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Vandersteen 2C contour controls +-

So I have recently changed cables between my pre amp (ARC SP4) and amp (ARC VT60) and it made a significant difference: more detail and a better centered soundstage. But I lost quite a bit of punch in the low end. I like the effect of the new cables enough to keep them in.

If I want to use the Vandersteen contour controls to get some of the low end back do I dial it down... or up?

I’m assuming turning the bass contour down will lower the crossover point, effectively getting more from the low end.

Is this correct?



oharchie

Showing 6 responses by tomcarr

tomcarr
1,598 posts
 
+1 tomic601.

 I had to position my 2Cs 9.5" from front wall to back of speakers, measured at the floor, with tilt-back the tops are 8.25" from front wall. No toe-in. Acoustic treatment on all walls plus ceiling restored soundstage depth and width. All rooms are different. Mine are also 7' apart measured tweeter to tweeter. Until I got them that close to the front wall I had almost no perceptible bass. Now. Bam! Nirvana! YMMV.

Tom
tomcarr
1,598 posts
 
The contour controls on the back of my 2Cs are for cut/boost of mid and treble only. No affect on the bass as far as I can tell. 
The only thing that restored bass in my situation was positioning the speakers differently.

Tom
tomcarr
1,598 posts
 
You are very welcome. Be patient. Keep us posted...

PS- call John Rutan (Audio Connections)  @ (973) 809-4467. He is extremely helpful. He was the one who suggested I get mine a foot or  less from the front wall. 

Tom
tomcarr
1,598 posts
 
FWIW, I've gotten the best sound from my 2Cs with these dimensions:

(All measurements from tweeters)
Distance from front wall-12.5"
Distance from left wall-30"
Distance from right wall-40"
Distance between speakers-84"
Distance to ears, (measured perpendicular to plane of speakers)-120"
All walls and ceiling have acoustic treatment

Tom
tomcarr
1,598 posts
 
As you move them closer to the front wall, try unequal distances from the side walls (the centerline of your listening position will not be in the center of the room) by a few inches. This asymmetry will help even out problem bass modes.

Tom
tomcarr
1,598 posts
 
Good plan to let the cables burn in. Amazing how different your system can sound after 400 hours or so. Glad to hear it sounds really good now, and the best is yet to come!
@mr_m, the room treatments made all the difference in where the speakers could go. My problem was not enough bass (and I'm not a bass freak), so getting close to the front wall yielded better, smoother, more even response at the listening seat without any "one-note bass issues". Because of the treatments, the soundstage actually increased in all 3 dimensions. I've heard, and now am a believer, that the room will dictate 50% of what you're going to hear.

Tom
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