DIY High pass filters for Vandersteen Model 5A Carbon's?


Hey folks! I've just received a pair of Model 5A Carbon's without the high pass filters. These speakers didn't come with bass cabs, so I paid under 2 grand for everything. With that in mind, paying half of that for a pair of high pass filters to me would be quite the investment. I've read online that filters such as these can be built, but I am struggling to find instruction on how to achieve such. There seems to be a decent amount of discussion on Vandie filters here, so I thought I'd ask how to make the filters I've read about. 
thought91

Showing 1 response by wspohn

Vandersteen has used first order crossovers consisting of one or two high quality capacitors, often soldered to RCA jacks and shrink wrapped.  They should still have these available. You need to tell them the power amp you will use to drive the top end so they can determine the input impedance and supply the right caps.

You are on your own as far as coming up with a bass unit and power amp and crossover to mate with your 5 bits.  My old 4As use a separate crossover that is adjustable for impedance and gain, that was a plug in t the wall unit; I understand the 5s use a battery powered crossover.

You need to find out what the crossover points are as you have everything but the sub.   I have a couple of Hsu subs that are quite adjustable (used only in the video part of my main system)  - if you find out the crossover point of the Vandie bits you've got, you might talk to Hsu about getting a powered sub that would mate with them.  You are probably looking at around $1,000 x2 if that works out.