Replacing current sub with another

As you own a pair of Vandy’s, why not get a 2wq?

They can be had quite inexpensively, now that the Sub 3 is out, and they will not only mesh nicely with 2ci’s, but will allow your amp to work more easily.

I use the Hsu subs on my office system with a pair of VLR’s, and their integration isn’t not as seamless as my main system -with Treo’s and Sub 3’s (I owned the 2wq’s prior), with either sub, the Vandy’s were a superior match.

Using DSP, has the issue of introducing time and phase distortions, which is something the Vandersteen speakers are built to mitigate.

Bob

@highend64 ,

Make an account at HifiShark and use the necessary filters to have it email you whenever a 2wq becomes available. I do know they have popped up recently.

You will need either a fixed crossover (around $200 from a dealer-contact John Rutan at Audioconnection), or the M5HP (around $750 used).

I agree, the Hsu does a nice job. In my office system, it is pretty well integrated, But, when compared to the Vandy subs, it definitely shows it's limitations.

As I have said before, the Vandy method relieves your amp to do what it does best, while allowing the sub to take over the power taxing lower notes. You'd be surprised what you will hear when you make the change. It isn't dramatic, but quite a subtle refinement in sound. Hard to put into words, I suppose.

Regarding signal latency-

IMHO, you should try to avoid this.

I am pretty much a digital streamer. This new method of sound reproduction opens up a hornets nest of new issues. My advice is to use the least destructive method of sound reproduction.

As you own Vandersteen products, I suggest you join the forum on the Vandersteen website. Post your concerns and Mr.V. will probably chime in. 

(Hint- he loves vinyl).

Bob

@audioconnection , you took the words out of my mouth.

@highend64 ,

The limitations are that there are certain frequencies that get attenuated too much, despite careful setup. The result being that one setting will sound great with Classical, but become boomy with Pop and Rock. Using the Vandy sub has never shown this behaviour.

Another benefit of Vandersteen subs is that they are built like tanks. 2W's are still working despite being nearly 30 years old, the 2wq's are a bit younger, and I expect they will last just as long. Hsu and SVS are good subs, but I don't think they will age as well.

I still think you should join the Vandy forum and get some more ideas or at least explanations. Though we love our speakers, we will provide honest answers.

Bob

@highend64 ,

What I meant is that despite my attempts to integrate them, I had certain frequencies that were booming (mostly 150 to 80 hertz) when I switched to 'Pop' music. With non-electronic music, things sounded well balanced, but if I switched, it ended up rattling the house.

I never had that issue with my Vandy 2w's or 2wq's.

FWIW, even Mr. V. agrees with having multiple subs, as a way to mitigate room nodes. Though, the Sub 3, with the integrated equalizer, minimizes that effect.

Mr. V. is a frugal Dutchman, he makes products that perform above their pricepoint.

And, if you look at how his subs operate, then you will see that though Vandy subs might cost more and require a high pass filter, you get a truly seamless integration with your speakers (and others, like Maggies), as well as letting your amp perform better. It is really quite an elegant solution, when you look at it.

bob