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Vandersteen Quatro / Model 5 Crossovers

In an effort to bypass the issue of replacing batteries in the Quatro and Model 5 crossovers,would utilizing an external crossover such as those from Behringer,Bryston(10b),and others work effectively? I'd consider moving up to one of these speakers,but don't want the hassle of dealing with the batteries.Anybody gone this route and pleased with the results.
denman
face
516 posts
 
Awful idea.
unsound
7,310 posts
 
Part of the cost of your Vandies was due to those very cross-overs your thinking about replacing. My suggestion; don't do it.
zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
I assume you are referring to the external high pass filters? These are different than the crossovers internal to the Quattro/5A. Both have 9v batteries. The external high pass filter battery is very straighforward to change as described above, and with a lithium replacement will probably last as long as you own the speakers. The crossover battery requires removing the amp from the speaker, and while a bit more time consuming is also straighforward.

These are very high quality electronics designed specifically for their application. I don't recommend trying to work around these. Even if it works, you are loosing an important feature of the Vandys in keeping capacitors formed and sound at its maximum quality even when not used for long periods.
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