Frequently Asked Questions Click link for archived FAQ's

Questions and answers covering a wide range of Vandersteen design principles and system set-up recommendations.

SUBMIT YOUR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS TO RICHARD VANDERSTEEN.  RICHARD  WILL REVIEW AND POST THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS THAT WILL HAVE A WIDE INTEREST ON THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION SECTION OF OUR WEB SITE.  THE QUESTIONS WILL BE LISTED NEXT TO THE FIRST NAME OF THE PERSON WHO SUBMITTED THE QUESTION, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR FIRST NAME WITH YOUR QUESTION.  ANY QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT ANSWERED SHOULD BE ASKED DIRECTLY TO YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER OR CALL THE FACTORY AT 559-582-0324.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEARCH THE FAQ'S ALREADY POSTED FOR AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION.  THANK YOU.

Please remember to visit the FAQ section of the website for additional questions and answers.

Question:

Oliver (1/4/06): I am looking to buy a subwoofer which is suitable for HT/Stereo. I am currently using a Time Coherent speakers from Meadowlark and am looking for a Sub that would do them justice mainly in the HT.  I play mainly at about  5db below reference so in my 2600cubic feet room, I probably need about 105db or so of subwoofer action. Does the V2W with lfe input able to drive my room at about 105db from 20hz to 80hz?

Answer: THE V2W IN PAIRS SHOULD BE USED IN THIS ROOM. THE ADDED ADVANTAGE OF INJECTING THE LFE BASS INTO THE ROOM FROM TWO LOCATIONS WILL MAKE THE BASS RESPONSE MUCH MORE LINEAR. THE V2W IS PROPERLY Q' ED (NOT BOOMY) SO THEY SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE CORNERS WHERE RESPONSE WILL BE MOST UNIFORM THROUGHOUT. THIS WILL GIVE THE SPL YOUR ASKING FOR AT LOW DISTORTION.

Answer: HELLO STAN, PLEASE REFER TO THE  FAQ SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE YOUR ANSWER IS ALREADY THERE UNDER ONE OF THE SUBWOOFER Q&A. THIS SECTION WILL BE MODIFIED HERE IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO REFERENCE EACH QUESTION BY A SPECIFIC CATEGORY, EXAMPLE: SUBWOOFER, WIRES, AMPLIFIERS, ETC.

Unknown (1/7/06): Which subwoofer should I use to connect to my integrated amp? 2w or  2wq It has an output connection for the subwoofers. I have a DK  Design mk II reference amp. Is there a difference in the sound quality?

Answer: HELLO UNKNOWN, THE 2W AND 2WQ BOTH WORK THE SAME WAY THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE 2W IS THE OLD DISCONTINUED VERSION AND THE 2WQ IS CURRENT. THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE BY THE WAY. THEY CAN ONLY BE USED WITH INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS THAT HAVE "PRE OUT" "MAIN IN" JACKS ON THE REAR OF THE UNIT, THIS IS WERE YOU INSTALL THE WX-2 OR X-2 HIGH PASS X-OVER. DO NOT USE THE 2W OR 2WQ WITH OUT A HIGH PASS OR EXPENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUB WILL OCCUR.

Answer: HELLO MARTIN, THIS ONLY WORKS WHEN YOU HAVE STEREO SUBS. THE 2WQ HAS STEREO INPUTS (RIGHT AND LEFT) WHICH ARE SUMMED TOGETHER TO DRIVE THE SUB AMP. WHEN YOU DRIVE BOTH INPUTS WITH THE SAME SIGNAL THE WOOFER GAIN GOES UP 6DB, THIS IS ONLY REQUIRED WITH VERY HIGH SENSITIVITY LOUDSPEAKERS WERE THE WOOFER LEVEL WON'T GO HIGH ENOUGH. IF THE SUB LEVEL IS WITHIN THE RANGE OF YOUR SPEAKERS ONLY ONE INPUT SHOULD BE USED BECAUSE SIGNAL TO NOISE IS IMPROVED JUST LEAVE ONE INPUT UNUSED.

Answer: HELLO CURT, THE INPUT BARRIER STRIP ON THE 2CE SIG'S ARE THE BEST SOUNDING, GAS TIGHT CONNECTION WE COULD FIND. USING AN ADAPTER WOULD COMPROMISE THE SOUND SIGNIFICANTLY.  YOU COULD GO TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND BUY SOME O-LUGS MADE FOR A #10 SCREW AND 12GA WIRE, STRIP THE END OF YOUR WIRE AND CRIMP THE CONNECTOR ON. SOLDER THE CRIMPED CONNECTION TO MAKE IT GAS TIGHT. YOU NOW HAVE A STATE OF THE ART CONNECTION THAT WILL REMAIN THAT WAY FOR YEARS WITHOUT HAVING TO CLEAN THEM. BE SURE TO INSULATE THE LUGS SO THEY WILL NOT SHORT AGAINST THE ALUMINUM DRESS PLATE.

Unknown (1/11/06): Is it normal for the X-2 crossover to increase the bass level volume very dramatically from the factory wx-2? Both are set at 33k.

Answer: THE BASS LEVEL SHOULD BE ABOUT THE SAME BETWEEN THE TWO. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE WX-2 X-OVER IS NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY BE SURE THE SWITCH IS ON NOT OFF. WE HAVE USED MANY SWITCHES OVER THE YEARS YOU WANT TO LOOK FOR THE WORD "OPEN" OR ON. THE SWITCH IS USUALLY MARKED ONE OR THE OTHER BUT NOT BOTH. THE CHART WILL TELL YOU WHICH SWITCH (S) NEED TO BE ON. I SUSPECT YOU HAVE THE SWITCHES ON THAT SHOULD BE OFF.

Dave (1/14/06): I've owned a pair of Vandersteen II (circa 1979)speakers for many many years now and still love them! I have used them with a B&K ST202 amp and Stereophon Revelation Preamp. I am planning to use them with a tube amp and preamp I never had the "specs" on these speakers.  Could you supply me with the specs of these speakers? The tube gear I am planning to use them with are in kit form from the Bottlehead website. The amps are mono-block 2 watts and they are- suggesting speakers with a minimum of  93db and preferably 96db. Wondering where the Vandersteen II fall  into?

Answer: HELLO DAVE, LITERATURE AND SPECIFICATIONS ON A SPEAKER THIS OLD IS NOT AVAILABLE. SENSITIVITY IS APX 86DB FOR 2.83 VOLTS. TWO WATTS IS NOT ENOUGH POWER FOR YOUR 2'S I WOULD RECOMMEND A PUSH PULL AMP OF ABOUT 60 WATTS. YOU MIGHT GOOGLE D.I.Y. 2ND HARMONIC DISTORTION GENERATOR FOR THAT SINGLE ENDED SOUND AT LEAST YOU COULD TURN IT OFF WHEN YOU DON'T NEED IT. WE HAVE ALL THE PARTS STILL IN STOCK TO REPAIR YOUR 79 VINTAGE SPEAKERS. HAPPY LISTENING.

Unknown (1/14/06): I have had my speakers for a long time. Have always worked so wonderfully. I recently tried to hook up a little Sony turntable my daughter have  me for Christmas, and now I have no sound from the speakers at all.  Could it be a fuse? Please advise.

Answer: HELLO, THERE ARE NO FUSES AND ALL CONNECTIONS ARE SOLDERED CHECK AND SEE IF THE CD PLAYER STILL WORKS.

1B Owner (1/14/06): I own a pair of Vandersteen 1B speakers from 1984! I returned them once becuase the tweeters were "fuzzing" out and you replaced the  tweeters.  The new tweeters continued to do the same.......frustrated and not wanting  to send them back again from Saratoga CA(near San Jose) I replaced the tweeters myself a few times with various results....bottom line is the fuzzing still comes back intermittently.  Good thing I did not throw out the replaced tweeters since an EE  friend of mine tested them and said they were fine. I also have eliminated the tweeter setting knob on the back of the speaker as the culprit and now the only item left is the cross over circuitry.  I have a NAD amp which is a very good quality amp with clipping protection etc...........bottom line is I also have a Pioneer and a Yamaha and the speakers behave the same on all.  It does seem that they fuzz out more when the volume is low. I love the imaging of these speakers but cannot stand listening  to them like this.  Any suggestions? Any upgrade kit? New crossover electronics????

Answer: HELLO 1B OWNER, WHEN YOU SEND THE COMPLETE SPEAKER TO VANDERSTEEN FOR REPAIR THEY GO THROUGH A COMPLETE CHECK OUT INCLUDING A TRIP THROUGH THE CHAMBER. I ASSURE YOU THEY WERE NOT "FUZZING" OUT WHEN YOU RECEIVED THEM, SO WHAT COULD IT BE IN YOUR INSTALLATION. MY BEST GUESS WOULD BE THAT YOU ARE USING AFTER MARKET BANANA PLUGS AND THEY ARE LONGER THAN THE ONES WE SUPPLY. THEY COULD SHORT INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING THE SOUND YOU DESCRIBE. PULL YOUR PLUGS OUT ABOUT 1/8TH OF AN INCH AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

Francisco (1/14/06): I have talked to you several times over the telephone to ask different question Re: the various Vandersteen speakers that I own and/or have owned in the past (I have been an active classical music lover for over 50 years now). This note is more of a comment than a question  however, I am very interested in your feedback and or insights.  At the present time I am using a pair of 5As. Until recently I used the 5As in conjunction with a pair of $20K mono-blocks. A few months ago I tried, at the suggestion of my son, a couple of Pathos Classic  One "INPOL" amps (each Pathos bi-amplifying each speaker). The Pathos  input impedance is specified at 100 KOhm. I set the 5As crossover at this value and there was not bass.  Next, I proceeded as recommended in the 5A manual to use an oscilloscope to determine the value of the crossover that would produce a 3dB at 100 Hz (relative to 1 KHz) reduction in output voltage from the amplifier. That point was at a crossover set of 10 KOhm (balanced  input/output). Then I connected the system and what an incredible glorious sound came from those speakers! Truly natural and transparent with extraordinary resolution.  Since last November I have used the system connected as described. I  never heard better sound, all my friends and family agree.  Comments on your part? The Pathos use a very interesting first stage-I have the schematics provided by the factory. Kind regards,

Answer: HELLO FRANCISCO, THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND REMARKS. THIS IS MORE COMMON THAN I WOULD LIKE BECAUSE SOME AMP MANUFACTURERS ARE VERY CASUAL ABOUT THEIR INPUT IMPEDANCE ESPECIALLY AT 100HZ. I BELIEVE THERE IS NOT A BETTER WAY TO IMPROVE THE SOUND THAN BY USING AN INTEGRAL SUBWOOFER WITH ITS OWN SPECIALLY DESIGNED AMP UNIQUE TO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUBWOOFER AND ITS PLACEMENT.  THIS REQUIRES A HIGH PASS AT 80 OR 100HZ WHICH CAN NOT BE ACCOMPLISHED SATISFACTORILY IN THE SPEAKER. THE LARGE CAPS AND COILS NEEDED AND THE FACT THAT THE IMPEDANCE'S ARE FLYING ALL OVER THE PLACE MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DO STATE OF THE ART. THE MOST TRANSPARENT WAY TO DO THIS IS WITH A BIASED HIGH QUALITY CAPACITOR ACTING WITH THE INPUT RESISTOR OF THE AMPLIFIER TO FORM A SPECIFIC HIGH PASS. THIS REQUIRES VERY ACCURATE INPUT IMPEDANCE VALUES AND IS WHY THE OWNERS MANUAL SPECIFIES A WAY TO CHECK. I AM SORRY YOUR DEALER DID NOT VERIFY THIS BEFORE INSTALLATION AS VERY EXPENSIVE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR, MOST DO. HAPPY LISTENING.

Lori (1/14/06): Hi Richard, I would like to know if I need any upgrading for my system to handle the new LCD HDTV's, etc. I have the 2W, a pair of model  3's, a pair of model 1's and a VCC. I think we bought them somewhere between 1996 and 1999. I will look forward to hearing form you. Thank you.

Answer: HELLO LORI, HIGHER DEFINITION EQUIPMENT WILL IMPROVE YOUR PICTURE, NO CHANGES REQUIRED. SOON WE MAY HAVE HIGHER DEFINITION SOURCES FOR BETTER SOUND, STILL NO SPEAKER CHANGES REQUIRED EXCEPT YOUR EXISTING ONES WILL SOUND BETTER.

Ned (1/15/06): I own a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce's that are ten years old. Can I drive these with a 4 ohm Amp? And if I do, what are pro's & con's over driving them with  8 ohms?

Answer: HELLO NED, 8 OHM AND 4 OHM AMPLIFIERS DON'T REALLY EXIST. SOME AMPS ARE VERY LOW CURRENT DESIGNS AND MAY REQUIRE 8 OHM SPEAKERS BECAUSE THEY WOULD CURRENT LIMIT OR RUN VERY HOT INTO A 4 OHM SPEAKER. MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT THESE AMPLIFIERS ARE NOT SATISFACTORY FOR HIGH END SOUND AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED. AMPLIFIERS DESIGNED WITH ADEQUATE CURRENT CAPABILITY COULD CARE LESS WHETHER THEY ARE 4 OHM OR 8 OHMS AND GENERALLY SOUND MUCH BETTER. HIGH CURRENT BETTER SOUNDING AMPLIFIERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY VERY EXPENSIVE (NAD,ROTEL). THE ONLY EXCEPTION WOULD BE TUBE AMPLIFIERS AND THIS IS IMPEDANCE MATCHING FOR BETTER POWER TRANSFER, AGAIN MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT MOST TUBE AMPS WILL WORK ON 4 OR 8 OHMS BUT WILL SOUND DIFFERENT. LISTEN TO BOTH AND LEAVE IT HOOKED UP TO THE BEST SOUNDING ONE. SOME LOUDSPEAKER DESIGNERS ALLOW FOR VERY LOW IMPEDANCE, MY EXPERIENCE IS THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS AND HAVING AN EASY LOAD WILL MAKE ANY AMP SOUND BETTER.

Jonas (1/16/06): Hi Richard. I am thinking of adding HT to my stereo setup. Two questions:  First, will having the surrounds on the ceiling work ok and if so  would you recommend the VSMs for this? Second, if a maximum of 4  people will be watching from 11' away will a center channel be necessary or can I just use my 5As?  Thanks very much in advance for your help.

Answer: HELLO JONAS, ADDING HT CAPABILITY TO YOUR SYSTEM IS A WONDERFUL THING AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T COMPROMISE YOUR 2 CHANNEL PERFORMANCE. BE SURE TO CONTINUE THE USE OF A 2 CHANNEL PRE-AMP AND IMPORT YOUR HT THROUGH A UNUSED INPUT, SOME HAVE THEATER BYPASS FOR THIS. I USE TUBE AMPS FOR STEREO AND CLASS D DIGITAL FOR THE REMAINING 5 CHANNELS. IF YOUR AMPS ARE DIFFERENT CHECK THAT THEY ARE THE SAME PHASE. THE BEST PLACE FOR REAR CHANNEL IMO IS THE REAR WALL ABOUT 18" ABOVE EAR HEIGHT. THIS WAY IF AN EFFECT GOES OVERHEAD AND TO THE REAR IT WILL DO SO. SIDE WALL PLACEMENT WORKS WELL IF THEY ARE PLACED BEHIND THE LISTENER FOR THE SAME REASON. REMEMBER THE CAUTION IN THE OWNERS MANUEL ABOUT POINTING THE SIDE OR CENTER DIRECTLY AT THE LISTENER, DON'T DO IT. POINT SOURCES LIKE OUR CENTER CHANNEL AND REAR CHANNEL SPEAKERS MEASURE AND SOUND GREAT AS LONG AS YOU ARE INDIRECT (ON AXIS MEASUREMENTS AND SOUND ARE NOT GOOD). PHANTOM CENTER IS BETTER FOR THE PERSON SITTING ON THE CRACK IN THE COUCH, IF A VIEWER IS EVEN SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER DIALOG WILL BE COMPROMISED. THERE IS ALWAYS THE CHANCE YOU GET THE CENTER BUT A MOVIE MAY BE ALL YOU GET FOR THE EVENING.

Unknown (1/17/06): HOW DO I KNOW I AM BUYING THE MODEL 2 CE . I FOUND ONE PAIR THAT HAS  CE AT THE END OF THE SERIAL NUMBER IS THAT MEAN IS A CE SERIES?

Answer: HELLO, THERE ARE MANY VERSIONS OF THE 2CE SPEAKERS OVER THE YEARS. ALL 2 SERIES SPEAKERS STILL SAY "MODEL II" ON THE REAR PANEL, YOU ARE CORRECT ABOUT THE LETTERS AFTER THE SERIAL NUMBER IDENTIFYING THEM AS 2CE'S. OVER THE 10 YEARS THEY WERE IN PRODUCTION THERE HAVE BEEN MANY MODIFICATIONS THAT ARE NOT UPGRADEABLE.  I SUGGEST YOU FIND A PAIR SN# 77000 AND ABOVE AS THEY ARE FACTORY UPGRADEABLE TO 2CE SIG'S. THE 1 AND 2 SERIES WERE NEVER DESIGNED TO BE UPGRADEABLE AND STILL ARE NOT, BUT THE LAST YEAR OF PRODUCTION HAD MANY CHANGES PART OF WHICH BECAME THE SIGNATURE SERIES MAKING IT POSSIBLE. WHEN BUYING USED MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO AUDITION THEM BEFORE PURCHASE AND ASSURE THEY ARE WORKING CORRECTLY. ONE WAY FOR A LAY PERSON TO ASSES THEY ARE WORKING IS TO PUT THEM SIDE BY SIDE AND PLAY A MONO SOURCE, THEY SHOULD SOUND PERFECTLY THE SAME ASSURING YOU THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS.

Sheldon (1/17/06): First, my sincere thanks for producing the speakers that I have enjoyed since 1989.  I have the 2C's and am considering upgrading to the 2ce Signature. I have heard there are significant improvements. I believe the new ones are 2db less efficient than my 2C's. I am concerned that my Linn LK140 amplifier, 90 into 8 and 140 into 4, will not be enough to drive these at a pleasing level.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks in advance

Answer: HELLO SHELDON, THE SENSITIVITY OF THE 2CE SIG'S MEASURES ABOUT 2DB LESS HOWEVER THEY ARE EASIER TO DRIVE, SHOULD WORK OUT ABOUT THE SAME. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE IS TO HOOK THE AMP UP, PUT THE VOLUME CONTROL AT APPROX 12 O'CLOCK (WHERE MOST AMPLIFIERS BEGIN TO CLIP WITH A CD PLAYER) PLAY SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC. IF YOUR COMMENT IS "THAT IS AS LOUD AS I WOULD EVER WANT" IT IS ENOUGH. IF YOUR COMMENT IS "I WOULD LIKE IT A LITTLE LOUDER SOMETIMES" YOU WILL NEED MORE POWER.

Randall (1/18/06): I own a pair of Vandersteen Model II. Is there any upgrades on the drivers and / or x-over?  Thank you for your attention and the best value in loudspeakers.

Answer: HELLO RANDALL, THE MODEL 1 AND 2 SERIES LOUDSPEAKER ARE NOT UPGRADEABLE. IF THIS IS AN ISSUE I SUGGEST YOU INVEST IN A PAIR OF MODEL THREES, QUATROS OR FIVES, AS THEY ARE GUARANTIED TO BE UPGRADEABLE.

Jacques (1/19/06): I have ordered a pair of Quatros.  Can you please give me a few links by email through which I can directly access a number of reviews on this product?  Or kindly post the links on this website.  I find it difficult to find reviews on it; perhaps because it is such a new product.

Havish (1/19/06): My question is about setting up the 2Ce signatures for proper bass  response.  I have Vandersteen 2Ce signatures, VSM-1s, VCC-1 and a V2W. When  listening to music on my 2Ce signatures, I have noticed that the bass  is lower than expected. The room itself is shaped unevenly and is  probably causing a lot of problems. I used a test CD to measure the bass response and found that I get a steep drop of up to 10 dB below 50 Hz. The bass response in front of the right speaker seems to be much better than in front of the left one. The right speaker has a plain wall about 3 feet behind it whereas the left one has an unevenly shaped wall part of which is much closer to the speaker while the other part has a bookshelf behind it (shown in the top-view figure below). Since, the 2Ce has a rear-firing active acoustic coupler, does this make the composition of the wall behind the speakers more important?  Particularly, I was wondering if the uneven wall shape behind the left speaker could be muting the bass response out of this speaker? Also, since I don't have much flexibility with positioning my speakers in this room as they are part of a home theater set up, will any kind of  room treatment behind the left speaker help? Regardless of these room  issues, the speakers perform wonderfully and have transformed the way  I listen to music. Many thanks for designing such great speakers.

Dave (1/22/06): I have a small hole in the top wood section of black cloth of 1C, not the sides. How can I replace this small black cloth without sending speaker in to you? Thanks.

Bill (1/23/06): I bought a pair of used Model 3A's that I loved listening to back in 2001. I had planned to upgrade them eventually. But two bits of misfortune "plagued" these speakers, and none of them had to do with the speaker quality. One, my wife nearly put them on the front door step of our house when I got home. She was pretty furious that I bought them. I told her they were a steal. She didn't care. So there was some bad "kharma" there.  (My wife and I get along very well, despite the speaker mishap!) Two, eventually I had to sell them because of some financial issues. This was a very difficult decision, as you can probably imagine.  I'm looking at saving some money to buy Vandersteen again. I want to stay within a budget and make sure my wife doesn't put these on the porch! My dilemma is  choosing between the 1Cs and the 2Ce Signatures.  The 3As are little much for my budget. Will I get similar, if not better sound, from the 2Ce Signatures, to the 3As? Or are 1Cs a good compromise in a high-end speaker in the Vandersteen line? My reluctance in getting the 1Cs is due to them not having a midrange driver. I want to also add two subwoofers in the future.  I'd be running the speakers from a Yamaha A/V receiver and a Sony ED SACD player through the analog bypass.  Thanks for your time.

Unknown (1/25/06): what period was the Model 2CE in production? Is the grill removable?

Ken (1/25/06): After years of jealousy of a freind with model 2's, I am going to put together my home theater using Vandersteen all the way around. What are your thoughts on 7.1 channels for the upcoming hi-res formats (Dolby TrueHD, etc.)? Would using 4 VSM's work well, with 2 mounted on back wall and 2 mounted on sides? I may start my Vandersteen addiction on the used market. Can you determine the vintage based on serial numbers? I have come across a pair of 2ce's that are serial # in the 58000 range and a VCC-1 that is in the 28000 range. Owner is not the original owner so they don't know the age of the speakers and it would help if I could find that out. Thanks.

