Aragon 8008x5 with Vandersteen 2w

Yes, a phone call is probably my best option. I was hoping to avoid wasting Richard's valuable time with an older product. Thank you! 

Thanks for the replies everyone! I do believe I am performing the procedure correctly. I have used the sub-woofer with 2 other amplifiers with no problems.  

I just spoke with Richard on the phone. He believes the problem with the using the 2w with the Aragon balanced circuit may be in the design of the amplifier. He suggest that I attempt to get the combination running using single ended connections. 

   

Yes, I am using the shorting pins. Thank you!

No I have not corrected the issue yet. I am going to take a break from the problem and address it again in the future. I may order a variety of capacitors to wire in and see if that works. I still believe I have a bad WX2 or the amplifier is just not compatible with the sub-woofer system.   

Thanks for asking! If I get it figured out I will let the forum know. 

I promise I am not ignoring advice from Richard or John at audioconnection. When I spoke with Richard he even suggested I call Johhn (audioconnection), that speaks volumes!

I have tried to connect the sub several times over several months via RCA (single ended). 

I believe I have a bad WX2 (temporary) crossover because my voltage readings change without me making changes in the WX2. 

What I need is a known good WX2 to determine the correct crossover to order. The dealer closest to me did not have a WX2 to lend.  

For the record I have a history of electronics repair, installation, and troubleshooting. I have also used the sub-woofer successfully with other amplifiers.

I came here knowing I would receive good advice and acknowledging I may be making a mistake. I appreciate all the help, and I have not given up yet. Thanks to all that have replied. 

Thank you! I will send you a PM.

Hello everyone, I was able to borrow a WX2 from gdnrbob and do some more testing. Thanks gdnrbob! I measured the following using a Sears multi-meter. In each case my ears confirmed what the meter was telling me. All readings are using track 31 of the Vandertones after setting track 27 to the appropriate 1 volt AC reading. 


200k settings     .26 volts 
100k settings     .487 volts
50k settings      .755 volts 
33k settings      .849 volts
20k settings      1.050 volts 

Based on those readings I will buy a new or used 50K crossover. I believe the advertised impedance of 44k balanced for the Aragon 8008, is actually 44k single ended for the Aragon 8008x5.

One concern I have is if my crossover was old enough to read incorrectly, it is very possible my sub-woofer is not operating within specifications. If my sub-woofer is out of spec will it throw off the voltage readings? I will cross that bridge later.   

I will post pictures of the old crossover versus the newer one at a later date. Happy Thanksgiving!    

Hello everyone,

     I thought it might be useful to others to update this thread. Based on the readings I made earlier I ordered .039 Audionote tin foil capacitors. I soldered one capacitor per leg to the signal carrying wires of an XLR cable. That did not work. The voltage drop was wrong and the sound was too.  

     I then tried wiring the capacitors in parallel to double the capacitance (.078). To do this I used a parallel set for each leg of a balanced cable. Four capacitors made one cable. Since I already had the four capacitors, and suspected the impedance to have doubled, I thought it was a worthwhile experiment. This setup got me much closer to the desired voltage drop.  

     I then ordered Audionote tin foil .082 capacitors. I chose Audionote because they offered the closest to the capacitance I needed for a reasonable price. Success! One Audionote capacitor per signal leg gives me a .27 voltage drop. That is close enough for me. I will allow the caps to break in for a while and then decide if I need to find a higher quality cap. For now I like what I am hearing. Better highs, and more midrange impact. I believe that .080 would give me the preferred drop of .3 volts. I have not found a capacitor of that value searching on line.          

     I believe the Aragon 8008x5 has an input impedance of 50K single ended, and 100K balanced.  I made my cables using Nuetrik connectors and Canare cable.    

Thanks for all the help!

@gdnrbob Thank you again for lending me your crossover and for answering my many questions. It takes a special person to trust someone they never met. 

 

I am sure the Sub three sounds amazing. I would love an opportunity to hear one. In the meantime I will enjoy what I have and keep an eye open for upgrade opportunities. 

I apologize for the late response. I usually do not try to type a response on my phone, the computer is so much easier. 

@gdnrbob 
The crossover is really nothing special, a capacitor is soldered in place between the two signal carrying wires. The ground wire is extended as needed. For now I simply used heat shrink tubing to protect against the wires shorting together. Later I will make a more secure enclosure.