Audible diffferences between Vandy 2w & 2wq


I am considering adding a sub to my system, used of course. I wonder if anyone has listened to/compared both the Vandersteen 2W & the 2Wq. I know that the Wq has adjustable "q" and that the q for the 2W is fixed at the low end of the scale for fast, tight bass. I listen mostly to acoustic music (bluegrass/folk) and some, mostly older R&R. Any thoughts on what I might be missing if I go for the older, cheaper 2W instead of the 2wq. I have a separate HT at the present.
Associated components are
CAL CL-10
BAT VK3i
McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev B
Vandersteen 2ci

Thanks.
swampwalker

Showing 1 response by sdzink

Hello Swampwalker, I second Sdcampbell's recommendation. I recently purchased two 2Wq's to go with my 3.5R Maggies. It is no small difference.

I have owned the Maggies for almost 4 years and know their character very well. When I took home a demo 2Wq I really wasn't expecting much, but after a short listening period I was sold. The speakers opened up and took on a whole new life. The music flows much more naturally and is locked in from top to bottom. I ordered two of them the next day. Acoustic bass is now so beautifully rendered I can't stop listening.

Because they integrate so smoothly with planars, I can only imagine what a perfect match they would be with any Vandersteen system.

Like Sdcampbell, I also purchased the balanced crossovers that are in the Vandy 5's. You should seriously consider them. They are a better design and higher quality than the stock crossovers. They also are variable so if you ever change amps, you won't have to purchase new crossovers.

Go with the 2Wq instead of the 2W. To be able to adjust the Q (even just a little) is a great advantage. If you go with the 2W you will probably be asking yourself what your system would sound like if you could only adjust the Q. That would be frustrating.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck and good listening.