Bob (1/25/06): I saw your Quatro with wood finish at the 2006 CES and they looked great! Are they available yet? Also, I am considering moving up to the Quatro and want to add a new 2 channel amp when I do. Will 150 watt per channel be enough or should I be looking at 200-300 watt range?  Thanks.

Mike (1/26/06): I have owned the 2CE Signature model for a couple of years and absolutely love the speakers. The addition of the 2CE's have led me to upgrade my source and modify my amplifier. I am now testing speaker cables and have noticed considerable differences between stranded and solid core, difference wire layout, etc. My problem is that on particular music I may prefer one wire and on another piece of music another wire. I am looking at a number of DIY receipts. Any suggestions? Are their any definite technologies like solid core and or litz construction that are superior?  Thank you for using barrier strips, I agree they are superior - plus dealing with spades when making DIY cables is much easier.

Curtis (1/27/06): Hi: I recently purchased a pair of Quatros. Is there any literature available, or, if not, could you explain how to "dial in" the proper bass response by using the dials on the back of the speaker? Thank you.

Anthony (1/27/06): Richard, I just recently purchased your Main Center Channel the VCC-Ref  (VCC-5) and was wondering if the best position of the speaker is above the listening position, or below? Also Is the tweeter itself covered in a metal mesh? I looked in side with a flash light. I just want to  make sure the one I purchased, is and original and not repaired with another driver.  Thanks in advance - Anthony

Anthony (1/27/06): Richard, I have a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs. How can I tell if they are originals or upgraded?

Anthony (1/29/06): Thanks for the replys, to my last 2 questions. One last one for now...  Does an upgraded speaker from you differ in anyway way then an ORIGINAL made? AKA upgraded 2Ce Sig, to an ORIGINAL 2ce Sig... Sound?  Appearance?  Also, I want you to know that I have been an audiophile for couple years, and Vandersteen are a steal in the audio industry. I have my speakers very well setup, and they blow away all speakers I have heard so far regardless of price. I recently did a shootout with The Martin Logan  Summits vs. my 2Ce Sigs, and was blown away that the 2Ce Sigs matched (I would say surpassed) the Summits Highs, but when we got to midrange and lower it was the 2Ces that took home the trophy. I have converted at least 4 friends into buying at least the 1C's - and some VCC-1's. I also know you are mostly a separates man, but I wonder what the last time you used your Vandys (maybe not the 5A's) with a good reviewer? I am currently using a Denon 3805 HT Receiver with an External DAC (Benchmark Media DAC 1)from really good transport.  (Denon 3910.) The receiver is used only for amp, pre amp only. I have it in "pure" Direct mode so there is no adverse or added processing to the sound. And I will say it was just as good as some of the tube AMP/Pre amp combos I have used in the past (Audio research, Cary Audio, Mcintosh) With some Combos I was able to get tad bit crisper highs, but they were significantly more expensive then the receiver.  I would love for you to stop by and audition your own speakers, and tell  me what you think. (I'm close to Ultra Fidelis - the only authorized Vandersteen dealer in WI.)Here is a couple of links to my setup, let let me know what you think? http://img515.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hometheaterfull0rk.jpg  Home Theater FULL SETUP! http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hometheatervandersteenvcc5top9.jpg  Vandersteen VCC-5 Top http://img488.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hometheatersource7fl.jpg   Home Theater Source Devices http://img488.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hometheatersourceclose8bi.jpg  Home Theater Source Devices Close Up.  I hope you like the custom decal made of fabric that I have on the  VCC-REF.  Took 4 hours to make.  (Also... the right speaker in the full picture is measured to be identical to the left in terms of placement, but doesn't look that way in the pic. I took 3 pics and Photoshoped them together.)

Craig (1/29/06): Why are your speakers only rated at 86 to 90 db when there are some speakers at over 94 db spl?

Answer: HELLO CRAIG, I LIKE MOST SPEAKERS DESIGNERS TRY TO GET THE SENSITIVITY AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE. WHEN BEING TIME AND PHASE CORRECT IS THE MAIN DESIGN TARGET (I BELIEVE THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PARAMETER IN LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN) THERE ARE SOME RULES. 1) FROM 150 HZ AND ABOVE ONLY ONE DRIVER CAN BE USED PER FREQUENCY RANGE. USING MORE THAN ONE MID-RANGE FOR INSTANCE NO MATER HOW PERFECT WOULD SMEAR EACH OTHER. TIME SMEAR LOWERS REAL TRANSPARENCY. 2) EACH DRIVER MUST BE SMALL ENOUGH TO MINIMIZE BEAMING. BEAMING WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH ROOM REFLECTIONS NOT BEING A FACSIMILE OF THE DIRECT SOUND. BEAMING DEGRADES IMAGE STABILITY. 3) DRIVER DIAPHRAGMS MUST BE RIDGED ENOUGH TO ACT PISTONIC AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. NON PISTONIC CONES CAUSE TIME SMEAR. 4) FIRST ORDER TRANSFER FUNCTION BETWEEN THE DRIVERS INCLUDING THEIR X-OVERS. THIS ALLOWS FOR WAVEFORM PRESERVATION, THE KEY TO REPRODUCING MUSIC IN A UNBELIEVABLY REALISTIC WAY. ALL THIS ADDS UP TO ABOUT 86DB SENSITIVITY EVEN WITH TODAY'S SOPHISTICATED MAGNET SYSTEMS AND CONE/DOME TECHNOLOGIES. TO GET HIGHER SENSITIVITY YOU WOULD NEED HORN (VERY COLORED), MULTIPLE DRIVERS (TIME SMEAR), OR CONES/DOMES SO LIGHTWEIGHT THEY ARE IN CONTROLLED CHAOS (DISTORTED WAVEFORM). ALL OF THESE ARE UNACCEPTABLE TO ME. TODAY WE HAVE REASONABLY AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY POWER AVAILABLE LOWERING THE NEED FOR HIGH SENSITIVITY. IF I COULD DO ALL OF THE ABOVE INCLUDING HIGH SENSITIVITY I WOULD NOT BE ANSWERING THIS QUESTION. I WOULD BE A RETIRED MULTI- MILLIONAIRE IN THE CARIBBEAN.

Ashok (1/30/06): I am trying a BAT VK-75 SE amplifier which has balanced inputs with a pair of your fabulous Vandersteen 5A's. According to Victor Khomenko from BAT, "each channel has two phases on balanced interface, each one of them being 215k. How is that fact treated by the crossover - you need to ask the Vandersteen people, they should know."  So do I set each of the high pass filters connected between the outputs of the preamp and amplifier, at a setting of 200k (or 300K which is the next higher level for 215k) or 400K (or 500K)? Thanks for your time.

Roberto (1/30/06): I write from Mexico City. my question is where can buy the service manual of subwoofer Model 2Wq ?

Jacques (1/30/06): CAN I USE BANANA PLUGS ON MY NEW QUATROS WHEN THEY ARRIVE - OR IS THERE SOME SPECIAL TYPE OF PLUG I SHOULD USE?

Dave (2/2/06): I'm finally upgrading from stereo to 5.1 Home Theater. I currently own a pair of Model 2C's (S/N: 50xxxC). After listening to the VSM-1surrounds and the VCC-1 center, the decision to purchase was easy, for they sounded great. Selection of a subwoofer was not so easy. First, the dealer didn't have the 2Wq on display. I own an Adcom component system, so I believe this would be the preferred subwoofer. Second, from reading the Vandersteen literature, it appears a stereo subwoofer configuration is preferred. If this is true, why is it not an option to purchase a stereo subwoofer configuration where each subwoofer would only have inputs for one channel and the crossover for the pre-amp output would also be designed for a single channel. My thought was that a savings could be passed on to the consumer and perhaps subwoofer sales might increase.

Steve (2/2/06): Hi Richard.. More a comment than a question. I've heard the Quatros and I think they sound wonderful. Why have they been given short shrift here on your website?? The other products have long, elaborate descriptions detailing the design principals guiding their development, yet the Quatro has what looks like a hastily created one-page spec. sheet. that aside, your products are awesome. I hope you have a succession plan in place for your business for the day when you hang up the tuning fork and oscilloscope. ..I'd like to think Vandersteen speakers will continue to be made for decades to come.

Craig (2/2/06): Hello Mr. Vandersteen my wife and I have 2Ce Signatures and two 2Wq's driven by Quicksilver V4's that we are very impressed with.  I'm curious about active Bi-Amping, which in our setup I think would be in effect Tri-Amping. My question is why don't I see a second set of terminals on your, or any other speaker that bypasses the crossover for the purpose of  Bi-Amping? I suspect going to 3A Signatures would be our best bet, but  haven't heard them yet.  Thanks for all you do, Craig

James (2/2/06): I own a pair of 2CE signatures and am concerned about the dimensions of my new listening room. The dimensions of my new  listening room are 8.5' x 14' with 10' ceiling. Can the 2CE signatures perform well in a room of such dimensions. If not, would any of your other speakers be a more suitable match for my room size? I hate the thought of giving up my 2CE Sig's but if I must I would want to replace them with another Vandersteen speaker.

Answer: HELLO JAMES, HOW SPEAKERS WORK IN A ROOM IS A COMPLICATED COMBINATION OF DIFFERENT PARAMETERS NOT DESCRIBED BY THE DIMENSIONS. WITH ENOUGH EXPERIMENTATION VERY GOOD SOUND CAN BE FOUND IN ALMOST ANY ROOM. SOMETIMES AUDIOPHILES THINK THERE IS NO CHANCE AND SETTLE FOR SOME CHEAP SPEAKERS AT THE SWAP MEET, THIS GUARANTIES BAD SOUND. ANOTHER OPTION IS TO GET A SMALL LITTLE TWO WAY ALSO GUARANTEEING NO MUSIC BECAUSE THE FOUNDATION OF MUSIC IS BASS. ONLY AN AUDIOPHILE CAN LISTEN TO A LITTLE TWO WAY LOUDSPEAKER WITH THE SCREAMING MEANIES AND CALL IT MUSIC NO MATTER HOW EXPENSIVE. THIS IS SOMETIMES CALLED TRANSPARENCY.  I CALL IT NO BASS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MIDS AND HIGHS. YOUR 2CE SIGNATURES MAY LOAD UP THE ROOM IN THE BASS IF THAT OCCURS TRY HIGH PASSING THE AMPLIFIER. CHECK WITH YOUR DEALER AND BORROW THE WX-2 ADJUSTABLE HIGH PASS IF YOU CAN. START AT HALF THE IMPEDANCE OF YOUR AMPLIFIER AND WORK YOUR WAY DOWN. AT SOME POINT YOU WILL ROLL OFF YOUR 2CE SIGS AT THE SAME FREQUENCY THE ROOM IS LIFTING RESULTING IN FLAT RESPONSE. IT TURNS OUT THAT BASS IS LIFTED AT 6DB PER OCTAVE WHICH IS THE INVERSE OF THE HIGH PASS. IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE EXPERIMENTING BUT THE END RESULT IS MUSICAL. GOOD LUCK.

Patrick (2/3/06): Why are the prices for your speakers in Canada so much higher than in the USA even though the CAD is at a sixteen year high?  Love your 5As, but the prices up here is daunting.

Bill (2/3/06): I have had a pair of Vandersteen 5s for approximately six years and recently acquired a pair of Pass Labs Aleph 2 mono-blocks.  I'm running them in balanced form and the owners manual tells me the Input Impedance for balanced operation is 25 kohm. What are the appropriate settings for the crossovers?

Mike (2/4/06): If I understand the 2CE serial numbers correctly from your reply to Unknown (1/17/06) - SN#56032 and SN#77000 were used for the 2CE, but "THE 2CE SIGNATURES ARE CURRENTLY STILL IN PRODUCTION BUT HAVE HAD YEARLY UPGRADES, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IN FEB 2005 (SN#57374 AND ABOVE)". The serial numbers don't seem to be sequential - my 2CE Signatures are 55020 and were purchased in Jan 2003. What upgrades have been done since then? Drivers, crossover, etc? I am upgrading my amplifier and would like to use the same barrier strips as the 2CE Sig - where can I source them?  Thank you.

Answer: HELLO MIKE, THE FIRST 2CE SIGNATURE WAS SN#50000 THEY ARE NOT SEQUENTIAL WITH THE 2CE. YOUR LOOKING A THREE YEARS MANY UPGRADES HAVE HAPPENED. IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO CHANGE OUT ALL THE CHANGES, EACH ONE ONLY A SMALL IMPROVEMENT. TOGETHER THEY ADD UP OVER THE YEARS. IF UP-GRADES ARE AN ISSUE I SUGGEST THE THREE SERIES OR HIGHER THEY A GUARANTEED UPGRADEABLE. YOUR DEALER CAN ORDER THE BARRIER STRIP FOR YOU. $15.00 EACH FOR THE SINGLES $25.00 FOR DOUBLES PLUS FREIGHT.

Bill (2/5/06): I would like to start by thanking you for designing great sounding speakers. I currently own a set of 1Cs which I love. I am contemplating  upgrading to a set of 2CEs or 2CE Sigs. Here's my question.. I have this odd room which is essentially 14'x14'. With the back wall (behind me) that has 1/3 of it open to a kitchen. Using your EXCELLENT manual and much experimentation, I was able to dial in my 1Cs. But given the room size and furniture I cannot place speakers far out into the room. Every time I have heard the 2CEs, they were in a much bigger room and were placed farther apart and much farther out into the room from the wall(behind speaker). I am concerned that the 2CEs or Sigs might be too much speaker for my room.  My seating arrangement puts me  ~8 feet from my 1Cs.  I wanted to upgrade to the 2CEs for the midrange and lower bass improvements. What do you think??

Lonny (2/6/06): Hey there.  At what time in the future do you suppose your going to turn off the CAPPS????????  I am going blind reading this stuff......... Its a good thing you know how to make speakers.

John (2/7/06): I have a receiver that has adjustable crossover (in frequency and in slope) and I was wondering, with my 3a Sigs, vcc-5, and vsm-1's, do I maintain a x-over at 80hz with the 6db slope or should I individually apply the crossover at different frequencies for each speaker, and if so, what would that x-over point be (3a's-40hz?, cc-5-60 hz?). Thanks

Jonas (2/7/06): A couple more questions as I am working on designing the room that will house my 2 ch and HT system. My first question is whether with 5A's used as the Left and Right channels in a HT environment will do the job for HT or whether I will also need a pair of V2Ws (I live in a Manhattan apartment so I'll never go to too crazy with e dbls.)  Second, I am looking at installing a balanced power system (such as equi=tech). Do you think this would have a meaningful performance impact?  Thanks so much for making the best speakers I've ever owned (or heard!)

Jacques (2/7/06):  The calibrated disk necessary for the adjustment of the 11 bass bands on the Quatro - is it the same as needed for the Model 5. My distributor has the latter and is very helpful and will gladly lend this to my dealer in another city to set up my Quatros.

Answer: HELLO JACQUES, YOUR DEALER SHOULD HAVE ANSWERED THIS QUESTION FOR YOU. THE SET UP FOR THE QUATRO'S IS THE SAME AS THE 5A. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEALER.

Anthony (2/8/06): I know you don't like giving out recommendations for speaker cords, but what are your top picks?  I so far like Kimber Cable, what is your opinion of them?  I am Double Bi-Wiring 4PR, and going to Double Bi-Wire 4TC. I hope I hear a great increase in Audio Perfection.  P.S. You never actually answered my question form the last question I asked on 1-29-06, also what did you think of the pictures?

Jeff (2/8/06): I have a pair of 2Ce's with a 2WQ subwoofer that I have been using with a power amplifier that has a 100k input impedance. I have been using your X2 inline crossovers with good results but have just bought a new amplifier with a 50k input impedance. Until I can get a new set of crossovers from my dealer, if I use the 100K ones, will this raise or lower the crossover point going to the 2Ce's? I noticed that you mention an 80hz crossover. Thanks!

Hovhannes (2/8/06): I recently bought a pair of your wonderful Vandersteen model speakers that were manufactured approximately 5-6 years ago. While enjoying the perfect sound of the speakers, I noticed that left speaker produces slightly less highs then the right one. My attempts to compensate that effect by position adjustment and manipulation on controls on the back of speakers were not successful which draws me to suspicion that speakers may need get out of calibration / adjustment during years of use. Could you, please, tell if speakers can be serviced at Vandersteen? Is there adjustment / calibration program offered?

Answer: HELLO HOVHANNES, TRY MOVING THE RIGHT SPEAKER TO THE LEFT AND THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT. IF THE ROOM IS NOT SYMMETRICAL THERE CAN BE QUITE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHANNELS.  IF REVERSING THEM DOES NOT GIVE A CLUE SET THEM SIDE BY SIDE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM. PLAY A MONO SOURCE, THEY SHOULD SOUND THE SAME. THERE IS NOTHING TO ADJUST IN THE SPEAKER SO A TRIP TO THE FACTORY MAY BE CALLED FOR.  READ CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THIS SITE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. THIS IS QUITE COMMON WITH SPEAKERS PURCHASED USED BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY BEEN THROUGH.

Alfred (2/10/06):  I recently bought a used pair of C1s. Unfortunately, it did not come with the manual. I have hard how extensive it is with regards to speaker placement. Thanks! Alfred

Ron (2/10/06): I purchased a pair of 2ci's may of 1990. #'s 45158 & 45159. As I type this, both speakers on are the way to you for repair. You should have the speakers in your shop on Tues Feb 14. I noticed when using a pressure meter the sound from the speakers was very different from each other. Being the speakers are so old I figured it would make since to send both in for a check & whatever repair is necessary. My other equipment is - Classe ssp25 processor, Rotel 1095 power amp, NHT VT-1C center channel & NHT HDP-1 surrounds. My two questions are - Can these speakers be upgraded? If yes, at about what cost? I am considering purchasing your center speaker VCC1 to replace the NHT. Any suggestion you have would be appreciated. Incidentally, John at Audio Connection in Verona NJ is the best. Last but not least your product is outstanding.

Mike (2/10/06): In follow up to my questions about speaker wire: Mike (1/26/06) - One style of wire that interests me and is easy to build for the DIY crowd is the DNM/REASON style (small 24gauge solid core spaced wires) which creates low capacitance but high inductance and high resistance. Some claim this high resistance improves the amplifier loudspeaker interface but can be an issue with some speakers due to the low damping factor. Do you have any recommendations about  maximum wire resistance and minimum inductance, ie. some speaker manufactures recommend .1 ohms as the max wire resistance. I assume this is to set a minimum damping factor?

Ted (2/11/06): Hi. I see in the FAQ that the 2ce's should be positioned "at least a foot away from the wall." Is a foot really sufficient? I ask because that is probably as far away from the wall as I will be able to place them. If that placement will give me the results the 2ce was intended to achieve, they are an option for me. But if this placement is a serious compromise, they aren't. Thanks.

John (2/12/06): I am the happy owner of a pair of Vandersteen 2Cs that I purchased in 1986. Recently, however, I've noticed serious distortion in bass heavy content that appears to be coming from the acoustic couplers.  At first I chalked this up to the age of the speakers but after reading some of your answers in this FAQ list I now suspect that playing movies without a subwoofer may be the culprit. Do you repair speakers this old? If so, any estimate of likely cost would be helpful. I was planning to simply replace them with the new 2Ce Signature or 3A Signature. Now however, I may add the 2Wq subwoofer and hold on to them for a while if repair is a feasible option. Rest assured I will eventually upgrade but I'd like to have these on hand for a graduation present for my son. Keeping these old friends in the family really appeals to me.  Thanks in advance for your reply.

Jagdeep (2/12/06): Hello Richard, I'm using a Naim pre/power system with Living Voice OBX R2 speakers.  Naim specify that the sub must be fed from the speaker end of the speaker cable. Have you any opinions on this? Also, my speakers are very clean and fast. I want the sub to compliment & integrate with the speakers and not draw attention to themselves. Can i tune the @Wq's to do that?  My room size is approx 3000 cu ft. Should I use 1 or 2 subs..considering that I will cut in at about 35 to 40Hz (speakers have a claimed in room response of 35Hz)  I will not be able to place the sub(s) in corners and the sub(s) will be solely for 2 channel audio.

Answer: HELLO JAGDEEP (SINGAPORE), STEREO SUBS ARE RECOMMENDED AND OUR 2WQ DOES GET ITS SIGNAL FROM THE SPEAKER LEADS. A HIGH-PASS FILTER MUST BE PLACED BETWEEN YOUR PRE AMP AND AMPLIFIER OR A LINEAR TRANSITION WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE. I SUGGEST YOU READ THE REVIEWS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE. CONTACT YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER FOR A DEMO I THINK YOU WILL LIKE IT.

Craig (2/12/06): I have a pair of 5A's (fantastic speaker!), and was thinking of trying an interconnect cable between my amp and preamp that has an adjustable impedance setting for the input of the amp (like the 5A crossover has). My question is, should I set the cable for the input impedance of the amp, or the input impedance of the crossover (to which it would directly connect)? If the latter, what  is that impedance value? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO GRAIG, YOU WOULD SET THE CABLE TO THE SETTING OF THE AMPLIFIER INPUT IMPEDANCE. THE MODEL 5HP'S INPUT IMPEDANCE IS WHAT IS REFLECTED THROUGH IT FROM THE AMPLIFIER.

Ken (2/12/06): What is your opinion on acoustically treating a room? I am building a dedicated home theater room with Vandersteen all the way around.  There are many, many online discussions going on indicating the benefits of putting up some sort of wall treatments. These are typically some some sort of sound absorptive material built into frames and hung on the walls. Usually the advice is to fully treat the front wall, from floor to ceiling to eliminate reflections coming off the back of the main speakers. It also includes treatment of the side walls up from floor to ear level.  Is this kind of treatment a worthwhile endeavor with your speakers, or does your speaker design need and use those types of typical wall reflections to create the magic?  P.S. - Please don't end this internet question and answer experiment  too soon - it is a real treat for Vandersteen owners.

