The most notable difference between the 2W and the 2Wq is that the 2Wq has a potentiometer that allows the user to adjust the "Q", or damping. The original 2W had a fixed "Q" of about 0.5, whereas the 2Wq has a "Q" range from 0.5 (very tight) to 1.2 (looser, and very full).
The adjustable "Q" of the 2Wq allows the user to match the damping of the subwoofer to the room and system characteristics, as well as make the low frequencies "fuller" for home theater applications.
The other difference between the 2W and the 2Wq, according to Richard Vandersteen, is the built-in amplifier. Vandersteen told me in a conversation that the 2Wq has a better quality amplifier, although he was not specific about why it was better.
Bear in mind that the 2W / 2Wq has been in manufacture for more than 20 years, so Vandersteen has a lot of experience with building this speaker. On a dollar-for-dollar, value-based criteria, the 2Wq is arguably the best all-around subwoofer on the market.
The adjustable "Q" of the 2Wq allows the user to match the damping of the subwoofer to the room and system characteristics, as well as make the low frequencies "fuller" for home theater applications.
The other difference between the 2W and the 2Wq, according to Richard Vandersteen, is the built-in amplifier. Vandersteen told me in a conversation that the 2Wq has a better quality amplifier, although he was not specific about why it was better.
Bear in mind that the 2W / 2Wq has been in manufacture for more than 20 years, so Vandersteen has a lot of experience with building this speaker. On a dollar-for-dollar, value-based criteria, the 2Wq is arguably the best all-around subwoofer on the market.