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Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofers with M5-HP crossovers - help needed

I have been happily using a pair of Vandy 2Wq subs with single-ended M5-HP crossovers for a few years now. My system was dialed in the way I like it (bass a bit on the full side, but still tight and defined). I just had my amplifier repaired and upgraded, and the new input impedance is 22k ohms vs. the 10k ohms before the upgrade. I followed the Vandersteen recommendation for the jumper settings in the M5-HP (6 and 7 only, "on" or not open), and the bass is just about MIA altogether. As per the Vandy web site, I disregarded the chart on the case of the M5-HP and followed the chart on the web site.  Because I am an idiot, I didn’t bother to mark down the settings of the jumpers prior to changing them. Anybody have any suggestions for me that will restore the bass? I am pretty sure the issue is the jumper settings. Thanks in advance!
bondmanp

Showing 10 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@bondmanp  Unbelievable coincidence.  I just sent my primary away for significant upgrades and pulled out my 22k input impedance Adcom GFA-555 back-up amp.  I have two 2wq subs. paired to my Treo CTs.  I would suggest setting the crossover to 10k.  That means you want switches 2,4,7 ON.  

When I have my 100k main amp in system I have the crossover set to 75k.  Integrates beautifully.

Please try 10k  I really hope it works well for you!
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@bondmanp   Surprised you would be so cavalier as to use the setting on the M5-HP sticker! 😈 As I posted previously, you should realize ample bass and good integration with your main speakers by setting the crossover to 10k.  You can then adjust the efficiency dial on the 2wq to tweak the subwoofer output.🎼
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
The following question and answer is from "Ask Richard" on the Vandersteen website.

Roger (8/12/15): HELLO, I have a couple w2 s paired with 3Asig and a set of M5-HP filters . My questions are, are the stickers on the covers accurate for use with the 3as and is "open" on the dip switches the same as "on"? Thanks Roger

HELLO ROGER, THE STICKER ON THE COVER OF THE M5-HP IS ACCURATE FOR A 100Hz CROSSOVER (MODEL SEVEN, 5A CARBON AND QUATRO WOOD CT SPEAKERS). WHEN USING THE M5-HP(B) HIGH-PASS WITH THE 2W OR 2WQ SUBWOOFER (80Hz CROSSOVER) YOU WOULD USE ONE SETTING LOWER. OPEN IS OFF.

What Richard probably should have been clearer on is that when using the M5-HP with the subwoofers to use the settings as shown on the chart as displayed on the website.  As he did say, the sticker settings are for Model 7, 5A Carbon and Quatro Wood speakers.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@mr_m  Exactly!👍
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@gdnrbob  +1  "brusque" is the perfect adjective to describe Mr. V.    
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
Did you try the 10k setting?

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@bondmanp   Be willing to bet you need new batteries in the M5-HP!  Your batteries may not be dead but could be too weak to work effectively.  The next time I replace mine, I am gonna send Vandersteen two Duracell Quantums.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@mr_m  What provoked me to open up my M5-HPs were a loss of output from my subs.  Once I played music with lots of deep bass and heard a lack of it I realized the crossover batteries were shot.

You may also be right about the batteries charging dielectric as Richard was in on the development of dbs with Bill Low.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
I've had my M5-HP for years.  With as much as Richard upgrades his wares I wonder if the crossover has undergone any substantive upgrades.  Anyone know??
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@drew_k Going one setting lower on the crossover should do the trick. Can’t hurt to open them up and give it a shot. Good Luck☘️
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