Answer: HELLO KEN, MOST H.T. PEOPLE OVER TREAT THE ROOM IN MY OPINION. THE BEST WAY TO GET BETTER RESULTS IS TO INSTALL THE SYSTEM, FIRE IT UP AND SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THAT ACTUALLY EXIST. THE PROBLEM WITH OVER TREATING THE ROOM IS THAT IT COMPRESS'S DYNAMICS, INCREASES DISTORTION, AND EATS UP AMPLIFIER POWER. THE ONE TREATMENT I WOULD DO AUTOMATICALLY IS THE CEILING IF THE FLOOR IS NOT COVERED WITH A NATURAL FIBER CARPET. REAR REFLECTIONS ARE NOT USUALLY A PROBLEM. SIDE WALL MAY NEED TREATMENT FOR THE FIRST REFLECTION (USE A MIRROR ON THE SIDE WALL AND MARK THE LOCATION WHERE YOU SEE THE SPEAKER REFLECTED FROM THE LISTENING POSITION). THE REAR WALL WILL NEED SOME TREATMENT BEHIND THE LISTENING POSITION. ABSORPTION OR DIFFUSION CAN BE EXPERIMENTED WITH UNTIL YOU GET THE RESULTS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. THIS ALL TAKES TIME BUT WILL REWARD WITH VIVID AND DYNAMIC SOUND.

Bob(2/14/06):  Hi Richard, Is it true that even though you use a first order crossover 6db per octave that lets say the model 1Cs the tweeter and woofer are still 90 degrees out of phase...

Stan (2/14/06): Hi - I have just been notified by my dealer that my new 5A's are going to be delivered in a few days.  Regarding power, is a 15 amp socket acceptable?  Also, the right speaker will need an extension cord the included power cord I was told is 6 feet, and too short to reach the wall plug. I will make the extension myself using Hospital Grade components. Should I make 2 cords so that each speaker will see the exact same power? Thanks Stan

Bob (2/14/06): I just purchased a pr of 10 year old 2c's from ebay....Are all drivers available and can you post a price list for these parts. Also can I put the series 3 tweeter in this speaker again how much. Thanks

Gary (2/14/06):  My listening/HT room floor is carpet over plywood (a raised floor). Vibrations can be felt thru out the room which is great for movie entertainment. Currently, I use the spikes provided for the speaker to anchor them to the floor. Certain audio forums recommend the use of such products as Auralex Subdudes to control the vibrations and tighten up the bass. What is your recommendation?

Ken (2/15/06): I have a 2W with a Serial Number above 4060. I have an opportunity purchase a second one but its S.N. is below 4060. Would they integrate well with each other? I know there is a difference in the upgrade prices with the cutoff at S.N. 4060 so I assume there are some differences.

Steve (2/16/06): Hi Richard, Just recently bought a pair of 2Ce Signatures and a Rogue Cronus integrated amplifier and was wondering if you can make a general recommendation as to whether the 8 Ohm taps or 4 Ohm taps are preferred for my 2Ces. I took the liberty of changing over the taps to 4 Ohms based on your specs but am thinking maybe I should have at least tired them with the 8 Ohm taps first. Do what sounds best?  Your thoughts? My feeling is that I am not sure yet and I tend to want to rationalize why I would choose one vs. the other. Your thoughts? Wonderful speakers by the way.

Bob (2/16/06):  I just picked up a 1990 pr of 2ci's and they sound great. all drivers appear to be working...My question is about the wiring. Temporarily I hooked my speaker wires to the bottom end with jumpers from the dual banana plug to the high end. Is this ok? am I really loosing anything?  If I run a second set of wires to the same output terminals on my amp (I only have one set BK 442 200 watt (8ohms) 350 at 4) 70amp amp) will that drop the impedance?

Answer:  HELLO BOB, READ ABOUT BI-WIRING IN THE FAQ SECTION TO UNDERSTAND WHAT AND WHY. THE PERFORMANCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED WITH JUMPERS IF YOUR SYSTEM IS HIGH RESOLUTION ENOUGH. BOTH SETS OF WIRES SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE SAME TERMINALS ON THE AMPLIFIER. THE IMPEDANCE OF THE SPEAKER IS THE SAME, 6 OHMS.

Steve (2/16/06): I own the Vandersteen 2CE signatures and find that they are fantastic. I have changed every piece of my system over the years, but the one constant is always the speakers! Do you think separates are better for the Vandies or is an integrated amp sufficient? Also are tubes better or solid state? And lastly, what do you think of the combo of a tube preamp with a solid state amp?

Stephen (2/19/06): What can be wrong with one of my Series 2 speakers ? The tweeter is not working, also the bass unit is very muffled with no real response to music. I understand that there are no Vandersteen dealers in the UK and hope that you may be able to assist me in finding the fault and helping me to repair the speaker. Also I need a cover, do you sell them ? Many thanks,

Answer:  HELLO STEPHEN, THIS QUESTION IS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS FORUM. PLEASE READ THE REPAIR SECTION UNDER CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THIS WEB SITE. IF THE INFORMATION THERE IS NOT FAMILIAR SOUNDING AND OF NO ASSISTANCE TO YOU, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO TRAIN YOU BY E-MAIL TO EFFECT A PROPER REPAIR. YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS AS I SEE IT 1) FIND A GOOD LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING BY FRIENDS REFERRAL. 2) DOWN LOAD THE RMA FORM AND SEND THEM TO VANDERSTEEN AUDIO. THIS MAY SEEM LIKE A EXTREME OPTION BUT WE HAVE THE PARTS, REPAIRS ARE USUALLY LESS THAN $150.00 U.S. FOR ANY NORMAL PROBLEM. ON SPEAKERS THIS OLD WE DO NOT HAVE PARTS BUT WE ARE ABLE TO REBUILD ALL SPEAKERS WE HAVE EVER MADE (30 YEARS). A GOOD REPAIR SHOP CAN DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM REMOVE THE DAMAGED DRIVERS AND SEND THEM FOR REBUILD AND ALL IS WELL. IF HOWEVER THE X-OVER IS DAMAGED BUY EXCESSIVE POWER OR LIGHTNING STRIKE IT IS NOT REMOVABLE PLUS MANY OF THE PART VALUES ARE COMMON TO THAT SPEAKER AND ITS MATE ONLY. IT WOULD BE AND IS TO EXPENSIVE TO RECORD ALL THAT INFORMATION. THE SPEAKER WITH ITS REBUILT DRIVERS AND X-OVER ARE THEN PUT IN THE ANECHOIC CHAMBER AND THE VALUES ARE DIALED IN. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET LIKE NEW PERFORMANCE IF THE X-OVER IS BURNED BY PLAYING TOO LOUD FOR TOO LONG, POWER AMP FAILURE, OR LIGHTING STRIKE.

Mark (2/19/06):  I just returned from your very excellent dealer in South Minneapolis. The 2ce Sigs were far and away the most involving speakers of the many pairs I auditioned. (The planars had a similar depth, but didn't integrate all the instruments nearly as well.) I  love the 2ce Sigs but, until my infant and toddler mature a bit, these speakers will end up in very small (7' x 12') room. My question: How will the 2's do in such a small room, with a near field (about 5 feet away) listening position?  Thanks very much. This is fun. 

Answer:  HELLO MARK, THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS ON OUR DEALERS POSITIVE DEMO AND HIS CARE FOR YOU. THE SPEAKERS WILL WORK FINE WITH SOME QUALIFICATIONS. PLEASE READ SOME OF THE QUESTIONS IN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS THAT ARE SIMILAR I THINK YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWERS ABOUT NON OPTIMUM SITUATIONS INTERESTING. FIVE FEET IS A MINIMUM DISTANCE BUT STILL WITHIN DESIGN LIMITS.

Stan (2/19/06):  Question regarding the fixed passive filters for 2WQ subs. I have 2 x > 2WQ subs but am using Vandersteen 5k fixed high pass filters into my > 10k ohm input impedance Spectral (DMA-80) amp; the reason is that is all the dealer had and I never bothered to order the 10k ones as he said it would take a while to get from you. My question is, how critical is it to precisely match these with the input impedance of my amp? What effect is the 5k filter having? I also have a 20k filter -  would I be better off using it?

Answer:  HELLO STAN H, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE QUESTIONS I SHOULD DUMP BUT AGAIN I WILL TRY TO REITERATE THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THE SUB-WOOFERS ARE SHIPPED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE WX-2 X-OVER SO ANY VALUE IS AVAILABLE BY SWITCHING A SWITCH!!!!! DOING THE EXPERIMENT SINGLE ENDED IS VALID FOR BALANCED ALSO, THE RESULT WILL BE THE SAME . HOW THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE EFFECTED IS A VARIABLE THING BUT PEOPLE DO NOT INVEST IN THIS KIND OF STUFF IF MEDIOCRE PERFORMANCE WAS THE GOAL. IF YOUR HAVING DIFFICULTY GETTING THIS RIGHT PAY YOUR KNOWLEDGEABLE DEALER OR A FRIEND TO HELP YOU. SET UP CAN IMPROVE THE SOUND OF A SYSTEM MORE THAN A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN "IMPROVED" GEAR. ITS WORTH DOING OR HAVING IT DONE.

John (2/20/06): Richard, Thank you for 16 years of outstanding audio enjoyment from my current set of speakers. The downside is that I have no idea what they are. The back label says Model 2. Serial #s are 53150Ci and 53151. I'd guess they are Model 2Ci's, but the serial # is a little hard to read and I can't tell if the "i" is a blemish or real. Is there anyway you can tell me what I own? Thanks! John

Answer: HELLO JOHN, YOU ARE CORRECT THEY ARE 2Ci'S.

Joe (2/20/06): I recently acquired a used pair of 5's through my son, Sam, who works at Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica. He suggested I ask you the following question. The serial numbers on my speakers are 2006 and 2007. I noticed that your web site indicates that these speakers require $1500 more to upgrade to 5A's then some other serial numbers. I suspect that means that changes were made to the 5 that makes the upgrade less expensive. Did these changes result in any sonic improvements? If so, can I make those changes to my 5s, and would it be worth it?  Also, I'd like to ask a somewhat more specialized question. My left ear is more highly sensitive to high frequencies than normal, and most speakers tend to sound a bit bright to me. Also, my listening room is a bit on the bright side, though I have treated it a fair amount. On my previous speakers, Spendor SP 100s and before that Kef 105.2s, I installed an L-pad on the tweeter by putting resistors in parallel and in series with it to provide the same resistance to the crossover network, but drop the output a bit. I found 3 dB was just about right.  In the case of the Kefs, I did it the same time as I re-built the crossovers, replacing all the old electrolytic caps with polypropylene ones. I know that some of your speakers do have tweeter level adjusters. Has anyone ever asked to have one installed on the 5? It looks like just the opposite was requested; the rear-firing tweeter for adding treble. I have toed in the speakers a bit, and that helped a lot. Of course a lot of the problem is with CDs that are simply too bright in themselves and the (to me) silly notion that  tone controls, very useful for correcting poorly balanced recordings, are forbidden. Actually, for most vinyl and many CDs and SACDs, the problem is minimal, but I was curious.  I'm sorry to take up so much of your time, but I'm quite excited to have these speakers and want to get the best out of them.  Santa Cruz, California.

Answer: HELLO JOE, I VISITED OPTIMAL ENCHANTMENT JUST YESTERDAY, HAD A GOOD TIME WITH RANDY AND SAM. YOUR OBSERVATION IS CORRECT ABOUT CHANGES OCCURRING DURING THE SEVEN YEARS THE FIVES WERE IN PRODUCTION AND THEY WERE DEFINITELY AUDIBLE OR I WOULD NOT HAVE SPENT THE CUSTOMERS MONEY. UNFORTUNATELY IT WOULD BE FAR TOO EXPENSIVE TO DO A PARTIAL UP-GRADE FOR THE GAIN RECEIVED. WHEN THE TIME COMES TO UP-GRADE THE SPEAKERS TO 5A'S ALL WILL BE BROUGHT CURRENT. IN THE MEAN TIME ENJOY THE MODEL 5'S ALTHOUGH NOT A 5A, IT IS ONE INCREDIBLE SPEAKER. IN MY OPINION YOU SHOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES IN YOUR EARS. ALL OF US, IF WE MEASURED HAVE ABOUT 3 TO 6 DB LESS HIGH FREQUENCY ABILITY IN OUR LEFT EAR AND IN THE UK IT IS THE RIGHT EAR. DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN A LIFE TIME CONTRIBUTES TO THIS. FOR SOME REASON YOURS ARE THE OPPOSITE BUT OUR REFERENCE IS STILL EVERY DAY SONIC EXPERIENCES HEARD WITH THOSE SAME EARS. WHEN IT COMES TO BRINGING THE TONE CONTROLS BACK I AGREE 100% AND BELIEVE THE MORE MUSIC ORIENTATED HIGH END MANUFACTURES (NOT NECESSARILY THE SAME) WILL DO SO SOONER THAN LATER (PSE HL-1 ALREADY DOES BUT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE) FOR THE REASONS YOU MENTION IN YOUR QUESTION. I WOULD NOT INSTALL THIS INTO A SPEAKER BECAUSE IT WOULD BE TOO DIFFICULT TO DEFEAT ON THOSE RECORDINGS NOT NEEDING IT. YOU MIGHT CONSIDER BUILDING A TONE CONTROL CIRCUIT THAT WOULD GO INTO THE TAPE MONITOR LOOP. AS TO THE COMMENT ABOUT MOST SPEAKERS SOUNDING TOO BRIGHT, MOST ARE. CHECK OUT THE MEASUREMENTS IN STEREOPHILE MAGAZINE.

Jacques (2/21/06): Jacques (2/22/06) I was told in South Africa that my Quatros will be delivered within 5 weeks, so I expected them to arrive by about 22  February 2006. Now, suddenly, yesterday (21 February) I was told that I will have to wait another 4 weeks (!!??). I don't know all the facts behind the scenes, except that the Distributor in South Africa suddenly decided that he also wants a pair of Quatros for his showroom. He indicated  that it was VANDERSTEEN AUDIO who decided to hold back my Quatros and combine the two orders. My full deposit was paid at the beginning of the whole period involved. Please keep in mind that some people have waited for 40 years to own speakers of this stature - so it is traumatic to overcome the time-lag, prolonged by such rather cynical action. I suppose there can be a cost saving in combining the orders - would that saving be passed on to the buyer? I put these points to you in the interests of making VANDERSTEEN the finest brand in the world, if it is not precisely that already.

Answer: HELLO JACQUES, THE REASON FOR THE DELAY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR DEALER DECIDING TO HAVE A PAIR FOR HIMSELF. THE DELAY IS BECAUSE THE 220 VOLT VERSION OF THE AMPLIFIER WAS NOT FINISHED. YOUR DEALER WAS NOT INTERESTED IN THE 120 VOLT VERSION WITH STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER SHIPPED TOO OTHER FOREIGN MARKETS WHERE THE CUSTOMER WAS IN A BIGGER HURRY. SHIPMENTS OF THIS SIZE ARE PRICED BY THE POUND OR KILO SO WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME. SORRY FOR THE DELAY.

Kenn (2/21/06): I have Model 1s, am getting 2Cs, and 3As soon so that I can create a home theater system in my basement. I'm not sure if I need more than a  VCC-1 center speaker. I thought the VCC sig might be overkill. What do you think? Also, I thought I'd get the V2W for the sub. Thanks, for your help, Kenn

Answer: HELLO KENN, THE VCC-1 SIGNATURE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED WITH MODEL 3'S. THE NEW VCC-2 OR THE VCC-5 ARE THE ONLY CENTERS DYNAMIC ENOUGH FOR YOUR PROPOSED SYSTEM. THE VCC-2 WILL BE AVAILABLE JUNE 06.

Kenn (2/22/06): Richard, I submitted a question yesterday (re:VCC sig. v. VCC-1 and my models 1, 2c, & 3A s) and since have had time to explore your FAQ  site. I'm beginning to think that piece mealing together a HT system, > from even good used sources, isn't the best idea given the advances you've made over the years.  After seeing your site I also am questioning my Onkyo TX-SR 803  receiver for your speakers. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of AV info "out there" and the various forums reveal a variety of informed opinion. I'm not an audiophile nor will I ever be one (I think!) but I do appreciate good sound - music and movie. I know I'm going with Vandersteen speakers to make a HT system. This will probably be my one and only system for evermore. I know you have a HT system but I have the sense that putting together something along the lines of new 3As,  VCC sig., 2VW would be better for my 17 x 35 room. What are your thoughts? P.S. I know this is a loaded question and that there are many considerations. I don't have big bucks but I value "value" that's why I'm going with Vandersteen. Thanks, Kenn (if you wanted to comment on receivers and such for your speakers, it wouldn't hurt my feelings any!)

Answer: HELLO KENN, GOOD TO HEAR YOU ARE DOING YOUR RESEARCH. I UNDERSTAND WANTING TO SAVE MONEY BUT HALF PRICE ON THE WRONG PIECE IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN FULL PRICE ON THE RIGHT COMPONENT WITH EXPERT SET-UP. YOU COULD GET THE BASIC SYSTEM WITH YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER AND FILL-IN WITH GOOD PERSONALLY AUDITIONED AND SEEN USED COMPONENTS. GOOD LUCK.

Dave (2/22/06): Hi,  I have a pair of Model 1's(?)...Serial #'s:3166, 3167. The "Operating Instruction" that came with the pair, refer to them as "Model 1B".  My questions: 1) - What model are they?  2) - Can I use the Model 1C bases with these speakers?  Thank you...

Answer: HELLO DAVE R, YOU HAVE EARLY 1B, THERE NEVER WAS A MODEL ONE SOLD THROUGH DEALERS. THE 1C BASE WILL WORK IF YOU ARE HANDY ENOUGH TO INSTALL YOUR OWN T-NUTS INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE 1B SPEAKER.

(2/22/06): I have an HT setup using a pair of VSMs as fronts with stereo subs  (2Ws), a VCC-1 center, and a pair of VSMs for the surround (the surround VSMs are mated to a third 2W). Since I'm running stereo subs upfront, I have a pair of inputs available on the subs. Can I use those available inputs to connect the VCC-1 as well?... thereby giving me deep base for all 5 channels? If so, should I connect the VCC-1 to both subs (which I believe will exaggerate the bass) or just one sub? Will I loose some bass clarity because the center channel bass is superimposed with the left and/or right front channel bass? I  would love a VCC-5, but I need save a bit more before I can afford one.

Answer: HELLO FERNANDO, WHAT YOU WANT I BELIEVE IS A MORE DYNAMIC, LOWER DISTORTION CENTER CHANNEL. ADDING MORE BASS USUALLY DECREASES INTELLIGIBILITY BUT YOU CAN TRY IT SEE WHAT "YOU" THINK. THE NEW VCC-2 OR THE VCC-5 ARE WHAT YOU WANT.

Garry (2/23/06): What are your thoughts on class D amps and their use with Vandersteen speakers?

Answer: HELLO GARRY, MY THOUGHTS ARE IF YOU LIKE'M BUY'M. MY SYSTEM USES HIGH RESOLUTION SOURCES (VINYL LP'S) SO I AM NOT PREPARED TO HAVE ANY DIGITAL PROCESSING YET IN MY ANALOG CHAIN.

Russ (2/23/06): Richard- I'm having two sets of speaker cables made up (to biwire) a pair of 3A Signatures. The 3As will be coming in a week or two.  Would you please tell me the optimum size spades for the speaker connections. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO RUSS, WE HAVE BEEN USING THE BARRIER STRIP ON YOUR SPEAKERS FOR 15 YEARS. ASK THE WIRE COMPANY WHAT THEY RECOMMEND AND IF THEY DON'T KNOW TRY A NEW WIRE COMPANY. USE THE FAQ SECTION FOR OTHER WIRE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Max (2/23/06): Hi Richard,  I'm a very happy owner of 1C's, and would love to audition the 2Ce Signature. But since I'm in New Orleans, the closest dealer is nearly 400 miles away in Houston! Are there plans to have anyone in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama become a Vandersteen dealer? Many Thanks,

Answer: HELLO MAX, NO PLANS. ALL VANDERSTEEN SPEAKERS ARE HAND MADE WITH THEIR WORKING COMPONENTS DIALED IN AN ANECHOIC CHAMBER, EACH AND EVERY ONE. WE CAN ONLY MAKE SO MANY. MAY BE ON VACATION OR TRAVEL FOR WORK YOU CAN VISIT A DEALER FOR A DEMO. PLEASE ALWAYS CALL IN ADVANCE TO MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN IS ON DEMO.

Paul (2/24/06): I recently purchased a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce Signature loudspeakers which under ideal conditions are very flat in their response. Imagine  my surprise when I found very lumpy frequency response in the bass! Actually I was not shocked as my Snells also sounded thin in the room since we moved in August of 2004. The main problem is a big hole in the bass from about 45 to 70Hz – it’s down about 10dB at 50Hz. Response throughout this range is 70dB or less whereas the reference level for my tests was more like 78dB.  I am trained in physics and electrical engineering and I understand the nature of standing waves. I have moved the speakers around a bit but to little avail. I wonder whether sound absorbers could actually boost bass response significantly. Of course if these are standing waves then anything which disturbs the resonant cavity geometry could be effective. What do you suggest? FYI the room is approximately 13x17 feet.

Answer: HELLO PAUL, ASSUMING YOU ARE MEASURING WITH WARBLE TONES ANY PROPERLY DESIGNED LOUDSPEAKER WILL MEASURE APPROXIMATELY THE SAME IN THAT LOCATION IN THE ROOM.  PLACEMENT CHANGES MAY HELP BUT CAN ONLY BE FOUND BY EXPERIMENTING. CHECK OUT THE MEASUREMENTS IN STEREOPHILE AND YOU WILL SEE VERY FEW THAT ARE +-5BD AT ANY FREQUENCY ANECHOIC. WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS THAT IS NOT THAT BAD AND USUALLY IS CAUSED BY A HEMHOLZ RESONANCE DOWN A DUCT OR HALL, MAY BE EVEN OUTSIDE THE ROOM BUT CONNECTED. I HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS WITH ABSORBERS BECAUSE YOU WOULD NEED TO ABSORB EVERY THING AROUND THE HOLE, KILLING THE DYNAMICS WHICH IS A BIG PROBLEM. ABSORBERS CAN WORK WHEN THE ROOM DIMENSIONS CAUSE A LARGE PEAK. TRY PLACEMENT CHANGES AND IF THAT DOESN'T WORK YOU COULD GET A 2WQ AND PLACE IT IN THE CORNER GIVING YOU MORE FLEXIBILITY. LAST OPTION LOOK INTO THE QUATRO IT HAS ADJUSTABLE BASS, TALK TO YOUR DEALER AND ASK FOR A DEMO.

Andrew (2/25/06): I own a pair of 2Cs and both of the 8' drivers have dry rot and the 4's are starting to wear out also.  Do you recommend sending in just the drivers or is it time to send the speakers themselves and have them checked out?

Answer: HELLO ANDREW, IF THE SPEAKERS HAVE NEVER BEEN OVER POWERED AND THE X-OVER'S DAMAGED I WOULD SEND IN THE DRIVERS ONLY. THIS SAVES A LOT OF FREIGHT COSTS. REBUILD COST WOULD BE APX $250.00 FOR ALL FOUR DRIVERS.

