, though he does seem a bit brusque).))

 I would strongly suggest you read the well written owners manual first before you ask RV a question that was already in the manual or feel free to shoot it to me
if its soothing you are not sure on.
          Best JohnnyR
 Vandersteen dealer
audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
pmotz307 posts01-25-2016 9:18am(((The 2W offers a somewhat "looser" sound which is intended more for the home theater crowd.  The 2Wq is more intended for use in a music system, the variable "q" allowing you to adjust the bass to your liking and more importantly, to the music.)))

Pmotz You are thinking of the V2w = Home theater sub
audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
WSPOHN (((While I own a 2W, I also own some Hsu VTF-15H MK2. For $900 these will kill just about anything else at that price point, including the Vandies.)))

Yea if you want big bump at 90 hz bass i guess you are right.
 
 Take a pair of 2WQs High Passed with the 3A sigs and play Ray Browns acoustic bass and see which sounds natural like music or closer to the Vandy Fives that you also seem to like. Even adding one more 2W will be amazing as a pair of 2WQs smooths out the bass in room response, High Passing allows your main amps burden from lifting below 80 hz and the whole system dramatically improves, increasing transparency and clarity.
  JohnnyR Vandersteen dealer
audioconnection
1,270 posts
 
gdnrbob
((As a Vandersteen dealer, have you seen any issues with old 2w subs?
Mr. V said they were getting a bit old and more prone to problems.))

We still have many folks with 2Ws operating issue free.
The problem with anything used is history or chance of abuse
 from prior owners.
You really need to be able to check out and verify. Purchase from an honorable source that's willing to back it up.

If you end up getting your 2nd 2W locally without an issue properly set up will still easily outperform any single unit....

A pair of the newer 2WQs offers a a more powerful internal amp/ much improved bracing and contour for more precise blending in a variety of different room types.

Tomics  Solar Energy..Ray Brown is well appreciated.
 This recording allows us to listen,adjust and achieve the right amount and tightness, feel or preferences with bass transition.
 By adjusting High Pass level / contour controls on each sub you tailor the bass to personal preference 2 subs achieve a far better in room response then one.
  When you get it right the whole system's musical involvement dramatically improves.
 JohnnyR
  
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