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
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.
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


".... 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