Ron (2/26/06):  I have 2ci's that will be returned to me this week after refurbish at you  shop. My question is - My processor, Class ssp25 has a DB25 output & my power amp, Rotel 1095 has a DB25 input. What are the +'s & -'s of using this interconnect? What will I gain & or loose? Both units are THX certified. Again, thank you for returning my speakers to like new condition.

Answer: HELLO RON, I WOULD CALL YOUR DEALER AND ASK HIM WHAT WOULD SOUND THE BEST, OR CALL THE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURE FOR THEIR OPINION OR LISTEN FOR YOUR SELF. THE RESULT OF YOUR OWN EVALUATION OF COURSE WOULD MEAN THE MOST.

Stan (2/27/06): I took delivery of my new Kawazinga finish 5A's last week. First, let me say that the finish is absolutely jaw dropping beautiful...much  more so than the sample on your web site. I am a musician and have  been interested in good sound for many years. The 5A's have replaced "very good" top of the range British speakers driven by all Ayre top of the line electronics - but what I hear in the 5A's is reality.  Sure the lows go lower, the highs, higher, but I'm hearing Paul Simon  sing right there between the speakers - a holographic image with his words so clearly sung that I can hear the poetry with ease. What makes  that spookily "real" quality.  It's not the frequency response, the power handling, etc... the stuff that specs are made of?

Answer: HELLO STAN, I AM PLEASED YOU ARE HAPPY WITH YOUR NEW 5A'S, THEY WILL GIVE YOU MANY YEARS OF ENJOYMENT AND ARE A TRUE LIFELONG INVESTMENT. WHO KNOWS WHAT TECHNOLOGY WILL COME DOWN THE PIKE. IMAGINE THE MANY PEOPLE WHO INVESTED IN MODEL 5'S NOW 10 YEARS AGO, SENDING THEM IN FOR AN UP-GRADE TOO 5A'S AND EXPERIENCING WHAT YOU ARE. AS A BONUS HAVING THEIR INVESTMENT PROTECTED BY NOT HAVING TO SELL THEM AT HALF COST AND STARTING ALL OVER. I BELIEVE THAT WAVEFORM PRESERVATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PARAMETER IN LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN. MANY PARAMETERS ARE IMPORTANT AND A GOOD DESIGN WILL DO WELL AT ALL OF THEM. THAT "SPOOKILY REAL" EFFECT IS THE OUTCOME OF REPLICATING WHAT THE AMPLIFIER PASSED ON TO THE SPEAKER AS PERFECTLY AS POSSIBLE.

Tom (2/27/06): What center channel speaker will work best with Vandersteen 2Cs?

Answer: HELLO TOM, THE VCC-2 OR THE VCC-5. READ THROUGH SOME OF THE POSTS ON THIS SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Ray (2/27/06): Hi Richard, I have the vaunted model 5 and would like to set the room compensation. I purchased the Stereophile cd and the Radio Shack  Spl meter. What is the proper procedure for setting the room compensation using the warble tones and the Radio Shack meter?, or could  I purchase this information because my manual only refers to RTA  procedure. Thank you.....

Answer: HELLO RAY, THE SHORT SECTION AFTER THE RTA SECTION IN THE MANUAL IS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. GETTING THIS RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT I WOULD HIRE A VANDERSTEEN DEALER WITH FACTORY TRAINING TO DO IT THE FIRST TIME. IF THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE YOU WILL GET BETTER PERFORMANCE LEAVING THE 11 BANDS SET FLAT JUST LIKE ANY REGULAR SPEAKER WOULD BE. THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THE MANUAL WITH AN RTA IS NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THE RESULT IS NOT GOOD. CALL ME AND I CAN GIVE YOU THE NAMES OF DEALERS WHO HAVE FACTORY TRAINING IN YOUR AREA.

Daniel (2/27/06): Hi Mr. Vandersteen,  If I have wood floors but can't afford to spend $80 or so on these  "soft shoe" things for the floor spikes on your speaker stands, are  there any alternatives?? Perhaps hex bolts?? Any suggestions would be  really appreciated.

Answer: HELLO DANIEL, I GUESS IT DEPENDS ON HOW IMPORTANT THE FLOOR FINISH IS. CARRIAGE BOLTS ARE NOT POINTED BUT WILL SCUFF THE FLOOR. PICK YOUR POISON.

Chi (2/27/06): I have a pair of 1Cs (3 years old) and have tried using the treble control behind to adjust for some room differences. However, moving the dial does not result in much audible change to the sound and I can  hear a scratchy sound emanating from the speakers when I adjust the dial. Are the controls damaged?

Answer: HELLO CHI, THE CONTROL ON THE REAR OF YOUR IC'S ADJUST ONLY +-2DB, THIS IS VERY SUBTLE. IT IS NORMAL FOR THE CONTROL TO MAKE A STATIC NOISE BUT ONLY WHILE TURNING IT. ONCE A SETTING IS SETTLED ON AND THE CONTROL IS SET THE STATIC SHOULD CEASE.

(2/28/06): I bought a used pair of Vandersteen model 1 speakers, sound is superb, but I cant seem to find much info on this model, is it the same as the model 1C...your feedback is much appreciated

Answer: HELLO ????, THE ONLY THING COMMON BETWEEN THE 1B AND 1C ARE THEIR EXTERNAL APPEARANCE AND BASIC DESIGN. THE WOOFER, TWEETER, X-OVER, AND INTERNAL STRUCTURE ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT. THE MODEL 1B WENT OUT OF PRODUCTION MANY YEARS AGO BEFORE WE WERE ON COMPUTER THAT'S WHY THERE IS NO INFORMATION. SET-UP AND HOOKUP ARE BASICALLY THE SAME AS THE 1C'S SO YOU COULD GET A COPY OF THE 1C MANUAL. ALL THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REPAIR ANY ASPECT OF YOUR 1B'S OR ANY SPEAKER WE HAVE EVER MADE IS STILL AVAILABLE.

Peter (2/28/06): I recently bought an old pair of model 2Ci speakers.  Bi-wired them and they sound fabulous. I also obtained in the same deal a VCC1 center speaker. I have been going back and forth in hooking that speaker up to my system ( I have gotten too many conflicting opinions by the "experts", too many and diverse to list.  Can you suggest what outlet I hook this speaker up to and what wire is best to use (am now using 16 gauge Monster with gold plated spade on the speaker end and banana plugs on the other) I have a Sony FM/AM  home theater receiver with two front speaker outlets- the IICi are  bi-wired into one of these, a center outlet and 1 rear speaker outlet)

Answer: HELLO PETER, I AM NOT CLEAR WHAT YOU ARE ASKING BUT I THINK YOUR ANSWER SHOULD BE IN THE OPERATION MANUAL OF YOUR RECEIVER. CONSULTING THE EXPERTS INCLUDING THIS ONE IS A WASTE OF TIME COMPARED TO ONE DIAGRAM IN THE MANUAL. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU PAY SOMEONE TO HOOK THIS SYSTEM UP FOR YOU BEFORE YOU DO NON WARRANTY DAMAGE TO YOUR RECEIVER.

Daryl (3/02/06): Hi. I am interested in replacing the top and bottom plate of my 2C's.  Currently, I have oak veneer and will replace them with a cherry or  mahogany. Can you tell me if the center grill cloth in the top plate  is removable so I can use it in the new plate that I build? Failing  that, can I buy the cloth? I am a good woodworker. Also, are the plates for the 2C available for purchase from Vandersteen in other veneers? Thanks. -- Daryl

Answer: HELLO DARYL, THE ONLY WAY TO CHANGE THE TOP AND BOTTOM IS AT THE FACTORY. WE CAN INSTALL ANY OF OUR STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FINISHES FOR APPROXIMATELY $240.00. THIS WOULD MAKE THEM LOOK LIKE A BRAND NEW PAIR, NOT TO MANY SPEAKERS CAN BE REFURBISHED PERFECTLY FOR THAT KIND OF MONEY. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND YOU INVEST THAT AMOUNT INTO A PAIR OF SPEAKERS THAT ARE 20 YEARS OLD. PUT THAT MONEY TOWARDS A NEWER PAIR OF 2CE'S. EVEN THE 2CI'S ARE NOW 15 YEARS OLD AND BEHIND TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY.

Bob (3/03/06): I have two pair of speakers, which I am very happy with. I have 41422Ci and 41423Ci in the front, and 40650 and 40651 in the rear.  There is also a Snell Center Channel and Paradigm Subs. I purchased  the entire system used, from a friend. I don't really know how old  they are, but am under the impression they were all purchased about the same time. Can you tell me which Center Channel of yours, I could  match to these speakers? I am trying to build a matched set. Power is provided by B&K Amps and Tuner. The sound now is awsome, but I believe  the "matching" center would make it better. You can be proud of your fine product. Thanks, for the help, Bob K.

Answer: HELLO BOB K, YOU ARE CORRECT, HAVING ALL 5 CHANNELS MATCHED WILL BE MUCH BETTER. IN A SYSTEM BASED ON MODEL TWO'S THE VCC-5 OR THE NOT YET AVAILABLE VCC-2 WILL BE THE BEST MATCH. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO SKEW YOUR INVESTMENT TOWARDS THE CENTER AND SUBS BECAUSE MUCH IS EXPECTED OF THEM IN H.T. PERUSE THE FAQ SECTION AND OTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THIS WEB SITE FOR FURTHER HELP. YOUR B&K EQUIPMENT WILL WORK WELL.

David (3/03/06): David (3/3/06) One of my 2WQs is dead. The repair instructions tell me to remove the amplifier and return it to you for examination and  repair. Before shipping it, is there any troubleshooting I should try?  I have verified by checking outlets, amplifiers and wires that the amp of the sub is the source of the problem. Is the quality of speaker  wire as important for the subs as it is for the main speakers? I assume it is not. What wire works best for the 2WQ? I have 3A Sigs and a pair of 2WQs and I am very pleased with the sound. You make a fabulous product, that unlike most things on the market, is actually worth its cost. Thank you.

Answer: HELLO DAVID, THE TESTS YOU HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED ARE ALL THERE IS. IF THE SUB-WOOFER HAS BEEN UNPLUGGED FOR 5 MIN OR SO IT SHOULD MAKE A POP WHEN YOU PLUG IT BACK IN. IF IT DOES NOT POP IT NEEDS SERVICE. INSIDE THERE IS A RESET-ABLE CIRCUIT BREAKER, DO NOT RESET IT. MAKE A DRAWING OF THE WIRING HARNESS AND PUT IT AND THE SCREWS INTO THE OPENING THE AMPLIFIER WAS IN. FILL OUT THE RMA AND SEND IT TO VANDERSTEEN AUDIO. REBUILD COST IS $160.00 IF NO CURRENT WARRANTY IS ON FILE. THE WIRE PROVIDED SHOULD BE ADEQUATE. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS THAT USING THE SAME WIRE AS THE SPEAKERS ARE HOOKED UP WITH GIVES BETTER PERFORMANCE. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO VERIFY THAT IN A DOUBLE BLIND TEST, THE MIND CAN PLAY TRICKS. IF YOU FIND DIFFERENT RESULTS IN A BLIND COMPARISON I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT IT.

David (3/04/06): I just bought a pair of 3's and the cloth shows its age. Do you sell  replacement cloth or what is the cost for the factory to do it?

Answer: HELLO DAVID M, YOU CAN GO TO YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER AND BUY BULK CLOTH BUT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO. CLOTH REPLACEMENT IS PART OF EVERY UP-GRADE OR YOU CAN SEND IT IN TO US. THE COST IS $60.00 PER SPEAKER PLUS FREIGHT TO AND FROM THE FACTORY.

Jacques (3/05/06): Can the Quatro Signature be positioned against the wall as you seem to indicate in the photo in your Product Information  section? If not, I suppose the usual minimum of 1 foot from the wall  will be correct? Also, what does the subtitle "Signature" indicate;  what does it represent?

Answer: HELLO JACQUES, YOU CAN PUT THEM ANYWHERE YOU THINK THEY SOUND GOOD IN YOU ROOM. SIGNATURE MEANS THAT EACH PAIR IS TWEAKED IN THE ANECHOIC CHAMBER.

Ron (3/06/06): Richard, I have a question & a request.  Question - I am using CI's for the main & VCC-1 for center, no sub at this time, NHT for surround. My processor is set for large, small, small & none. Is this acceptable or should I change it?  Request - The VCC-1 I am using is a loaner, Audio Connection ordered a  new one for me today. I made a mistake and asked for the covering to  be black. My wife say's the CI's are brown. Can you please make sure  the VCC-1 is sent with the brown covering?  Many thanks.

Answer: HELLO RON, SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE THINGS SET UP PROPERLY BUT I WOULD RECOMMEND A SUB-WOOFER SOON. YOUR 2CI'S ARE NOT GOING TO LAST LONG PLAYING THE BASS EFFECTS THAT ARE ON SOME MOVIES. PERUSE THE OTHER FAQ'S ON THIS SITE FOR RELATED SUBJECTS OR ASK YOUR DEALER. THIS FAQ SECTION IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE DEALER COMMUNICATION ABOUT AN ORDER, CHECK WITH YOUR DEALER. I DO THIS AT HOME IN THE EVENING FOR QUESTIONS THAT ARE OF BROAD INTEREST TO MANY READERS. OTHER QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED OF THE DEALER OR CALL TECH AT VANDERSTEEN (559-582-0324).

Jim (3/06/06): I have the 2Ce Signatures and the Vandy subwoofer. My tube preamp inverts polarity. When I switch the speaker cables at  the amplifier posts (red to black and black to red), do I switch the cables to the subwoofer also? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO JIM, YES YOU WOULD OR THE SUB-WOOFER WOULD BE OUT OF PHASE.

Havish (3/07/06): I have 2Ce signatures for the fronts, VCC-1 for the center channel, VSM-1s for the rears, and a V2W subwoofer connected to the pre-amp subwoofer output of a Rotel RSX-1067 receiver. I have read on this page and elsewhere that you are concerned about the sounds generated by movies damaging the main speakers which are the 2Ce signatures in  my case.  Are you worried about the LFE channel being re-directed to the main speakers? If so, with a V2W to deal with the LFE (subwoofer set to “yes”), shouldn’t it be ok to set the front speakers to “large”? On the other hand, if you are concerned about the effects encoded on the  channels intended for the front speakers themselves, it would be better to set the front speakers to “small”. So, which setting would you recommend when a V2W subwoofer is present in the system? Many thanks for taking the time to answer the questions on this page. The answers definitely help understand many subtleties.

Adrian (3/08/06): I am the proud owner of your Model 2Ce Signatures however in the ever pursuit of improvement I am looking into acquiring the Quatros.  However I have a question with the Quatros being that they have an internal amplifier do you recommend a dedicated power outlet for a pair of Quatros? What is the average power consumption of the internal amplifiers?.........Keep on the great work!

Answer: HELLO ADRIAN, THEY DO NOT REQUIRE A SEPARATE CIRCUIT IN FACT AN ARGUMENT CAN BE MADE FOR ONE CIRCUIT MAKING BETTER SOUND. AVERAGE POWER CONSUMPTION DEPENDS ON THE SIGNAL BUT WILL NOT EXCEED 250 WATTS PER CHANNEL.

Alan (3/08/06): My cat has been using my 2CE speakers as a climbing/scratching post!  How can I replace the cloth covers? Alan

Answer: HELLO ALAN, REMOVING THE CLOTH ON THE BOTTOM FOR SERVICE IS EASY FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER CUSTOMER SERVICE. REMOVING THE TOP FOR CLOTH REPLACEMENT IS A DIFFERENT STORY AND QUITE DIFFICULT BUT YOU CAN TRY. YOU CAN ORDER CLOTH FROM YOUR DEALER OR SEND THEM IN AND WE WILL. COST IS $60.00 PER SPEAKER PLUS FREIGHT, NOT A LOT CONSIDERING THEY WILL LOOK LIKE NEW AFTER SUCH ABUSE.

Jeff (3/08/06): I have been a believer and faithful listener of Vandersteens for about 12 years now. My wife has continued to beat me up with the ugliness of wires and equipment. I have been in pain trying to find a proper  home theater 'closet' for the speakers (with the 61" DLP TV in the center, my other gear is in a closet behind the wall). I have 3’s for the fronts, Vcc5 center, VSM for surrounds and 4 2Ws attached to 3’s and VSM’s.  Having a lot of wood or other 'structure' around would go against how I understand the philosophy of "openness" and be degrading to the sound. After many thoughts and plans, I have finally come up with one I think is worthy. I built 'frames' out of 2X2's. I stretched acoustic fabric cloth over these frames. The frames are on 3 sides with the back side against a wall. The 3's are positioned so no wood framing is in front of the speaker driver. It now looks pretty good and doesn’t seem to add any unwanted ‘color’ to the sound. Here's my two questions. Do you think this is a good set up and should I remove the speaker socks (since they are now behind an 'enclosure') for better sound. Thanks in advance.

Answer: HELLO JEFF, IF IT SOUNDS GOOD IT IS A GOOD SET UP. MANY HAVE SET UPS LIKE THAT AND I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL THAT SOUNDED VERY GOOD. THE SPEAKER CLOTH IS SO TRANSPARENT I WOULD NOT REMOVE IT. HOPEFULLY YOU SELECTED CLOTH FOR YOUR ENCLOSURE THAT IS EQUALLY TRANSPARENT. HAPPY LISTENING.

Michael (3/08/06): Hi Richard, I know this ha been answered in one form or another but I need to ask. I have a room that is 10 x 12 x 9. In the next year or so, I will probably move to the other room which will be 12 x 15 x 9. I was thinking of the 3a sigs but I'm worried that it is too big for the room. I could consider the 2ce sigs but I'm worried that I won't have the refinement that comes with the 3a's.  My room is treated with Abfussors/traps. My preamp is an Aesthetix Calypso and my power amp is BAT VK-75. Which would you recommend?

Answer: HELLO MICHAEL, 3A SIG'S. READ SOME OF THE OTHER Q&A ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE TOO MUCH BASS.

Dave R. (3/09/06): Hi Richard,  Thank you for answering my Q on 2/22/2006, re early 1b's. I am planning to purchase 2ce signatures, a v2w, and use the "early" 1B's as side surround speakers. Now all I need is rear speakers. I would like to use vsm-1 for this purpose, but wall mounting poses a problem. Can they be mounted on stands, and if so what kind? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you..

Answer: HELLO DAVE R, THE VSM-1 ON WALL'S ARE VOICED WHILE MOUNTED ON A WALL FOR PROPER RESPONSE. IF YOU STAND MOUNT THE VSM-1 MUST HAVE A FOUR FOOT BY FOUR FOOT BACK BAFFLE OR THE SOUND WILL BE VERY LEAN AND FORWARD. YOU MIGHT USE THE OLD 1B'S ON THE REAR AND THE VSM-1 ON THE SIDE WALL.

Tom (3/09/06): All of the info I've been able to find regarding your subs and how to hook them up refer to the crossover between the pre-amp and receiver etc.  I'm trying to find out if they can be hooked up to just a home theater  receiver. I currently own a Yamaha htr-5150 and have been thinking about getting the new Denon avr-2807. I currently have 1B's (which I have loved for many years) upfront, but have an opportunity to get 3A's and two 2w's at an unbelievable price. However, I'm worried that  I'll need to spend more being able to use them than I will getting them. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO TOM, YOU CAN USE THE 2W WITH ANY RECEIVER THAT HAS A PRE OUT AND AMP IN LOOP FOR THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT CHANEL'S. BE CAREFUL, MOST A/V RECEIVERS DO NOT HAVE THIS FEATURE THESE DAYS. I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY RECEIVER AT ANY PRICE THAT WILL DRIVE THE MODEL 3A ADEQUATELY. IF MODEL 3 SOMETHING'S ARE IN YOUR FUTURE BUY SEPARATES. CONSULT YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER AND PERUSE OTHER Q&A'S ON THIS SITE. HT

Mark (3/09/06): Hi, What types of veneers are available for the Model 3a Sigs?  Up charges?  Thanks

Answer: HELLO MARK, OAK, WALNUT, MAPLE, AND CHERRY ARE STANDARD WOOD VENEERS. CONSULT YOUR DEALER FOR A QUOTE ON SPECIAL WOOD VENEERS. WE WILL PUT ALMOST ANYTHING ON A CUSTOM BASES BUT HANG ON TO YOUR POCKETBOOK.

David (3/10/06):  Exactly what are "O Lugs"? I can't find anything by that name in hardware stores or online. I have an idea of what they are, but I want to be sure I'm using what you are recommending. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO DAVID, ALSO CALLED "RING LUGS" BE SURE TO CRIMP FIRST AND THEN SOLDER FROM THE RING SIDE. REMOVE SOLDER AND HEAT THE SECOND SOLDER FLOWS TO PREVENT SOLDER FROM WICKING PAST THE CRIMP AND INTO THE WIRE. APPLY HEAT ON THE RING END

Philipp (3/10/06): Hello Mr. Vandersteen!  I am writing from Vienna/Austria. I want to say thanks for a great speaker. Listening to a pair of 2ce signature is really stunning.  Europe's loudspeakers are all the same. I had a pair of B&W 803D for three months and I was not happy with them.  The 2ce signature produces an impressive soundstage.  The music just flows I am really satisfied know. It's a pity that  Vandersteen is in fact not really present in Europe (especially in  Germany and Austria). Another question: do I have a warranty for my knew babies?  My other equipment: Arcam FMJ Amplifier and CD-Player.  Thanks for the opportunity to get a pair of great loudspeakers to Austria!

Answer: HELLO PHILIPP, HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE PLEASED WITH THE 2CE SIGNATURES. YOUR WARRANTY IS VALID BUT THE WORK MUST BE DONE AT THE FACTORY. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT YOU NEED A DRIVER REBUILT, DOWN LOAD THE RMA UNDER CUSTOMER SERVICE RETURN IT TO VANDERSTEEN AUDIO.

