Connecting Vandersteen 2Wq


I just got a single 2Wq to go with my 3A signatures (a second 2Wq is planned for some time in the future) and was wondering if anyone has experimented with the wire used to hook up between the amp and sub. The wire included with the sub appears to be off the shelf stuff with "Vandersteen" stamped on it. Since it is carrying a signal it should make a difference, but rather than spending money to experiment I want to see if anyone else has done this. I did check the archives and didn't find anything related to this, if someone recalls a post on this please paste a link in your repsonse. Thanks and Happy New Year!
pmotz
The wire supplied with the Vandersteen is Audioquest I believe. I've tried different wire but to be honest, it didn't make much of a difference (as in I couldn't tell anything).
Vandersteen recommends using the same wire that goes to your speakers but this could get expensive for something I really doubt will make that much of a difference.
I made mine as short as possible and let it go at that.
I think the filters you use at the amp makes a lot more of a difference. The boxes supplied with the 2Wq aren't real good. I also didn't think the x-2's were much better. You can make filters fairly easily and I would recommend you experiment with that before changing the wire. I'm now using the model 5 battery biased filters which have made the most differnce of anything. They are like not being there.
The wire supplied with the Vandersteen is Audioquest I believe. I've tried different wire but to be honest, it didn't make much of a difference (as in I couldn't tell anything).
Vandersteen recommends using the same wire that goes to your speakers but this could get expensive for something I really doubt will make that much of a difference.
I made mine as short as possible and let it go at that.
I think the filters you use at the amp makes a lot more of a difference. The boxes supplied with the 2Wq aren't real good. I also didn't think the x-2's were much better. You can make filters fairly easily and I would recommend you experiment with that before changing the wire. I'm now using the model 5 battery biased filters which have made the most difference of anything. They are like not being there.
Sorry for the multiple posts. I had a little trouble with the submit button! It wouldn't submit but I guess it actually did!
Thanks for the response. I'm not surprised to hear that the wire is Audioquest since Vandersteen uses that for the Model 5 crossover pigtails. Guess I should have put two and two together! I've read quite a few posts on the crossovers and will try to make my own. I would love to use the Model 5 crossovers as I did borrow a set from the dealer, but I think I can get pretty close for a lot less money. Plus I've got single ended interconnect right now, but I hope to upgrade to balanced (by getting a new preamp) in the near future. No sense in buying the Model 5 in single ended then having to replace with balanced.
I have a pair of Vandy 2Wq subs in my current system, and I replaced the Vandersteen-supplied speaker cable with Kimber 8TC. There was some improvement in the bass, although the difference was subtle.

If you decide to keep the Vandy-supplied speaker cable, I suggest that you trim the length so it is no longer than necessary. I think the Vandy cable is supplied as a 20-foot length, which may be considerably longer than you need (shorter is always better with speaker cable -- unlike some things...).
Sdcampbell, What subtlies did you notice with the 8TC? I have a couple of sufficient lengths to use. I tried the AQ Type 4 wire since it was solid core. I didn't notice much. I have been using the Vandersteen wire cut just long enough.
Aural differences between IC's and speaker cables are generally subtle, but I thought the Kimber 8TC cable provided slightly tighter, better defined bass response. This may be due to the Kimber's somewhat larger gauge. Kimber 8TC has, over the years, received a number of positive reviews for its bass-reproduction characteristics. To be honest, I had about 20 feet of 8TC that I was no longer using, and decided to substitute it for the Vandy-supplied wire. Again, I'd emphasize that the improvement was subtle, but nevertheless worthwhile -- particularly given that I spent no additional money.
I'll give it a try since it want cost me anything either. I used 8tc for a good while. Thought its bass performance was great but seemed a little grainy in the highs and lacked a little in sounstaging. I still feel it is a heck of a bargain in wire though. I use it on my home theater system.
I see it mentioned that the crossover filters are easy to make. I just changed amps and need to change the crossover/filter to match the input impedance of the new amp as a starting point. I'd love to get any info on what is required for a homemade version. Anyone out there that has made their own?
Use a set of your favorite male and female connectors. Solder the cap between the center conductors and a piece of wire to join the commons. The caps can be figured using uf required is =1 / 6.26 x crossover frequency x input impedance. (Cover the entire assembly in a meltable strink tubing for strength.) If you wanted a 80hz crossover with a 100k input impedance to the amp, the cap would 1/ 6.26 x 80 x 100,000
The cap would be about a .019uf. I use 19ga Wonder Wire for the commons(silver over copper) Pick your favorite cap, I have used Hovland, Infinicap, Auricap and a few REL. Vandersteen uses REL is his x-2 filters. I personally like the Auricaps.