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How to Hook Up Vandersteen 2W Subwoofer

Hi All,

I have a Vandersteen 2W sub that I plan to add to the system listed below--it's a hybrid stereo/HT setup. So far I've been using a powered sub that plugs into the Arcam's sub pre-out RCA jack. The 2W is an entirely different beast though and has the following connections:

regular speaker wire inputs (via banana plugs)
a WX-2 crossover with one set each of RCA ins/outs

The Arcam has tons of connections, including 3 RCAs for subs, but I'm not sure those will be helpful with the 2W. Here's a screenshot of all the Arcam's connections

http://gyazo.com/6cd34a7393d5aea5f20108ca5759cca6

Ideally I'd like to use the 2W sub for stereo (2.1) and HT (5.1) but I realize that may be impossible. At the least I'd like to use it for HT via the Arcam. Here's my setup. I would very much appreciate any specific advice on:

1. how to connect the 2W and its crossover.
2. which wire/interconnects to use

I have read all the manuals and can't make complete sense out of how they apply to my exact setup. THANKS very much!

Vandersteen 2ceSig IIs (mains; bi-amp/bi-wire capable)
Vandersteen VSM-1 (surrounds)
Vandersteen VCC-1 (center)
Vandersteen 2W (the sub I'm adding now)

Cary SLP-05 (for stereo pre): the Cinema In RCAs go to the Pre Outs on the Arcam

Adcom GFA-555 (for stereo amp): the mains go into the inputs on this; the RCA outputs go into the inputs on the SLP-05

Arcam AVR-600 (for HT/surround): powers the VSMs and VCC-1 surrounds (and I think will power the 2W)
meowist
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im4umia
11 posts
 
I have a bit of a different sub connection question.  We moved which forced me to sell my dual 2wq's for lack of space.  I have since purchased smaller JL Audio E112 powered subs.  I was going to run the L/R pre-amp out into the subs (to take advantage of the subs internal crossover filtering), from there into the amps and then on to my mains which are 3A Sigs. 

It has been recommended that I NOT do this as it would compromise the 3A's natural sonic delivery, given that the majority of powered subs crossovers are not up to Vandersteen standards.

What then would be the best way to integrate the JL Audio subs into the system to achieve a 2.1 delivery?

System:

Vandersteen 3A Signature : Mains
Vandersteen VCC-5 : Center
Vandersteen VSM-1 : Surrounds 

Marantz AV7702mkII Pre/Amp
Marantz MM7055 Amp (140 x 5ch - used for center & surrounds)
Musical Fidelity M250 Amps (250w monoblocks - 1 ea. L/R)
            (w/dual speaker outputs & signal pass through capability)

Thank you in advance!

Steve



tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
IF the preamp has two sets of outputs, I would suggest a vandersteen M5- HP crossover on the 3a sig 
you may need to run Vndertones w SPL meter to tweak the high pass frequency....

also the 3a are flat pretty darn low with the rear wall facing acoustic coupler, are you really needing subs...?
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im4umia
11 posts
 
Not having the dual 2wq's was immediately noticeable.  For certain the 3A Sigs go low but not viscerally LOW.
 
The Pre-amp does not have two sets of outputs.  The mono amps each have have two sets of speaker binding posts permitting two speakers to be connected.  This allows both the sub and 3A Sig to receive a direct connection from the amp.  Issue w/this configuration is signal duplication and timing.

I'm thinking the best way to accomplish my goal might be to use a high quality splitter cable.  Using the right channel as an example, connect a splitter cable to the pre-amp outputs.  Then, connect one end of the splitter cable to the subwoofer.  Connect the other end to an M5-HP crossover.  Connect the M5-HP to the mono amp.  Connect the 3A Sig to the mono amp speaker posts.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
I guess I can relate.... when I go to 7 from Treo I certainly get visceral impact !

Audioquest makes a decent quality splitter
very affordable, you would really want the M5 also
some dealers have them used

Another option is electronic crossover , Music Reference has some old stock Beverige units that sound fantastic , reasonable $$$$

you could also try an ARC balanced line driver


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im4umia
11 posts
 
".... when I go to 7 from Treo I certainly get visceral impact ! "
That is one shortcut that will DEFINITELY do the trick!  LOL!!

Thanks for your suggestions 601.  I will research further!

Have a good evening.

Steve
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