David (3/12/06): Hi Richard. I am very confused about the serial number sequences in various Model IIs. You make reference to #77,000 and above being upgradeable and also mention (In response to "Unknown" on 1/25/06 that 56032 was the first to use the 1" tweeter. My 2Ce Signatures, purchased new in August of 2001 bear the serial numbers 53904 and 53905. They are clearly marked as Signatures and use barrier strips. Is there a way to clear up the confusion by, perhaps, listing your "blocks" of serial numbers? Thanks much,

Answer:  HELLO DAVID, I BELIEVE THE CONFUSION IS BECAUSE PEOPLE THINK THE 2CE'S AND THE 2CE SIGNATURE HAVE THE SAME NUMBER SEQUENCE. THIS IS NOT THE CASE, THEY HAVE THEIR OWN NUMBER SEQUENCE, FOR INSTANCE YOU COULD HAVE A 2CE WITH 53000, OR A 2CE SIGNATURE WITH 53000, OR A 1C WITH 53000, OR A MODEL 3 WITH 53000 EXCEPT WE HAVE NOT MADE THAT MANY YET. HOPE THIS CLEARS THINGS UP.

John doe (3/12/06): Do you have any plans to offer the Model 1 or 2 in wood cabinet albeit at a higher price?

Answer: HELLO JOHN DOE, THERE WILL NEVER BE AN ALL WOOD VERSION OF THE 1C OR THE 2CE BECAUSE THEY WOULD RETAIL FOR FOUR TIMES THE PRICE. LOOK AT THE MARKET AND FIND A SPEAKER IN WOOD THAT HAS AS MANY CUSTOM DRIVERS AS THE 2CE SIGNATURE. THAT WOULD BE FOUR CUSTOM DRIVERS WITH VERY HIGH QUALITY X-OVER, EACH SPEAKER CUSTOM TWEAKED IN AN ANECHOIC CHAMBER BY HAND. I KNOW IT DOESN'T EXIST BUT YOUR LOOKING AT SIX TO EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS. FOR THAT KIND OF MONEY YOU COULD BUY A QUATRO IN FABRIC OR FOR $10,700 A QUATRO IN BEAUTIFUL WOOD. IT ALL DEPENDS, WHEN ON A BUDGET, WHAT YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR MONEY ON.

Allen (3/12/06): Hi Richard from a fellow Pa. boy. I'm looking to buy a pair of used 1C's because that's all I can afford. The owner gave me the serial numbers and I was hoping you could tell me how old they are? He is not the original owner so all he and I have to go by are the serial numbers. They are 64902c and 64903c. Thanks Richard and continued success.

Answer: HELLO ALLEN, WE DO NOT RECORD THIS INFORMATION BECAUSE IT COST MONEY AND WOULD NOT MAKE THE SPEAKER SOUND BETTER. PERUSE THE OLDER FAQ'S AND READ THE CAUTION ABOUT BUYING USED. LISTEN TO THEM AND IF YOU LIKE THEM FOR THE MONEY BUY THEM. BECAUSE THERE IS A "C" AFTER THE SN NUMBER THEY ARE 1C'S.

Russ (3/12/06): Hi Richard - I am the proud owner of a pair of Model 5As, along with many other models of Vandersteen loudspeakers. I am interested in knowing whether you think there is any benefit to using any of the aftermarket "audiophile" power cords on the 5A subwoofer amps. I have found certain models of aftermarket power cords to make audible differences with source components and some power amplifiers, but before I spend any money on "audiophile" power cords for the 5As I'd like to know if you've had any experience in this area.

Answer: HELLO RUSS, GOOD TO HEAR YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR 5A'S. THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WAS DONE USING THE SUPPLIED POWER CORDS. THERE IS NO QUESTION YOU CAN CHANGE THE SOUND WITH DIFFERENT POWER CORDS BUT IT WON'T BE WHAT I WANTED. IF IT ENDS UP BEING WHAT YOU WANT, YOUR THE BOSS. I WOULD SPEND THE MONEY ON MORE HIGH RESOLUTION MUSIC (VINYL).

Bill (3/13/06): Hi Richard, I have been looking for new speakers for some time.  Research and experience over the past years has kept me interested in  Time Coherent designs but I have a few questions. The B&W 800 series have stepped baffles, low diffraction, first order crossovers, aerodynamic magnet behind the midrange to deal with internal diffraction, and other similarities with Vandersteen but why do they sound so different? Your speakers seem to have more in common with my present Meadowlarks, do you agree? Please clarify these issues for me.

Answer: HELLO BILL, I WILL ANSWER YOUR LAST QUESTION FIRST. YOUR PRESENT MEADOWLARKS ARE TIME AND PHASE CORRECT SO THEY WOULD BE MORE SIMILAR IN SOUND. THE B&W'S WELL I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START EXCEPT TO TAKE EACH CLAIM ONE AT A TIME. FIRST, THEY ARE NOT TIME AND PHASE CORRECT THE STEP IN STEREOPHILE WILL SHOW YOU THAT. READ SOME OF THE OTHER ANSWERS ON THIS SITE AS TO HOW TO RECOGNIZE THIS. MANY PARAMETERS MUST BE OPTIMIZED IN A LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN TO PRESERVE WAVEFORM BEING TIME AND PHASE CORRECT IS ONLY ONE OF THEM. IN 1989 WE INTRODUCED THE MODEL 3 WITH A NOVEL MID-RANGE FOR WHICH WE RECEIVED A PATENT. IT INTRODUCED A AERODYNAMIC MAGNET AND CHASSIS (TO DEAL WITH THE BACK WAVE), LINEAR (FLAT) SURROUND IN ORDER TO REDUCE DISTORTION. OUR DESIGNS WERE ALREADY TIME AND PHASE CORRECT AT THE TIME WITH FIRST ORDER X-OVERS. THE B&W'S USE A FIRST ORDER FILTER ONLY ON THE TWEETER AS I UNDERSTAND. SO TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, THERE ARE SOME SIMILARITIES ESPECIALLY IN THE MID-RANGE EXCEPT IT IS THE SIZE OF A MID-WOOFER BUT MY CRYSTAL BALL SAYS IT WILL MORPH INTO A MORE APPROPRIATE SIZE SOON. THE SPEAKERS SOUND VERY DIFFERENT BECAUSE THEY DO NOT PRESERVE THE WAVEFORM EVEN THOUGH THEY LIKE OURS ARE LOW IN DIFFRACTION.

Glenn (3/13/06): Richard: I have the model 5As with the Quicksilver V4 amp, and the PSE preamp. I am currently using the audioquest viper  interconnects. I am thinking about 'upgrading.' As I follow the signal to the speakers, I notice the wire between your crossover and  my amp. What is the (approximate) current audioquest equivalent of  that wire? Perhaps this is an unanswerable question, please excuse me  if it is.  If my upgrade wire is superior, how would I replace the current wire from the crossover to the amp?  Thanks,

Answer: HELLO GLENN, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO TELL EXCEPT THAT WE HAVE ALWAYS USED THE TOP OF THE LINE. IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO CHANGE THE PIGTAILS. UNLESS YOU WENT TO THE VERY TOP OF THEIR LINE ON ALL YOUR CABLES YOU WOULD GET VERY LITTLE CHANGE IF ANY FOR YOUR MONEY. YOU MIGHT BORROW YOUR DEALERS WITH THE LATER TAILS AND LISTEN FOR THE DIFFERENCE.

Keith (3/13/06): Richard,  I have an old set of Vandersteen 3s. They have had none of the upgrades, I love them now and can only imagine how good they would sound with two upgrades. What would the major differences be between what they sound like now and what they would sound like after the two upgrades. My other question is, i am running a McIntosh system Model 2155 amp, it puts out 150 watts per channel, I know have my speakers on the 4 ohm outputs, but have had people tell me they would sound better with 8 ohms put in them. What is your take on this? My speakers clearly say 4 ohms, but friends have told me that because I am running a McIntosh system that the 8 ohms would work better, Please help me with this dilemma.

Answer: HELLO KEITH, I WOULD GO TO YOUR DEALER AND AUDITION THE 3A SIGNATURE FOR YOURSELF AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK. TRY BOTH THE 4 AND 8 OHM TAPS AND LEAVE IT HOOKED UP TO THE ONE THAT SOUNDS BEST. EITHER TAP WILL WORK WITHOUT DAMAGE TO YOUR AMPLIFIER OR SPEAKER. I GUESS IF YOU HAVE THIS AS A DILEMMA YOUR IN GOOD SHAPE WITH A SIMPLE SOLUTION.

Ian (3/13/06): Richard - I am enjoying my 5As (purchased new before the end of 2005).  I enjoy vinyl and well recorded CDs. However my current amplification  is now showing its limitations. I am investigating replacement amplification (pre- and power). Although I appreciate that you have been reluctant to publicly discuss preferred amplification, what recent product experience has revealed the true potential of these great speakers? (Yes, I will work with my dealer, but your input is particularly of interest.

Answer: HELLO IAN, THE FIRST CHOICE YOU HAVE TO MAKE IS TUBE OR SOLID STATE. MAKE SURE YOUR SPEAKERS ARE WELL BROKEN IN (400 HRS), AND PLACED IN THE ROOM OPTIMALLY, AND THE BASE EQ ADJUSTED. FIND A DEALER THAT IS MAKING GOOD SOUND AND TRY SOME IN HOME DEMO'S. PEOPLE WHO BUY MODEL 5 OR 5A'S TASTES ARE ALL OVER THE MAP, THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF A NEUTRAL SPEAKER. IN MY TRAVELS I HAVE HEARD MANY DIFFERENT COMBO'S, SOME GOOD, SOME SO SO. IT IS INTERESTING HOW HAPPY THE OWNERS WERE WITH SOME SYSTEMS I THOUGHT WERE SO SO.  BLONDS AND BRUNETTES. GIVE ME A CALL AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TRIED AND WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THEM MAYBE I'LL HAVE AN IDEA.

Ron (3/14/06): I bought a pair of your 1B speakers back in 1990 and still love them to this day! I use them in conjunction with a NAD 7240 receiver and CD player...but here's my question:  I'd love to play along on guitar with my son (on his separate combo amp); right now his amp only has one line-in and we're not planning to upgrade his until next Christmas. If I play mine on low volume do you think it would be possible/all right to run it thru my system? I don't know that much about transparency, impedance, etc. and am looking for some technical guidance. Thanks

Answer: HELLO RON, IF EVERYTHING WENT PERFECT AT NORMAL LEVELS THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEMS. WITH LIVE MUSIC FEEDBACK IS VERY LIKELY AND WOULD COST A PAIR OF TWEETERS IN A HEART BEAT. I RECOMMEND YOU BUY A RADIO SHACK MIKE MIXER (APX $39.00) TO EXPAND YOUR SONS AMPLIFIER INPUTS. IT'S NOT IF SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG ONLY WHEN.

Dave (3/15/06): Just saw the Quattro-wood pics, quite good looking...but, won't the enclosure inherently "box" the sound? I truly love the open, airy sound of our 3A Sig's and it seems that even the 5s have the upper register drivers essentially hanging in space.

Answer: HELLO DAVE, THE ANSWER IS......NO. BECAUSE THE SPEAKER IS SO NARROW AND THE DESIGN OF THE GRILLE STRUCTURE (THIS SPEAKER LIKE THE 5 SERIES MUST BE USED WITH THE GRILLE) THERE IS VERY LITTLE BAFFLE AROUND THE THREE DRIVERS. WHAT LITTLE BAFFLE THERE IS IS COVERED WITH ACOUSTIC FELT. WE WERE ABLE TO DO THIS BECAUSE THE EIGHT INCH WOOFERS ALLOW THE SPEAKER TO BE ONLY TEN INCHES WIDE AT THE BOTTOM. ALL OF OUR SPEAKERS HAVE THEIR DRIVERS IN BOXES BECAUSE THE REAR WAVE MUST BE CONTAINED OR THE REAR ENERGY WILL CAUSE TIME SMEAR. THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH VERY SMALL FORWARD FACING SURFACES, SO THE SOUND WILL NOT BE RE-RADIATED, ALSO CAUSING TIME SMEAR.

Peter (3/15/06): Hello Richard, this is Peter and I have two questions for you. The first is related to your comments on the pre-amp volume control. You say that with it at the 12:00 position it will be the onset of clipping on most amps. I'm a little surprised that it would occur so soon, especially since some audiophiles think the "sweet spot" for volume controls is 10:00 to 2:00, but more specifically I was wondering if you would say this for my components; 3A Signatures being driven by Audio Research LS25 Mk II and a Classic 60? The second question is my system is in a relatively small room (the speakers see 13'x14'x7' due to a partial wall, though it is actually 17'x14'x7') and some folks on Audiogon and Audio Asylum have said the 3's are too much speaker for the room and 2's would sound better. I'm not sure I  agree since I upgraded from 2Ci's, but I was wondering if the Quatro's would be a better choice? I will say I had bass problems, but I solved the worst of them with a single 2Wq. Thanks for your time and keep up the great work!

Answer: HELLO PETER, I SAID THIS WAS THE CASE MOST OF THE TIME. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS IN YOUR CASE. THE REASON THIS HAS HAPPENED IS BECAUSE WHEN CD PLAYERS CAME OUT 20 YEARS AGO SOMEONE DECIDED 2 VOLTS AVE OUT WAS GOOD, WHEREAS BEFORE 1 VOLT AVE WAS MOST COMMON. IT'S NOT A BIG CONCERN BECAUSE CD IS NOT HIGH RESOLUTION ANYWAY COMPARED TO THE SWEET SPOT OF A VOLUME CONTROL. NOW I WOULD MAKE SURE MY VINYL WAS IN THE SWEET SPOT! I GUESS SOME OF THE GUYS ON AUDIO GONE OR AUDIO ASYLUM ARE GUESSING INSTEAD OF COMMENTING WITH ACTUAL EXPERIENCE, OR THEIR EXPERIENCE WAS MANY YEARS AGO THINKING NOTHINGS CHANGED. I RECEIVED A CALL DAYS AGO FROM AN ENTHUSIASTIC GUY WHO JUST RETIRED HIS 2C'S FOR 2CE SIGNATURES AND WAS SURPRISED THEY WERE SO DIFFERENT, I REMINDED HIM THAT WAS 20 YEARS AGO. NOW YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CORRECT THEM BASED ON YOUR ACTUAL EXPERIENCE. MY EXPERIENCE IS THAT THE COUPLE OF HZ DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2'S AND 3'S EITHER WORKS FOR BOTH OR NEITHER. THE QUATRO IS A MUCH HIGHER PERFORMANCE LOUDSPEAKER, BUT THEN AGAIN IT BETTER BE FOR SEVEN GRAND. THEY DO HAVE A SUB-WOOFER WITH ADJUSTABLE BASS WHICH WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE IN A DIFFICULT ROOM.

??????(3/16/06):  This is not a complaint, and I really don't want to give any more information at this point, but I need one question answered. I have a pair of 5A's, love them. What piece of equipment does a dealer need to use to properly set up a pair of 5A's, to properly set the bass, etc.? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO ?????, THE PROPER EQUIPMENT IS A RADIO SHACK ANALOG SPL METER AND A TEST DISC WITH WARBLE TONES. USING A REAL TIME ANALYZER AS THE INSTRUCTIONS SAY IS UNSATISFACTORY. ALL 5 & 5A ARE TO BE SET UP BY THE DEALER AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE I HAVE TRAINED ALL WHO HAVE SOLD THEM. IF YOU KNOW DIFFERENT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW!

Larry (3/16/06):  Hi I have a pair of Model 2's (I bought them in about 1979) You've done some work on them over the years to keep them in good repair  Now, I think I've blown a woofer on one. Do I have to ship one or both speakers back? Can I just remove the raw speaker and send it in to save shipping, or can it be reckoned locally (in Houston) and maintain anything like balance?  Thanks for a wonderful sound

Answer: HELLO LARRY, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER CUSTOMER SERVICE ON HOW TO REMOVE THE PART THAT NEEDS REBUILDING, IF YOU LIKE.

Jacques (3/16/06):  Jacques (3/17/06): Is it correct that there is no input for RCA cables on the Quatro? If it was the case that there was such an input at the  speaker end, I could have utilized the high-pass facility on my NAD Masters Series M3 integrated amp. I was informed by the distributor that I will have to buy a filter, so that the low frequencies may be filtered at the speaker end. Does the speaker not have such an internal facility? Is there no way I can still employ the high pass facility on my amp, feeding the internal amp in the speaker directly by means of RCA cable?

Answer: HELLO JACQUES, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THEY ARE THE ONLY WAY TO USE THE QUATRO'S. I WOULD NOT SECOND GUESS YOUR DEALER HE IS GIVING YOU GOOD INFO, IF YOU WOULD ONLY BELIEVE HIM.

Randall (3/16/06): Hello Richard! I have a pair of 2C's that I have enjoyed a lot. What would be the best upgrade path to improve these to 5.1 for movies? should I continue to use the older 2C's for front speakers and fill in the other spots? Or should I buy a new front pair of 2CE's and move the older ones to the rear?   

Answer: HELLO RANDALL, YOUR 2C'S CAN BE USED FOR FRONT SPEAKERS. THE MAIN BURDEN IN HT IS ONE THE CENTER, SO USE THE MONEY SAVED ON A VCC-5. NOT MUCH INFORMATION IS IN THE FRONTS EXCEPT BASS AND THE MANDATORY SUB'S WILL HANDLE THAT. YOU COULD THEN USE VSM-1'S MOUNTED 18" ABOVE EAR HEIGHT FOR REAR CHANNEL. PERUSE THE QUESTIONS ON THIS WEB SITE FOR A WEALTH OF INFORMATION AND DON'T FORGET TO AVAIL YOURSELF OF THE DEALERS KNOWLEDGE

Mark (3/17/06): Hi,  Can the 3A Sigs be driven to concert hall levels in a small room (12' x 13' x 8') with Cary 805C AE amps? These are nominal 50 watt SET triode amps.

Answer: HELLO MARK, THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IS TO GO TO YOUR DEALER WITH THE AMPLIFIERS, HOOK THEM UP AND PLAY SOME OF YOUR OWN MUSIC. IF WITH THE VOLUME HALF WAY UP THE LEVELS ARE ADEQUATE YOUR IN GOOD SHAPE. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE ROOM SIZE DIFFERENCE UNLESS IT IS MUCH LARGER. THIS QUESTION CAN NOT BE HONESTLY ANSWERED WITHOUT THE EXPERIMENT OR BY LOOKING AT SPECS.

John (3/19/06):I am disappointed in the physical connection provided by the standard IEC power plug and by amplifier speaker cable connections. Neutrik powercon power connections and speakon speaker connections look impressive. Any opinion on these compared to IEC and spade connections?

Answer: HELLO JOHN, I'M SORRY YOU ARE DISAPPOINTED ABOUT MY CHOICE OF CONNECTORS ON OUR SPEAKERS. WE HAVE TESTED MANY CONNECTORS INCLUDING THE SPEAKON BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT LOOKS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TEST. AS STATED IN AN EARLIER RESPONSE, RING TERMINALS WITH A BINDER HEAD SCREW WAS EQUAL TO THE BEST IN THE SHORT TERM AND MUCH BETTER THAN ANY CONNECTOR AFTER ONE YEAR SONICALLY. THE IEC WAS USED JUST BECAUSE IT WORKS AND IT IS READILY AVAILABLE.

Ron (3/20/06): Hi Richard. Two questions, 1 - Have you stopped production of the vcc-1 in favor of the vcc-2? What will be the cost of the vcc-2?  2 - You previously said it is important I use a sub. Until I have the funds available what can I do to protect the 2ci's you recently repaired? My speakers are now set at large,  small, small, none. Would it help to use large, large, small, none until I purchase a sub?

Answer: HELLO RON, THE VCC-1 REMAINS IN PRODUCTION. THE VCC-2 IS FOR HANGING ON A WALL UNDER A PLASMA TV. IT COULD WORK WITH OUR OTHER SPEAKERS AS LONG AS IT'S ON WALL MOUNTING WORKS FOR THE INSTALLATION. THE VCC-2 IS 36" WIDE, 9.5" HIGH, AND 5" DEEP (THE SAME AS OUR VSM-1) THE PRICE WILL BE $1295.00. YOU SHOULD INVEST IN A SUB BEFORE THE CENTER CHANNEL BECAUSE IF YOU SET THE SPEAKERS TO SMALL THERE WILL BE NO BASS AT ALL. THIS WILL HOWEVER PROTECT THE 2CI'S BUT WON'T BE MUCH FUN ON MOVIES.

Stan (3/21/06): Hi - I read this column with avid interest - I thank you even if some of this material doesn't pertain to my setup. I have a new pair of  5A's, powered by Ayre equipment. My question has to do with what speaker cables to use. I know that termination is critical with special spades. Perhaps you can tell me 2 or 3 manufacturers that you have come across whose products work well with your speakers - just to give a base line of consideration? Thanks

Answer: HELLO STAN, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOU MODEL 5A DEALER, BRING SOME OF YOUR OWN MUSIC AND HAVE A LISTENING SESSION. GIVE THE DEALER TIME TO KNOW YOUR TASTE IN SOUND. AFTER HE KNOWS YOUR TASTE INVITE HIM TO YOUR LISTENING ROOM SO HE CAN GET A FEEL FOR THE SOUND OF YOUR ROOM. AFTER THIS HE AND YOU WILL BE THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE INFORMATION TO MAKE A SUGGESTION. FIND THE WIRE THAT ADJUSTS THE SOUND OF THE 5A'S TO FIT YOUR ROOM AND TASTE. ANYBODY MAKING A RECOMMENDATION WITHOUT THIS PROCESS WILL ALMOST ALWAYS RESULT IN A WRONG PURCHASE. MAKE THE STUFF DO WHAT YOU WANT IT TO DO IN YOUR HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greg (3/21/06): Can you make a 2wq xover in a set of Kimber Silver Streak interconnects? I would supply the cables. I want to decrease the number of connections, the Kimbers have locking RCA plugs. Thanks,

Answer: HELLO GREG, THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA BUT NOT PRACTICAL FOR US. ASK THE TECH AT YOUR DEALER IF HE COULD FABRICATE THIS FOR YOU OR RECOMMEND SOMEONE WHO WILL. IT MAY BE VERY INCONVENIENT FOR THE SMALL IF ANY IMPROVEMENT.

Miguel (3/21/06): Hi Richard ! Thank you for your patience on keeping this 'forum' open. I plan to build a multi-channel audio system on a dedicated room (which will double as HT), and was planning to have the 3 front speakers the same (Vans Quatro) do you see any inconvenient in this ? Would I be better of using the VCC-5 ? And for the rears, keeping the music perspective rather than the HT one, should I go for the 1C or the VSM ?  There is an huge difference in prices between the USA and Portugal, $7000 vs almost $12000 in Portugal. This difference is much higher than the costs with VAT, transport costs and duties. Is there any  particular reason for this ? Thank you and best rgs.

Answer: HELLO MIGUEL, I WOULD RECOMMEND THE VCC-5. THE QUATRO IS PRODUCED IN PAIRS ONLY BECAUSE OF THE VERY FINE MATCHING TO EACH OTHER. VSM-1'S FOR THE REAR WITH A PAIR OF 2WQ'S FOR FULL RANGE OPERATION. THE MONEY YOU SAVE ON THE CENTER WILL BE BETTER SPENT ON MAKING THE REAR CHANNEL FULL RANGE. AS FAR AS THE COST DIFFERENCE IS CONCERNED YOU FORGOT THE IMPORTER. MANY USA COMPANIES RAISE THE US PRICE IN ORDER TO PAY THE IMPORTER AND KEEP THE DIFFERENCE SMALLER. WE HAVE TOO SMALL A MARGIN IN THE USA TO ABSORB THE DISTRIBUTOR'S COST. ALL THE EQUIPMENT IN YOUR PROPOSED SYSTEM ADDS UP TO A NICE SIZED ORDER. YOU MIGHT TRY NEGOTIATING A FULL SYSTEM ONE TIME PRICE WITH YOUR DISTRIBUTOR.

Phil (3/22/06): I just purchased two used 2Wq subwoofers (serial numbers 14022 and 14227) and M5-HPB balanced high-pass crossovers (I can’t find a serial  number or manufacturing date on the crossovers). I’ve ordered four  Cardas XLR/RCA adapters so I can use the balanced high-pass crossovers with my single-ended preamplifier, interconnects, and amplifiers. My questions are:  (1) Although I’ve already ordered the XLR/RCA adapters, I’d prefer not to use them. Can the Vandersteen factory replace the XLR connectors on the high-pass crossovers with RCAs? If so, what would the cost be?  (2) My mono-block tube amplifiers have an input impedance of 130k. The instruction sheet for using the M5-HP crossover with 2W series subwoofers says to start with switches 1,3, 7, and 10 ON for a balanced crossover or switch 4 ON for a single-ended crossover. Since I’m using a balanced crossover with singled-ended components and  interconnects, which instructions should I follow?  (3) Are there any available updates to the subwoofers or high-pass crossovers? If so, what would the cost be? Thanks, Richard!

Answer: HELLO PHIL, USING ADAPTERS ON A BALANCED HP5B WILL NOT WORK CORRECTLY. I'M SORRY TO SAY THE MP5B CAN NOT BE MODIFIED TO SINGLE ENDED. THE TWO USE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CIRCUIT BOARDS. THE CHART ASSUMES YOU HAVE THE BALANCED OR THE SINGLE ENDED HP5'S. WE USE THE SAME 2WQ CHEAT SHEET FOR BOTH UNITS. THERE ARE NO UPDATES AVAILABLE FOR EITHER UNIT. THERE HAVE BEEN RUNNING CHANGES IN BOTH OVER THE YEARS BUT UPDATES WOULD BE PROHIBITIVE.

Stuart (3/22/06): This is just a suggestion from Stuart:  In setting up 2w or 2wq subwoofers, the user has to select the proper crossover capacitor to use between the pre-amp and power amp. If one knows the input impedance of the power amp, this can be calculated using c= 1/(2*PI*R*80) where R is the input resistance of the power amp and PI=3.14.  Unfortunately, the input resistance of the power amp is often not published, or even if published, the published value is often not accurate. The input resistance of the amp cannot be easily measured  (a multi-meter will not work). An an alternative to determining the right capacitor I suggest the following:  1. Wire the subwoofer and main speakers to separate speaker outputs on  the amplifier.  2. Download and burn a test tone cd containing an 80Hz test tone ( available from http://www.realtraps.com/test-cd.htm ) 3. Play the cd alternating between the main speakers and subwoofer.  4. If the proper capacitor is chosen (with the sensitivity/db pot in  the back of the subwoofer properly set), the main speakers and subwoofer will each have the same loudness. You could use a dB meter to determine loudness, but the ear is really sufficiently accurate.

Answer: HELLO STUART, THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTION. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART IN THE SET UP IS GETTING THE 3DB DOWN POINT OF THE CUSTOMERS (MAIN) AMPLIFIER. THIS SUGGESTION IS MORE ACCURATE. TAKE ANY DIGITAL VOLTMETER SET TO AC VOLTS. WITH THE MAIN AMPLIFIER PROPERLY HOOKED UP TO THE MAIN SPEAKERS, VOLT METER ACROSS THE BLACK AND RED OUTPUT TERMINALS. PLAY A TEST DISK WITH TEST TONE AT 1000HZ ADJUST THE PREAMP VOLUME FOR EXACTLY 1 VOLT. PLAY THE 80HZ TRACK AND THE VOLTAGE SHOULD BE .707 VOLTS. IF IT IS HIGHER THAN .707 ADJUST THE WX-2 TOO A HIGHER IMPEDANCE SETTING. IF THE VOLTAGE IS LESS THAN .707 ADJUST THE WX-2 TOO A LOWER IMPEDANCE SETTING. ACCURACY OF THE EXACT X-OVER FREQUENCY IS NOT AS CRITICAL WITH THE 2WQ AS WITH THE 5'S AND QUATRO'S WHICH NEED TO BE RIGHT ON.

Phil (3/23/06): Richard, Thanks for your previous response to my questions on the used 2Wq subwoofers and M5-HPB crossovers that I purchased last weekend. You said the Cardas XLR/RCA adapters that I have on order will not work correctly with the balanced M5-HP crossovers. For best sound quality, should I purchase single-ended fixed value crossovers or single-ended M5-HP crossovers? In either case, I'll use the method you describe in your 3/22/06 response to Stuart to determine the impedance. Thanks again!

Answer: HELLO PHIL, THE SINGLE ENDED M5-HP WILL BE MUCH MORE TRANSPARENT THAN THE X-2. THE OTHER ADVANTAGE WILL BE IF YOU CHANGE AMPLIFIERS IN THE FUTURE IT IS ADJUSTABLE TO ANY AMP IMPEDANCE.

Marc (3/23/06): What are the best banana plugs to use when bi-wiring Vandersteen speakers?

Answer: HELLO MARC, I'M NOT SURE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TODAY, YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER. IN THE PAST WBT MADE GOOD SOUNDING BANANA PLUGS.

Fernando (3/23/06): Richard, when are you going to put up technical information about the VCC-2 on the website? The only info I can find is the $1295 price on the retail price list. I'm interested in one for my home theater. Thanks for keeping this question-and-answer list going.

Answer: HELLO FERNANDO, CHECK OUT RON'S QUESTION ON 3-20-06. WE WILL PUT THE INFORMATION ON THE WEB WHEN THE PRODUCT IS AVAILABLE. THE VCC-2 WILL BE A 3-WAY DESIGN LIKE THE VCC-5 BUT NOT ALL OUT FOR LESS MONEY.

Ertel (3/24/06): I have enjoyed my 1Cs for several years and a pair of 1Bs before that. My question concerns interpreting the graph in the manual for setting the proper tilt based on listening height and distance: specifically, how should the listening distance be measured from the base of the speaker, the front edge of the top of the speaker, or the acoustical center in the middle? Since the speakers tilt back, the point chosen can change the position of my listening chair, and the position of my ears, by up to to six inches, with varying effects on the sound. My current numbers are 37in. ear height, a 1.5 inch tilt, which fits with a 9 foot listening distance, according to the graph. I have total flexibility in moving my listening seat back and forth and realize my ears are ultimately the best guide for deciding exactly how far back to put the seat. My perception is that measuring the recommended nine feet from the acoustical center puts me too close with this particular tilt -- the  highs seems more prominent but at the cost of a midrange suck out and a poorer sense of depth and solidity. So I measure from the base of the speaker to the base of my couch, and then add the depth of the couch cushion, which moves my ears back five or six inches, which seems better. Still, I sometimes think the closer position is more accurate and that any anomalies could be from room effects (although the room is extremely large). So before I experiment any more, I thought I'd ask: in using the manual's tilt graph as a guide, from where on the speaker is listening distance measured? Thanks, and may I say how much  I appreciate your taking the time to answer these questions. This forum is a treasure trove of helpful information.

Answer: HELLO ERTEL, THE INSTRUCTIONS ASSUME YOU ARE STARTING WITH THE SPEAKER STRAIGHT UP (NO TILT) MEASURED AT THE FRONT EDGE IN THE MIDDLE UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE REMEMBER THERE IS A PLUS MINUS THREE INCH WINDOW ESPECIALLY WHEN NINE FEET AWAY OR MORE. THE WINDOW IS PROGRESSIVELY SMALLER THE CLOSER YOU GET TO THE SPEAKER.

Gunner (3/24/06): I own a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce's and would like to know if you sell a  Signature upgrade kit for us diy'ers?

Answer: HELLO GUNNER, THERE IS NO KIT AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT INVOLVES WOODWORK AND P.C. BOARD WORK. THIS UP-GRADE ONLY WORKS ON APX 200 PAIRS OF 2CE'S(SN#77000 AND ABOVE) SO THE COST OF DOCUMENTING IT AND DEVELOPING A KIT IS NOT COST EFFECTIVE. NOT BEING COST EFFECTIVE IS NOT WHAT WE ARE KNOWN FOR AND I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Brett (3/25/06): I'm trying to determine if a used sub on e-bay is the V2W or the 2WQ.  The isn # (serial #?)is-100750001621. Any info. is greatly appreciated.> Best Regards,  (Vandersteen owner/fan since 1980).

Answer: HELLO BRETT, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ID A 2WQ OR V2W BY THE SN#. THE AMPLIFIER ON THE 2WQ HAS BANANA INPUTS( SPEAKER LEVEL) AND THE V2W HAS RCA INPUTS. THE SERIAL NUMBERS ARE NOT NEEDED AND IT DOES NOT TAKE A GENIUS TO NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INPUT CONNECTORS.

Ron (3/25/06): Richard, I just purchased your VCC-1 to go with my 2CI's. The VCC-1 calls for spades. I can not find any where in the literature the size spade to use, 1/4 or 3/8? Thanks for a great product.

Answer: HELLO RON, TURN THE VCC-1 AROUND AND MEASURE THEM IN A WAY YOUR WIRE COMPANY UNDERSTANDS. I DO NOT KNOW HOW ALL THE DIFFERENT WIRE COMPANY'S WOULD DESCRIBE OR SIZE A SUITABLE SPADE.

Tim (3/25/06): Hi ,Is the 1c tube friendly ? Thanks

Answer: HELLO TIM, ALL OF OUR SPEAKERS ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED SUCCESSFULLY WITH EITHER TUBE OR SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS. THEY ARE DIFFERENT AND YOU NEED TO DETERMINE WITH AN AUDITION WHICH ONE FLOATS YOUR BOAT.

Joe (3/25/06): Joe- I am interested in upgrading from a VCC-1 Sig. to a VCC-5 center channel. I was wondering how much weight would the speaker safely support. I have a Sony Wega rear projection LCD that weighs 94 lbs. and wanted to place it on top of the speaker, if possible. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO JOE, SETTING THE WEGA ON TOP OF THE VCC-5 IS NO PROBLEM.

Jonas (3/25/06): Thanks so much for continuing to operate this forum.  It's terrifically informative and helpful. I have a pair of 5As and read somewhere that the minimum distance from listener to speaker to preserve phase integrity for the 5As is 9 feet. Is that right? What is the minimum distance you would recommend?

Answer: HELLO JONAS, IF YOU READ 9 FEET IN THE OWNERS 5A MANUAL THAT WOULD BE CORRECT. I DO THIS AT HOME AND DO NOT HAVE THE MANUAL COMMITTED TO MEMORY. CHECK OUT THE CHART IN THE MANUAL FOR THE SHORTEST DISTANCE. I WOULD NOT HAVE A DISTANCE ON THE CHART THAT WOULD NOT "PRESERVE PHASE INTEGRITY".

Satish (3/30/06): I am Satish, a prospective customer of 2Ce Signature or 3A Signature speaker system. Being an electronic engineer and an audiophile I feel  that the loudspeaker is the weakest link in a system. I have been searching for a good sounding loudspeaker with a sensible price, coupled with good customer service. Most Hi-End loudspeaker manufacturers beef up the price of their loudspeakers by claiming their excellent cabinet work, and the exotic materials used, which I feel have no direct impact on the quality of sound produced. I find that the Vandersteen's are one of the most sensible Hi-End loudspeakers. But before buying I have a few questions, to which I hope to get prompt answers.  Do the drivers used in 2Ce Signature and 3A  Signature speaker systems use under hung voice coils (ie. short coil in long magnetic gap)? I have heard the ATC SCM 20SL speakers which have under hung voice coils; they have very low distortion and are more  linear. Are Copper Pole Sleeves used in the drivers of  2Ce Signature and 3A Signature speaker systems to reduce distortion by producing a more stable magnetic field by canceling the changes in the magnetic field strength caused by the amplifiers current?  Do 2Ce Signature and 3A Signature speaker systems sound better with Class-A amplifiers?  Looking forward for an early response. Thanks,

Answer: HELLO MARK, THE GRILLE OPTIONS FOR ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE BLACK AND BEIGE. MANY CUSTOMERS ASK WHY THERE ARE NOT LIGHTER COLORS AVAILABLE (OFF WHITE, LIGHT GRAY ETC.). THE AMOUNT OF AIR MOVED BY THE MID-RANGE AND THE WOOFER WOULD SURPRISE YOU, THIS RESULTS IN A DISCOLORATION IN THE GRILLE AROUND THE DRIVERS THAT WILL NOT VACUUM OFF. WITHIN ONE YEAR IT BECOMES UNSIGHTLY AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE HIGH PASS FILTER IS OPTIONAL BECAUSE SOME WILL REQUIRE A SINGLE ENDED ONE, SOME A BALANCED, AND SOME NONE BECAUSE THEIR PROCESSOR/PREAMP INCLUDES ONE (B&K, THETA). SOON AESTHETIX WILL LAUNCH THEIR NEW AMPLIFIER WHICH HAS ONE INTERNALLY (IDEAL).

Knox (4/08/06): If I have a pair of 2Wq subwoofers running under my main speakers. Can I plug in the center channel and/or rear channel signals into the unused inputs on each subwoofer to take advantage of the sub's bass capability for more channels? I assume that I could just purchase additional X-2 high-pass filters for the center and rear channels of amplification. Thanks,

Curtis (5/3/06):  Richard, are you working on automatic bass adjustment for the room like some other manufactures? I am particularly interested if it some day will be available for the Quatro or 5A.

Rob (5/4/06):  Hi, I have an opportunity to buy a used pair of 5's or a new pair of Quatro's. The dealer has the Quatros and a private individual has the 5's so its impossible to really compare the two - different electronics, rooms, etc. Any advice you can give on the differences between the two sonically beyond the more powerful bottom end of the 5's would be appreciated. I wonder if the latest engineering solutions that went into the Quatros are enough to offset the design of the original 5's.

Francisco (5/4/06):  Dear Mr Vandersteen, I am using a pair of 5A's with balanced crossover. I would like to test a single ended set-up. Is it OK to use the BAT single ended to balanced adapters? Regards.

Phil (5/5/06):  Richard,I recently purchased two used 2Wq subwoofers and M5-HPB balanced high-pass crossovers on audiogon. On 3/22/06 you said on this Technical Information page that the balanced filters would not work correctly with RCA/XLR adapters on my single-ended cables and electronics. Subsequently I found a gentleman (Kirk) on audiogon would had recently purchased used Quatros with single-ended M5-HP crossovers. Kirk needed balanced crossovers so we agreed to trade. The single-ended crossovers just arrived today and I noticed the decal on the crossovers says "Model M5-HP High-pass Filter (100Hz)." The 2Wq literature talks about an 80Hz crossover but I don't remember whether the decal on the balanced crossovers said 80Hz or 100Hz, and Kirk is currently out of town so he can't check. Will the 100 Hz single-ended crossovers I received in trade work with my 2Wq subwoofers? Will the balanced crossovers I sent to Kirk work with his Quatros? If not, what is the approximate cost for the factory to change the crossover points on our crossovers? Thanks, Richard!

Theodore (5/9/06):  I have 3a sigs and am very seriously considering the upgrade to the 5a's. Would my McIntosh ma2275 integrated tube amp at 75w/channel be sufficient? It is an all tube design. I never listen at loud levels, usually low levels. Room size 15x23ft. I have read many recommending tube amps such as the quicksilver's but no comments on mac tubes. It is a 5 hour drive to my nearest authorized dealer and I would be willing to bring the amp unless you feel it is not a good match. Thank you,

Ray (5/9/06):  Hi Richard, I own 5's and 5A's currently the 5's are more desirable with my present decor because the bottoms are cherry, what I want to do is swap out all drivers, crossovers and powers supplies from the 5As that are all black. Thanks....

Carl (5/9/06): I have a pair of 1c's (love 'em). I'm starting to look into tube amps (with little knowledge so far) and wonder what I should know.  In particular, what about "single-ended" amps which have low power output? Any limitations or restrictions I should know about?

Michael (5/11/06):  My name is Michael, and I don't yet own a pair of Vandersteen speakers but having heard them at a friend's house I am very interested now. I am currently doing a lot of online research. Since my space is rather limited, I'm focusing on the VLR & VCC speakers and if I might make a comment, it seems that the majority of questions on this forum are related to these speakers, particularly in reference to home theater. Maybe if the website had more info about this topic, it might answer many of those questions. For example, it could include a section on recommended placement / mounting height of these speakers in a typical HT room, a table listing the differences between similar models, as well as more pictures of the speakers, finishes, and relative sizes next to each other. Also, since many people seem to be purchasing your speakers used, it would be very helpful to have a table of serial number ranges and dates of production. It may be beyond the scope of this website, but some type of certification program, or even a "recommended used dealers" page might be helpful for those who steer clear of eBay-type sites and hence may never hear a Vandersteen speaker as a result. Finally, I am also interested in knowing a little bit more about where the company is headed in the future. While the speakers have a legendary following, to be sure, it also seems as if the focus is on 2-channel / stereo audio rather than HT. I have no problem with this at all - I still prefer my vinyl setup to my HT setup - but that may be precisely because HT speakers are so much harder to configure correctly. These are just my impressions from visiting the website and reading online reviews about Vandersteen speakers. Thank you for your time.

Theodore (5/12/06): Thank you for the quick reply ,The mac ma2275 does have pre-out and amp-in. It uses 4 KT88s in the amp section. That is obviously 1/2 the number a pair of quicksilver mono's or mac 2102 amps use. My question is this - in your vast experience with the 5a's have you found a 75w/channel amp running a/b with the kt88's to have enough power to successfully run the 5a's at low/mod volumes. Do 8 KT88's do better at low volumes than 4??? Otherwise i will not pack up my 90lb integrated for the trip to the local dealer. I never listen loud - usually low volumes. Looking for a very warm and relaxing (most high end systems (i have owned them too) give me severe listener fatigue after 1/2 hour) amp to pair with the 5a's. Vocals and jazz. In ss many suggest higher powered amps also sound better at low volumes. I just want you expert opinion on tube amps with the va's. If you feel 75w is not sufficient i will buy a pair of higher powered mono-blocks (quicksilver) or the mac 2102 100/channel with 8kt88s. The integrated would go great with 2ce sigs in my office too. Thanks again, Theodore

Jeff (5/12/06): Richard: I read on an internet site of running your sub without the x-2 filter with full range speakers. The person claims improved sound but the sub could be damaged. Could you comment? Jeff

Kent (5/13/06): Kent - I own a Vandersteen 2W and Vandersteen M5-HP balanced crossover. Is it possible to change the crossover frequency for either or both of these units? I would like to try my system with less lower-mids coming from the 2W. My goal is to lower the crossover point to somewhere between 45 - 60Hz. Currently my crossover is set to the amps specified input of 20K ohms. Thank you.

Chris (5/14/06): I am currently living in an apartment where I have less space and I must keep the volume relatively low. I want to consolidate my gear and build a home theater system. I'd like to use my 2Ce's and a 2Wq sub. I also have bi-amped tube amps and a tube stereo pre-amp that even when the volume turned all the way down, the music is still too loud. So, my question is, since I don't have room to put out all my tube gear and I am willing to part with my stereo tube pre-amp, is there a HT receiver that you are aware of that will work with the 2Wq or can you think of a better way do this? Thanks

Moby (5/15/06): Hi Richard, I have a pair of early model 5's powered by a Classe CA150 matched to a Classe CP60. I have gone through the setup many times over and have made all the obvious changes but they still are very very bright. Hard to listen to voice level frequencies. What should my path to warmer sounding speakers be and how do I know if I have damaged the mid drivers somehow? Can I change the crossover roll off? I currently have them @ 50 Ohms should I try changing these? Also I have been told the CA150 is a bright sounding amp to start with so should I look to invest in another amp? Thank You, Moby

John (5/15/06): I have read the posts about your use of barrier terminal strips and agree with you. What kind of o-lugs do you suggest, electronics stores seem to carry low quality o-lugs. Your barrier strips look like molex products and I was hoping to find a matching o-lug from molex - but no luck. John

Roger (5/16/06): Hi Richard, I ordered a pair of 5As back in March and am looking forward to receiving them sometime in the next month or so. In a previous post you mentioned that the standard power cords were fine, and that aftermarket power cords could change the sound of the 5As to something other than you intended. I would like to know your thoughts about using surge protectors/power conditioners for the 5A subwoofer amps. I'm not looking to alter the sound of the speakers, but I would like to provide surge protection for the subwoofer amps. Thank You.

Moby (5/16/06): Hi Richard, Moby here again. I found my balanced crossovers (Model 5's)set 4 levels to high being I upgraded my amp and never re-set the crossovers. YIKES! How can I tell if I have damaged the speakers. The midrange is very hard to hear. It's there but sounds like it's in the back ground. If I can't afford to upgrade them to 5A's what are my options? Also I have the shipping bases/pallets but can't find the boxes. Can I purchase new boxes if I need to ship the speakers to you? Thank You.

 Answer: HELLO MOBY, HAVING THE ADJUSTMENT TOO HIGH WILL NOT HURT ANYTHING, JUST SOUND BAD. I AM A LOSS AS TO WHAT YOUR PROBLEM IS OTHER THAN WHAT I ASKED YOU TO CHECK.  CONTACT YOUR DEALER AND HAVE HIM HELP YOU. WE DO HAVE BOXES AVAILABLE BUT THEY ARE EXPENSIVE BECAUSE OF THE FREIGHT. CALL THE FACTORY.

John (5/16/06):  Another question about the o-lugs, does the material make any difference, ie. gold plated, or just any standard #10 o-lug(usually looks like tin alloy) sound fine? What about contact preservative like pro gold or similar?

David (5/17/06):  I have a pair of 5's which I have worked very hard to get positioned such that sound is optimized (to my ear anyway). I have the 11 "pots" on the bass contour panel all set to "straight up". I plan to be in this house for only another year and really do not want to pay someone $300-400 to come out and adjust the contour. Is there ANYTHING a person can do by ear that will be of benefit in this regard during an interim period? It would seem that with 11 settings, the permutations for finding the perfect setting by ear would be daunting, but is there any chance of damage from making adjustments without measuring equipment?

Kent (5/17/06): Thank you Richard for your previous response. Please also clarify: With your M5-HP balanced crossover, if I adjust the settings to the next higher or next lower impedance, what does that do to the curve? Does one setting move roll off point to a higher frequency, and the other down? BTW: I love what your crossover does to improve SQ of midrange (by taking low-frequency burden off speakers / amp). Thank you again.

Gregg (5/17/06):  RICHARD, FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO TELL YOU I WAS ONE OF YOUR EARLY CUSTOMERS BACK IN 1978. I PURCHASED A SET OF MODEL 2C'S FROM YOU VISITING A FRIEND ANTHONY MOTTO WHO AT THE TIME WORKED FOR INTEL, A START UP COMPANY AT THE TIME. YOU HAVE BEEN MORE THAN KIND THROUGH THE YEARS REPAIRING THE SPEAKERS FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN I PLAYED A POORLY RECORDED RECORD AND POPED THE VOICE COILS. I HAD THEM IN STORAGE FOR AROUND 10 YEARS NOW, FINALLY CONNECTED EVERYTHING BACK UP A FEW MONTHS AGO AFTER RETURNING FROM A EUROPEAN TOUR WITH THE BAND I'M IN AND CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I MISSED THE CLARITY OF THOSE SPEAKERS. I PLAYED PINK FLOYD MEDDLE AND THOUGHT DAVID GILMOUR AND ROGER WATERS WERE SITTING ASIDE ME IN THE STUDIIO LAYING DOWN TRACKS.HERE COMES THE SAD PART. I THINK THE SILICON ON THE OUTSIDE WENT BAD DUE TO EXTREME HEAT OR COLD BEING IN MY WAREHOUSE ALL THOSE YEARS AND THEY ARE FLUTTERING. IS THERE ANYONE I CAN TAKE THEM TOO I CAN TRUST IN PITTSBURGH, PA? OR SHOULD I SEND THEM OUT TO YOU. I REALLY MISS THEM AND WANT TO ENJOY MY RECORDS AGAIN IN BETWEEN TOURING. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE OUT TOO. GOOGLE THE CYNICS OR GET HIP RECORDS. THANK YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. GREGG KOSTELICHCEO GET HIP RECORDSGUITARIST FOR THE CYNICS.

Bob (5/17/06): I have purchased a VCC-1. S/N 2223. I assume I should set my Harman Kardon AVR-635 receiver to "small" for this speaker? Is this correct? ( I am using it with a pair of 2C's I purchased on 3/84, S/N 8462c/8463c. They are still working fine.) Until I can afford a Vandersteen sub or two, I will be using my HK 200 watt subwoofer with the HK satellites to complete a 5.1 system.

Kevin (5/18/06): Hello Mr. Vandersteen, I purchased 1Cs last year and love them. Do you have any plans for a smaller bookshelf speaker, or a smaller floor standing model with a smaller footprint? I'd like to purchase speakers for my bedroom. Thanks

Rob (5/18/06):  Richard, What finish do you use on your Model 5/5A? I purchased a used pair of cherry veneered 5's and want to have them re-veneered (small dings, scratches, etc.) and really like the finish that is on the existing veneer. Thanks

Rob (5/18/06): Richard, If gluing veneer over the existing veneer is a bad idea I take it you actually pull the old veneer off when you re-veneer speakers. What is an estimate to get both speakers veneered new (cherry) as part of a 5 to 5A update? Thanks

Jason (5/19/06):  I have a pair of 3a with a stereo pair of 2wq subwoofers and I'm using the balanced M5-HP variable cross-over. My main amp (Krell KAS200s) has an impedance of 47K, so I set the switches to 100K. I also tested one setting up and down from there as recommended and found I liked the 75K setting best in my room, mainly because it gave a bigger bass punch.  I further experimented with the 50K setting and found that while the sound was less balanced, it seemed to deliver even more bass, particularly on movies. I spend more time watching movies these days than listening to music (which is a change from when I bought these). I was wondering if using a setting 2 levels away (50K) from the amp’s impedance is ok or if system damage could result. What about 3 setting away (33K)? Is there an alternative method to increase the bass output (bass volume?) without switching to the V2W? Thanks

Kent (5/19/06): Hi Richard. I tried moving the M5-HP crossover up and down one setting. I most like the 10k ohm setting, which is one down from my amp’s stated input (Ayre V-3 / 20K ohms in balanced). This setting appears to improve both bass quality and overall integration. It also appears that this setting requires less gain from the 2W to achieve proper balance. I’m the kind of guy who likes to understand how and why things work. Will please explain to me what changes occur to the signal or phase when set at 10K (vs 20K), and why the sound is improved (and also seems louder)? Thanks

Paul (5/22/06):  Hi Richard, This is Paul following up on the question I posed on 2/24 having to do with lack of bass in my system. I have an update: much to my surprise it was my Acurus DIA100 passive preamp integrated amplifier that was limiting my system. It simply could not drive the 2Ce Signatures to anywhere near their potential. I tried a pair of Odyssey Stratos Monos with Odyssey Tempest preamp and the sound improved noticeably. Then I found used BEL 1001 Mk V amp and PSE HL-1 preamp and WOW - I now have rich, detailed bass. While all rooms introduce sonic anomalies, particularly at low frequencies, the room was not the primary problem with my system. Before I got my hands on the BEL I also bought a used 2Wq which I will have by the end of this week. That may be overkill but I am eager to experiment with it, and if it's anywhere near as impressive as the 2Ce Signatures I suspect that it would be very difficult for me to part with it. Thank you for dedicating your mind, ears, and hands to creating products delivering truly exceptional sound reproduction and value.

Dan (5/24/06): Hi Richard, I own a pair of 2ce sigs. I'm driving them with a high quality "class A" 250 watt amp. I listen at low to moderate volume. I also use a powered sub crossed over at 85hz. The power recommendation for the sigs is significantly lower than 250. To me, the sound is wonderful and I don't want to change a thing. But are my sigs in grave danger? Thanks.

David (5/25/06): I'm confused about the M5-HP. I thought it was only for Quatros and 5As. I have 3A Sigs and 2Wqs. What is an M5-HP and will it work with my system? How much is one in a balanced set up. Thanks.

Ryan (5/25/06): Just bought a pair of used 1C's from somebody who upgraded to the 3A's. He included the stands but no spikes. I have carpeted floor and would like to add some spikes to the stand. What threaded size spikes do I need to buy, and does your company sell spikes or should I go to a 3rd party? Also, the guy did not include the mounting hardware to screw the stands onto the speakers. What size bolt do I need to correctly attach the speakers? Thanks, I love your product!

Randy (5/26/06):  I don't believe everything I read, so I figured I'd ask you. On a web page a gentleman says he runs his 2Wqs with NO X2 or anything else between the amp and the preamp. He said the sound is great and he has been doing so for several months with no adverse concequences. What is the worst thing that could happen trying this? Why should we not do it?

Richard (5/27/06):  I recently purchased two used 2Wq subwoofers and M5-HP balanced high-pass crossovers. On 3/22/06 you said on this Technical Information page that the balanced filters would not work correctly with RCA/XLR adapters on my single-ended cables and electronics. Subsequently I traded crossovers with a gentleman who had single-ended M5-HP crossovers but needed balanced M5-HP crossovers. I set the impedance of the single-ended M5-HP crossovers using a multi-meter, 1kHz test tone, and the method you described in your response on this page to Stuart on 3/22/06.I just played "Ballad of the Runaway Horse" from the Rob Wasserman CD "Duets." This cut, which features Jennifer Warnes singing and Wasserman on upright bass, has been recommended to me for speaker setup. However, there seems to be little difference in the volume of Wasserman's bass regardless of whether the subwoofers' sensitivity and contour controls are at their lowest or highest settings on both subwoofers. To complicate matters, I moved recently and I'm not yet familiar with the sound of my stereo in the new room (approximately 12' wide by 22' long by 8' high). So I tested the subwoofers using the 31.5Hz track on Stereophile first test CD. With the test CD, I could definitely distinguish the bass volume and quality differences as I adjusted the sensitivity and contour controls from their lowest to highest settings. Still, the difference wasn't as much as I expected and I'm wondering if I damaged the subwoofers' internal amplifiers by using the subwoofers with the balanced crossovers and RCA/XLR adapters for a week while I was waiting for the single-ended crossovers to arrive. Can you recommend a test that I can do at home to verify the subwoofer amplifiers are working correctly? Thanks,

Gabriel (5/28/06): "USING ADAPTERS ON A BALANCED HP5B WILL NOT WORK CORRECTLY. I'M SORRY TO SAY THE MP5B CAN NOT BE MODIFIED TO SINGLE ENDED." Is this statement true of the converse? Can I use an XLR to RCA adapter on my XLR amp to convert it to single ended and use the single ended M5-HP?

Craig (5/29/06):  Hello Richard, can you recommend a way to add Quatro/Model 5 type room correction to our 2Wq's? Or much better yet, do you offer such? Thanks again for all you do.

David (5/30/06): Dear Richard, I am currently using a pair of 2Cs with a single 2Wq. My amp’s input impedance is 49k and I am using a 50k X-2 crossover that is an excellent match. I need to replace the amp and the new one is a tube / transistor hybrid with an input impedance of 420k. I spoke to my dealer about a new X-2 but was informed that they only go up to 200k. He offered me the option of using the active crossover from the Model 5’s, but my system is very modest and a passive crossover like the X-2 is fine for me. Is it possible for me to simply wire a 4700pf WonderCap or KimberKap in the signal path? Will this give me a crossover point at 80hz, or am I over simplifying? Any help or advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Dan (5/30/06):  Hi Richard, When an upgradeable pair of 2CE's are made into signatures, are they of the present day standard or of the original late 90's standard. Thank You.

Answer: HELLO DAN, UPGRADING AN UPGRADEABLE 2CE TO SIGNATURES IS 85% OF WHAT WE MAKE TODAY. THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE CAN NOT CHANGE BECAUSE THE ALREADY HIGH COST WOULD BE RIDICULOUS.

Bill (5/31/06): Richard, I realize this does NOT fall in the frequently asked question category, but I need some help. You did answer this question when it was much more general back in February, but it has progressed since then. It's about running a pair of 5s in balanced mode with Pass Aleph 1.2s. Here's the exchange I've had with Nelson at Pass recently. Thanks for your help, Bill Mr. Pass,I had a pair of Aleph 2s that were driving a pair of Vandersteen 5s. Because of the crossover with the Vandersteen and the Input Impedance for the Aleph 2s when balanced was, standard 20 K ohm and inverted 5 K ohm, I was running them single-ended. Is the Input Impedance for the Aleph 1.2s the same as the Aleph 2s and is there a way I can run them balanced? Thanks for your help, Bill William Togno 2720 Russell St Berkeley, CA 94705 (415)299-9659 --- Nelson Pass <nelson@passlabs.com> wrote: You can buffer the input to the Aleph 1.2, or you can adjust the values of the crossover to accommodate the impedance. If the filter is passive, that means multiplying the values of the filter parts by 4. Of course you can just hook it up and it will run - I have customers who did that and were happy. best, np Mr. Pass, Sorry for confusion, but I'm only slightly above a novice when it comes to electronic. I was a music lover first, who picked up a few things over the years. I got this response from Richard at Vandersteen; HELLO BILL, YOU MUST CHECK WITH PASS LABS AND MAKE SURE BOTH LEGS ARE THE SAME. SOME OF THE PASS LABS ARE NOT TRUE BALANCED LIKE 5K ON ONE LEG AND 20K ON THE OTHER LEG. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE 7 INCH MID BASS DRIVER. PASS LABS WILL MAKE YOU A CUSTOM HIGH PASS BECAUSE OURS WONT WORK. Running them in balanced mode is ideal, but if this is too much work it's not a problem. I just loved the Aleph 2s and thought the 1.2s would be great for the Vandersteen 5s. Maybe I'll just compromise and run them single-ended. Thanks for your time, Bill From Nelson Pass We don't make a network for the Vandersteens, but if Richard will release the schematic to you, I can point you to the correct values. best, np Sorry for the length, but that's where I am. It would be great to be able to run them balanced, but like I mentioned if this is just too much for the two of you maybe I'll run them single-ended. Thanks again,

Paul (5/31/06): I'm running a pair of 2Ce Signatures with a single 2Wq sub. The system sounds very good with the cables I made from AudioQuest bulk cable ($3/foot and I'm using two pairs on each side to bi-wire) and terminators but I've been very impressed with BEL P-1 interconnects and will probably upgrade to BEL speaker cable for the 2Ce's well. I'm inclined to order two pairs of the BEL S-12 cables rather than a single set of the heavier gauge S-24s and a pair of jumpers but my Vandersteen dealer says that he and everyone he knows does the latter so he can't loan me S-12's to listen to. If a single pair of S-24s with jumpers works well with his Model 5s should they work well for my 2Ce Signatures? That seems to run contrary to your general recommendations. The cost is about the same either way. I think that you have some experience with BEL cables - do you have a recommendation for me?Also, is it critical to run the same cable to the sub or can I get by with my homemade cables? I could end up spending over $1000 on speaker cables if I get all BELs so any advice you can give as to priorities would be appreciated.

Clay (6/02/06): Dear Richard, I have enjoyed a pair of 2C loudspeakers for years. I am about to upgrade my amplifier to a Rotel integrated amp. I have the opportunity to add a Vandersteen 2W subwoofer to this system. Will the sub work as it is intended with the Rotel and 2C's? Is extra equipment or a special hookup required? Thanks and keep up the great innovation.

William (6/03/06): Richard,I need to order a new manual for my 2Ce's...(How do I do that?)I also lost my soundanchor spikes in the move, can I get them from you as well?Thanks,

Phil (6/07/06): Would it be acceptable to place the VSM's on 24" stands in the back of the room against the back wall instead of up on the wall? This installation would also require them to be very close to corner placement. I am currently considering 1c's in the front, VSM's in the rear and VCC5 center using a single 2W for my home theater. I do not have a placement to hang them at the same height and spacing on the back wall(this also includes my wifes reluctance to "Hang" speakers in the den!)Also, would it be just as acceptable to use 1C's in the back instead of the VSM's if they would not work close in a corner and/or on a stand? I could probably get the 1C's out a little or the VSM out maybe 6-8 inches.I'm trying to build an economical home theater. It certainly isn't required to be of "Reference" caliber-just good sound. I have a large opening leaving the right side of the den which is handicapping placement. One last question, I'm currently using 3a Sigs and a pair of 2Wq's in my 2 channel room. I was considering switching to the Quattro's for ease of placement and space saving. Would this be a move sideways or an improvement in sound?

Steven (6/10/06): Richard, thank you very much for taking the time to review and answer all our questions--I enjoyed reading all the Qs and replies and learned a lot. I've read enough recently to know I want to get a 2Wq subwoofer. I have an Audio Research SP-9 MkII preamp, 2 bridged sons of ampzilla (using "The Bridge" by GAS), and upgraded Dahlquist DQ-10 speakers. (1) Do you think the 2Wq would work well with this system? (2)If I get just one 2Wq to start, do I run speaker wires from the L and R out channel of my bridged amps to the L and R inputs on the back of the 2Wq? (3) Later, if I get another sub, would I just connect the amp L out to L in on one sub and amp R out to the R in on the other sub? (4) You say "FOR MODERATE SYSTEMS THE X-2 WILL BE SUFFICIENT, BUT FOR VERY HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS A BATTERY BIASED HIGH PASS LIKE THE M5-HP SHOULD BE USED." Do you think there would be a noticeable sound difference if I were to use the M5-HP on my system, or should I just use the X-2?

David (6/10/06): Six weeks ago I had a pair of 2Wq Subwoofers installed in my listening room in my home. I was aware that a break in period was required, but even after the manual instructions, I was not impressed. I also had ordered a X-2 Fixed Crossover which I am waiting for. I just wanted to report that the sound is NOW awesome!! The deep bass is tight with absolutely no hangover (maybe not correct terminology). It just took a little longer to break them in than the manual indicated. Am told that when the crossover arrives the sound will be improved more. Can't wait. I can strongly recommend your subwoofers. I have owned other brands of subwoofers in the 80's and very early 90's and they were not close to yours in the quality of sound. I know you know all this, but thought you might like to hear again. David Glover The Woodlands, Texas

Mauricio (6/14/06): I've recently bought a pair of second hand Vandersteen 1C. They seem to be OK. and 'm very satisfied with them, but I didn't get the stands and the catalogue. I have problems positioning the speakers in order to get the most of them. My rectangular room size is (WxHxD) 3.5mts. X 2.5mts X 5mts, would you give me an advise? I live in Colombia (south America) and I would like to know how to get the stands, which seem to be crucial to obtain the whole sound they can reproduce. When I use them with a subwoofer the sound becomes less natural, so how can I get a better bass response of them? I've made listening comparisons against the Von Schweikert VR-4 of a friend of mine, and despite they are in a different level of price and level, we both, for our surprise, didn't heard the difference they have in price. I thank you in advance for your help.

Truck (6/17/06):  RE: 5a, Bass EQ and Set-up Procedure.  Hello Richard. I have owned my 5a's for a year now, and I enjoy them more and more every day; the only drawback is that my music loving friends have practically moved-in and my wife is threatening divorce. Since I have relocated since my purchase, I have done the set-up procedure on my own according to the instructions in your fine owner's manual. I was wondering why you do not recommend taking a final step in the set-up of the EQ, which would be to take the measurements at the listening position in the aggregate (both speakers playing simultaneously). I am quite certain you have considered this - you seem to have thought of everything else - so I am just wondering why this would not work, or if you consider it a redundant and therefore unnecessary step? Many thanks in advance for you considered reply.

Jonas (6/19/06):  Richard, Thanks for continuing to operate this forum. I have another question as I come to the final stages of designing the room that will hold my beloved stereo (5A's, tube pre, SS amp and universal digital player) and a HT setup as well (not yet purchased but will have front projection and 5 channels including the stereo): I have the ability to install dedicated AC lines back to the main panel, how many should I get to accommodate the HT and the Stereo? Also, do think there is any value in "audiophile" grade outlets? Thanks again,

Mike (6/19/06): Hi there, I am in NZ and have a pair of 3a Signatures, a pair of 1c's and the VCC 5.  I am wanting to replace the sock on all speakers with a new color (color for you guys) and am hoping you can send me a) instruction on removing the sock and b) the template pattern for replacements so I can have them ready to swap over. Thanks in advance.

Havish (6/23/06): Hi Richard,My question is about speaker break in. When I bought my 2Ce speakers, I was told that they need to be broken in for a certain number of hours. However, I also know that the two speakers are hand matched in the factory to be very close in response prior. If the speakers aren't broken in yet, how can hand matching in the factory guarantee that the speakers will be matched after the break in period as well? Or is the information that the speakers need breaking in a mistake? Could you throw some light on what exactly is happening during the breaking in process and why this does not affect the results of the hand matching done apriori in the factory? Thanks for taking the time to operate this forum. Regards,.

Stan (6/24/06): Hi - I just read the Stereophile report on your Quatro. Congrats on the wonderful review. Unless I misread the review, they said it was not only better than the Wilson product, but also better than the 5A's. I just recently (about 5 months ago) got my 5A's. I listened carefully to the 2 speakers and although I think the Quatros are very good, I don't think they are as complete as the 5A's. Do you have any thoughts on this matter?

Jack (6/24/06): Will the 2ceSignature perform alright if installed in my existing wall unit? Each speaker would be in a 17" wide cabinet. Thus, no open space on the sides. I would use vcc-1 center channel under the tv. Best wishes,

Answer: HELLO JACK, THIS IS ALWAYS A HARD QUESTION TO ANSWER. YOU WILL COMPROMISE THE SOUND SIGNIFICANTLY BUT STILL HAVE BETTER SOUND THAN A BOX SPEAKER IN THE SAME LOCATION. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OPEN SPACE AROUND THE TWEETER AND MIDRANGE IN THE VANDERSTEEN WITHIN THE SOCK WHEN INSTALLED IN A CABINET. YOU WILL STILL GET A OPEN SOUND BECAUSE THE DRIVERS ARE UN-BAFFLED TO A DEGREE. INSTALLING SOME SOUND ABSORBERS ON THE SIDES OF THE CABINET WILL HELP. VCC-1 WILL WORK GREAT UNDER THE SCREEN.

Jeff (6/24/06): My first adventure into high end equipment 15-20 years ago included a purchase of 2CI's. I loved them. Then I got money, and got stupid, and migrated to Wilson Watt Puppy 5's. Recently, I decided to audition some of your terrific choices, including the 2CE's and 3A Signatures. Brought back fond memories...and now the Wilson's are for sale. So, thank you. My question is somewhat mundane. Back on March 9th, you answered Mark's question about veneers on the 3A Signatures. My dealer didn't know the name of the wood for the pair on display, and told me to check your web site. Neither the site, nor the response to Mark, allow me to determine the wood I saw. To my eyes, it appeared to be light oak...not white oak as your site pictures for the 5As...it's darker than that. I'm sure it's not cherry, so that leaves me with oak, walnut, or maple as possible choices. But, any of those can be lighter or darker. So, how do I determine what's what? Thanks.

David (6/25/06): Hello, I need a little help determining if my 2Wq subwoofer is working properly. My entire system was in storage for a few years and I just set it back up in the same room it was in before. The bottom end seemed very week from what I remembered, so I ran a couple of tests. My main speakers are 2C’s and I am using X-2 crossovers. The sensitivity pot is set properly for the 2C’s. The subwoofer passed the acid test, the speakers popped when I plugged it in. I used the method you described to check the crossover frequency, using a volt meter and a 1000Hz test tone. When I played the 80Hz tone the meter read .702, so the 33k X,s are a very good match. Here’s the kicker: I used the test method described by Stewart (3/22/06) below:1. Wire the subwoofer and a main speaker to separate speaker outputs on the amplifier. 2. Play a 80Hz test tone alternating between the main speaker and subwoofer. 3. If the proper capacitor is chosen, the main speakers and subwoofer will each have the same loudness. I do not have a Db meter, but the speaker is about 10 times as loud as the subwoofer by my ear. I pulled the bottom of the sub cabinet to make sure there wasn’t a dead animal in there or something equally stupid going on with the woofers, and everything looked fine. Is Stuart’s test valid? Should I send the sub in to be checked, or is this just a case of false memory? Thank you for your help.

Greg (6/25/06): Mr. Vandersteen, I have owned Model 2ci speakers since 1990 and upgraded to 3a Signatures a couple of years ago. At the time I purchased my 3a's, I imagined that my most likely step forward from there would be to add a pair of 2Wq's and high-pass my 3a's. The introduction of the Quatro has complicated things. Can you please describe the advantages (apart from the room equalization) of the Quatros versus a pair of 3a signatures with 2Wq's? I have measured the frequency response of my 3a's with an SPL meter and the bass is relatively linear in my room. My second question is whether the lengths of cables running to the main speakers and the subwoofers should be of the same type and length? Thank you in advance for your time.

Ted (6/26/06): I have a pair of 2Ci'sI bought new long ago and I very happy with them. I have upgraded my system and I am considering upgrading to the 2Ce Sig's. Is it worth it? There is nothing I do not like about about the 2Ci's,so, how do they compare to the 2Ce Sig?

Jeff (6/26/06): In your archived FAQs from 11/1/04, #7, you address bi-wiring. You state that the wires should be the same, not ones separately best for treble or bass. At my Vandersteen dealer, he had Audioquest speaker cables...same "series", I think...but one was marked for treble, and one for bass. Is this incorrect, or are wires from the same manufacturer and series considered ok, even if dedicated to treble or bass? Thanks.

Robin (6/26/06): Hello, I didn't find an email-address for direct contact, but I hope You'll have the time to review this question. I live in Finland and would potentially like to import a pair of 5A´s. I've owned big Dunlavys before and have since then changed speaker brand, but the time- and phase-coherent sound is very hard to beat. Thus I'm very interested in Your speakers and especially in the 5A.Now there is no Vandersteen-distributor in Finland, would it be possible to buy the speakers directly from You? I would also be more than willing to provide demos for other finish customers who might be interested in the brand and assist potential customers with imports (I've handled imports before so I know what it takes). I know there is a large group of audiophiles who appreciated the (coherent) Dunlavy-designs, the brand actually sold hundreds of pairs (including several SC-V and one SC-VI) in Finland, which has only 5 million inhabitants. I'm currently renovating an old house, which will feature a basement listening room with very extensive acoustic treatment, so I'm expecting the room to "sound" excellent when finished. I hope You have the time to consider this possibility, please let me know what You think. Best regards,

Phillip (6/27/06): I am looking to buy a used pair of 2ce signature's about 7 year old.  Is there a difference to the current model. thank you in advance

Answer: HELLO PHILIP, THERE ARE SEVERAL Q&A'S ON THIS SITE THAT ADDRESS THIS QUESTION YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ. THE SHORT ANSWER IS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CHANGES SOME VERY SIGNIFICANT. SUGGEST YOU LISTEN TO THE PAIR YOU ARE CONSIDERING INSTEAD OF THE DEALERS DEMO'S WHICH WOULD BE DIFFERENT. IF YOU LIKE THEM BUY THEM, THE DIFFERENCE IS THEN MOOT.

Craig (6/28/06):  Richard, Sorry to bother you with this question but I've run into a dead-end trying to find a PSE contact. I have an opportunity to buy a pair of PSE Studio V's, which I understand you've used extensively, to drive my 2Ce Signatures and I'm trying to find out if anyone is still servicing PSE products. I even tried calling Dean directly using a number I found on the web. I'm nervous about buying a product without knowledge of source for service should I ever need it. Do you know what PSE's status is? or do you know anyone who services these amps? Thanks,

Answer: HELLO CRAIG, I BELIEVE DEAN HAS MOVED ON TO OTHER THINGS. THE CORRECT ANSWER FOR ANYONE BUYING ANYTHING NO LONGER SUPPORTED BY A MANUFACTURE NO LONGER ACTIVELY IN BUSINESS SHOULD BE; KNOW A GOOD TECH FOR THE TIME THE INEVITABLE OCCURS.

 Kent (6/29/06): Hi Richard, I am considering a First Watt F1 amplifier for use with my 2W. F1 is made by Nelson Pass. The F1 is a current amp (as contrasted with a voltage amp). My goal is to try the F1 with both its single-end and balanced inputs. I asked Nelson Pass about using the 2W, and this was his response..."...if the subwoofer input takes its input from the output of the F1, then most likely you will want to use just one output leg for the signal and take the ground from the input ground of the F1, which is pin1 of the XLR or the ground of the RCA connector and also you would need to find out whether the input to the subwoofer amplifier is capacitively coupled, as the balanced outputs of the F1 are both live and at a 13.8V DC potential with respectto ground."Will my 2W be compatible with this amp (I also have M5-HP balanced xover)? If so, will I need to do special wiring to make it work?

Answer: HELLO KENT, THE 2W SUBWOOFER IS NOT CAP COUPLED ON ITS INPUT. I DO NOT KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT THE F1 AMPLIFIER TO MAKE A COMMENT, SHOULD THINGS GO WRONG. THE INPUT OF THE 2W IS A DIFFERENTIAL AMP FOR EACH CHANNEL AND THEM SUMMED. YOU SHOULD GIVE THIS INFO TO NELSON AND LET HIM ADVISE.

Paul (6/29/06): Hello, I have lC's, would I gain anything by using 4 conductor speaker wire as I do on the 3A Sigs. I know that the difference would be that the connection on the speaker end would be the same as the connection on the amp end of my 3A Sigs. Wonderful sound, I am enjoying immensely. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO PAUL, MAY BE, MAY BE NOT. YOU WILL HAVE TO TRY IT AND LISTEN. YOU COULD HAVE TRIED THIS AND KNOWN THE CORRECT ANSWER BEFORE THIS RESPONSE IS POSTED. IN THIS GREAT HOBBY, WHY ARE PEOPLE SOOOOO SLOW TO TRY THINGS INSTEAD OF ASKING SOMEONE?

Ray (6/30/06):  Hello, are there any plans, or could you perhaps be bribed :) to release a speaker model for use with CARA? This is not meant as an endorsement of the software, but would be exceedingly useful to those of us who use it anyway. If not, could you explain why? Thank you.

Answer: HELLO RAY, YOU CAN USE CARA TO HELP LOCATE ANY OF OUR SPEAKERS TODAY. AS FAR AS SPEAKER CORRECTION FOR THE ROOM I DO NOT BELIEVE, EXCEPT BELOW 150HZ THAT IT HAS ANY THING TO OFFER AND COULD DO A LOT OF DAMAGE. I BELIEVE THAT A TIME AND PHASE CORRECT SPEAKER SHOULD BE USED IN A WAY THAT REPRESENTS THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT'S) THAT WERE RECORDED. IMAGINE THAT CARA MEASURES YOUR ROOM TO HAVE A SUCK OUT AT 500HZ. IF WE MOVED A 9 FOOT GRAND PIANO INTO YOUR ROOM WOULD WE ASK THE PIANO PLAYER TO HIT THE KEYS AROUND 500HZ HARDER BECAUSE OF IT? THIS IS OVER SIMPLIFIED BUT IS WHAT ROOM CORRECTION DOES. BECAUSE OUR EAR/BRAIN DOES FOCUS ON THE DIRECT SOUND VERSES REFLECTED SOUND ABOVE 150HZ THAT WOULD BE A STRANGE PIANO SOUND. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE SPEAKER PRESERVE THE WAVEFORM THAT MAKES EVERY INSTRUMENT AND VOICE WHAT IT IS. SOME PROGRAMS CORRECT BOTH PHASE AND TIME FOR SPEAKERS THAT ARE NOT CORRECT BUT THIS INVOLVES A LOT OF DIGITAL WORK WITH IT'S OWN COMPROMISES. IT'S MUCH EASIER IN MY OPINION TO MAKE THE SPEAKER CORRECTLY IN THE FIRST PLACE AND TREAT THE ROOM WITH DIFFUSION AND AS LITTLE ABSORPTION AS NEEDED. SOME WOULD SAY YOU CAN DO ANYTHING WHILE DIGITAL WITHOUT SONIC COMPROMISE. HA! TELL THAT TO THE AUDIOPHILE WHO IS TRYING TO FIND THE BEST CABLE BETWEEN HIS TRANSPORT AND DAC AND THEY ALL SOUND DIFFERENT! THIS IS LITERALLY ONLY MOVING BITS NOT PROCESSING THEM.

Tim (6/30/06): Hi Richard, this is Tim. I got to meet and talk to you a few years ago at the Stereo Shoppe in Selinsgrove, PA. I hope that you can get back to visit Dale there sometime in the near future. As for my question, it is regarding the VCC-5. I have seen a picture of the back of the VCC-5, and it looks like it is not bi-wire able. Knowing that this is the recommended center channel speaker for the 3A Sigs and the 5A, I was surprised to see that you cannot bi-wire the VCC-5. I'm just curious as to why this is, given the importance of a center channel speaker to a great home theater setup, and the fact that the 3A Sigs and 5A speakers are bi-wire able. Did you find that there is no benefit to making center channel speakers bi-wire able? Thank you!

Answer: HELLO TIM, THE ONLY TIME BI-WIRING IS A BENEFIT IS WHEN THE SPEAKER GOES VERY LOW AND THEREFORE HAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MASS IN THE DRIVER'S). THIS MASS CREATES A LOT OF BACK EMF WHICH CAUSES SIGNIFICANT CURRENT MODULATION. CHECK THE FAQ ON BI-WIRING AND HOW IT WORKS. YOU WILL FIND THAT SPEAKERS WITH SMALL DRIVERS WILL HAVE LITTLE OR NO BENEFIT SO THE MONEY IS BETTER SPENT ON A BETTER TWEETER FOR INSTANCE.

Philip (6/30/06):  I am looking to buy a used pair of 2ce signature ,the person selling them says they are seven years old did you make the signatures seven years ago? what would be the difference from today's model? other than dust. thank you in advance

Answer: HELLO PHILIP, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY FAQ'S ANSWERED ON USED SPEAKERS, HOW TO BUY THEM, AND WHAT THE DIFFERENCES ARE. PLEASE PERUSE THIS FAQ SECTION FOR YOUR ANSWERS.

Kent (6/30/06):  Hi Richard, thank you for your previous response regarding the First Watt F1 (current amp). Nelson Pass wrote this..."If the input to the sub is differential, then you can use both terminals at the output, but since we don't know whether they will reject DC, then we should place a capacitor in series with each so that the sub amplifier doesn't see DC regardless. I don't know the input impedance, but I would guess that10 uF would be enough, and as a precaution, I would turn the F1 on before the subwoofer amp. "Please let me know if you agree with the capacitor, or if you think I should let Nelson know the input impedance, etc. Best Regards, Kent

Answer: HELLO KENT, INPUT IMPEDANCE IS 200K. IF THE F1 IS A CURRENT AMP HOW MUCH POWER WILL THE AMP PUT INTO THE 200K RESISTOR. THAT RESISTOR IS A 1/8TH WATT.

Dan (7/02/06): Hello Richard, my name's Dan and I'm a long time Vandersteen fan (of the speakers, sorry but we've never met, though my dealer says you're a wonderful guy...). I started with the 2ce and now own a pair of 3A, there have been numerous amplifiers, cables, etc, the usual audiophile nervosa thing... I have noticed that the 3A is quite sensitive to amplification and cables and the best setup I've had was with passive bi-amping – two channels driven full range each to a different bi-wire post. This was the best sound I've achieved with the 3a by far, even though it was with solid state (and a few years ago). Thanks to a child in the Boston University theatre program (costs a dream system every year) I find myself in possession (yes, legally) of a Yamaha DME32 digital processing engine capable of n-way crossover and user defined filtering. My thinking is (and I know this must have occurred to you) replace all those pesky inductors and capacitors with an 'equivalent' digital filter and quad-amp my beautiful 3As. So, I was wondering if there is any public information available about the crossover curves, driver characteristics, phase vs. frequency, your intentions in the crossover design, etc.? I know I can go in there and measure things, build a spice simulation (well, ask someone to help me), etc., etc. But it seems so much simpler to ask the master. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks,

Answer: HELLO DAN, WHAT YOU ARE ASKING IS POSSIBLE TO DO AND WE HAVE EXPERIMENTED WITH D.S.P. PROCESSING FOR THE SPEAKER. ALL OF OUR SPEAKER X-OVER'S ARE DIALED IN FOR EACH SPEAKER. EACH DRIVER HAS SOME IMPERFECTIONS NO MATER HOW CAREFULLY WE MATCH THEM. THE MATCHED DRIVERS ARE INSTALLED INTO THE CABINET THEN THE SPEAKER GOES INTO THE ANECHOIC CHAMBER TO BE DIALED IN. WE LOOK AT THE ACOUSTIC OUTPUT OF ALL THE DRIVERS AND MANIPULATE THE NETWORKS ON THE X-OVER SO THAT THE INTERACTION OF THE DRIVER AND THE X-OVER ARE WHAT WE WANT. EVEN IF THERE WERE NO PRICE TO BE PAID FOR ALL THIS MANIPULATION IN THE DIGITAL DOMAIN (WHICH THERE IS BIG TIME) UNLESS DONE ON A ONE BY ONE BASIS THE RESULT WOULD BE INFERIOR. AIR CORE INDUCTORS AND HIGH QUALITY FILM CAPACITORS INTERACTING WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DRIVERS WILL ALWAYS BE MORE TRANSPARENT THAN ALL THAT ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY ESPECIALLY DIGITAL. I SUGGEST YOU CONTINUE TO DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND SHOULD YOU BUY A TURNTABLE YOUR HIGH REZ SOURCE WILL NOT BE CORRUPTED BY THE DIGITAL PROCESSING.

Stefano (7/02/06):  Hello, First of all, excuse for my bad English. I'm considering to buy a 2ce Signature, but I'm not sure about the compatibility with my power amplifier, a Conrad Johnson MV55. The room measure 4,5x5,5mt.The sound of CJ and his 45+45w are right for the 2ce? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO STEFANO, IT IS ENOUGH POWER FOR SOME PEOPLE. I SUGGEST YOU BRING THE AMPS TO THE DEALER WITH SOME OF YOUR MUSIC AND SEE IF IT IS ENOUGH FOR YOU.

Michael (7/02/06): I am looking to buy an integrated amplifier for my 2ce sig that I bought last December. Currently I am driving them with an av denon (avr 2106).I know that I haven't heard anything from my speakers with this amp but I am already very enthusiastic with their sound. Can you please give some advice on some brands of amplifiers that will make my speakers "sing"? What about valve amplifiers? Can they drive them? My budget is up to 2000$.

Answer: HELLO MICHAEL, I SUGGEST YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR VANDERSTEEN DEALER AND ASK WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE FOR $2000. MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO THE RECOMMENDATION AND SEE IF YOU AGREE.  FOR TUBES AT THAT PRICE THEY PROBABLY WILL HAVE TO BE USED.

John (7/03/06):  I own and love the 2CE's - I just upgraded my amp to a rotel 130WPC amp, and am very happy with the result, but still come across those who have me second guessing my choice since they have much more power in their systems and claim I need more reserve for the momentary orchestral peaks and operatic peaks and highs in the music I like. My listening room is 16ft x 24 ft. Any advice? Thanks

Answer: HELLO JOHN, BECAUSE THIS IS MY FORUM I THINK IT'S TIME I ASK A QUESTION. WHY ARE SO MANY OF THE QUESTIONS ON THIS SITE FROM PEOPLE WHO QUESTION THEIR OWN OBSERVATIONS? DUDE! IF IT SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU, IT IS GOOD! WHO GIVES A RATS ASS HOW MUCH POWER YOUR FRIENDS HAVE, MAYBE THEY SUFFER FROM NAPOLEON COMPLEX. 130 WATTS IS A LOT OF POWER ESPECIALLY IF YOU FACTOR IN THE TYPICAL 3DB HEADROOM MOST AMPLIFIERS HAVE(260 WATTS) AGAIN IF IT WORKS IT WORKS.

Ron (7/04/06): I have Nagra VPA mono-block amplifiers - rated 50 w/ch. Are they likely to be able to achieve the full performance potential of the 5As? My room is open space with the main listening area 16 feet x 20 feet x 10 feet. Thank you.

Answer: HELLO RON, I WOULD AUDITION THIS COMBINATION AND MAKE SURE THE LISTENING LEVELS ARE ENOUGH FOR YOU. THESE CUTE TRIODE AMPLIFIERS ARE GREAT SOUNDING BUT WILL ONLY PLAY SO LOUD. IN MY OPINION THESE WILL ACHIEVE FULL PERFORMANCE POTENTIAL WITHIN THEIR POWER. THEY ARE VERY GOOD SOUNDING. YOUR PROBLEM IS THAT IF YOU LIKE THE SOUND OF THESE AMPS AND THEY ARE NOT LOUD ENOUGH IT IS GOING TO COST A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THE SAME SOUND AT A HIGHER POWER LEVEL.

Jeff (7/05/06):  I'm considering the purchase of either 3A Sigs or Quatros. Forgive me if you've answered these questions elsewhere, but if so, I didn't see it. On the Quatros, are there any sonic and/or component differences between the sock and wood versions? One dealer said that the wood version incorporated a few enhancements to the components, e.g., to the tweeters. I've only been able to audition the sock version and wonder if, apart from esthetics, there might be other differences for me to consider. On the 3A Sigs, my question relates to room size. My room is 13 by 13 (carpeted), and although I realize that sound quality relates to much more than just size, do you have any rule of thumb on the minimum size space for this speaker? The only other stuff in this room for now is an upholstered chair opposite the speakers, and a component rack to the right of the right speaker. So, with the chair against the rear wall, and the Sigs about 2 feet from the opposite wall, my ears are roughly 8-9 ft. away. I like the "bigger" sound of the 3A vs the 2ce, but wonder if my room might be better suited to a smaller sound. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO JEFF, CHECK OUT Q&A (BILL 5/2/06) FOR THE LOW DOWN ON THE QUATRO. YOUR ROOM IS SQUARE AND WILL BE A PROBLEM IN THE BASS FOR THE MODEL THREE'S. I SUGGEST THE QUATRO BECAUSE OF THEIR ROOM BASS COMPENSATION.  THE PERFORMANCE OF EITHER QUATRO WILL BE HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE 3A SIG'S ANYWAY.

Joseph (7/06/06): Will the powered subwoofer on the Model 5/5A work fine with 100v/50hz instead of normal US of 120v/60hz or do I need to get a step down transformer? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO JOSEPH, THE MODEL 5 WILL BE A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED AT THE FACTORY. THE 5A WILL WORK FINE. BY THE WAY IT WOULD BE A STEP-UP TRANSFORMER FROM 100 TO 120.

Mike (7/04/06): You're comments about turntables being a higher resolution source than CD triggered my curiosity. Is this because of the limitations (flaws) in the CD format such as pressing quality, error correction, samples rates, etc. or is it a fundamental problem with digital? Since many records come from digital records is it the CD format that is the problem not digital? I like the convenience of digital but wish for a higher resolution format than CD. I am hoping that the highest resolution recording technology exists using digital in the recording studio?

Answer: HELLO MIKE, COULD BE ALL OF THE ABOVE. ALL I KNOW IS THAT A RECORD MADE FROM A DIGITAL MASTER SOUNDS BETTER THAN A CD. NO QUESTION A RECORD MADE FROM ANALOG MASTER IS BETTER. AT THIS TIME THE FORMAT MUSIC IS AVAILABLE ON THAT HAS THE MOST INFORMATION IS VINYL! WITH LOW FI SYSTEMS THIS IS NO BIGGIE, MPEG WOULD WORK BUT HIGH REZ SYSTEMS CAN ONLY BE FULLY APPRECIATED ON VINYL.

Reynold (7/06/06): I recently bought a brand new 2ce signature with SN 57208 here in Jakarta, Indonesia. My components: ARC VT130se,CJ Premier 17ls,Ah Tjoeb cdp, VandenHul the First interconnects and Cardas speaker cables. I have great respect for the 2ce after listening to friends' audio systems with 2ces,thus I sold my Merlin VSMs. My concern: after listening (break-in stage am aware is 150hrs) for 3 days the lack of highs is so severe. I did manage my expectations (not to expect Merlin kind of highs) but it is really very dull, and I doubt if it will greatly improve even with break-in. Need your help, could it be a factory defect?

Answer: HELLO REYNOLD,  I KNOW YOUR AMPLIFIER IT IS VERY GOOD. YOUR PREAMP IS KNOWN TO BE VERY GOOD BUT POLITE. YOUR INTERCONNECT AND SPEAKER WIRES ARE VERY DARK USUALLY USED WITH SPEAKERS THAT MEASURE HOT IN THE HIGH FREQ (CHECK MEASUREMENTS IN STEREOPHILE AND NOTICE HOW MANY SPEAKERS ARE LOUDER IN THE HIGHS THAN THE MIDS). IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR BOTH SPEAKERS TO HAVE A PROBLEM OUT OF THE BOX. I SUSPECT TO MANY DARK COMPONENTS IN THE SYSTEM. IT LOOKS LIKE A SYSTEM DESIGNED TO TAME A VERY, VERY BRIGHT SPEAKER. I WOULD TRY SOME DIFFERENT WIRES MAYBE EVEN LESS ROOM TREATMENT IF YOU HAVE ANY.

?????? (7/08/06): Hi Richard, If side wall reflections are NOT an issue in the listening room, would you recommend Vandersteen speakers placed facing straight ahead or do you prefer toe-in? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO ???????, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MANUAL ON TOE- IN. EVERY ROOM IS DIFFERENT SO EXPERIMENT WITH TOE-IN (IT'S EASY AND FREE). IF THE SIDE WALLS ARE 4 FEET AWAY OR MORE THE TOE-IN WILL PROBABLY BE LESS OR STRAIGHT.

Matt (7/08/06): Richard, I've had the pleasure of listening to the 3A Sig at Ayre's sound room - fantastic sound, and at a fair price (but still a bit beyond my current budget). In this forum, I've read that the 2ce Sig is frequently updated, including a "significant" update in Feb 2005. Could you please give a short description of the changes, including the sonic benefits? Thanks,

Answer: HELLO MATT, ALL THE CHANGES ARE A MOOT POINT AND DID NOT CAUSE THE 2CE SIG'S TO RIVAL THE 3A SIG'S. TRY TO FIND A GOOD USED PAIR OF 3A SIG'S WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE.

Brien (7/08/06): Sir, I just purchased a pair of Vandersteen Model 4 speakers. Now I need a owners manual and information on the power requirements of these speakers, especially the low end woofers. Thank you, Brien.

Answer: HELLO BRIEN, THERE IS NO MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR THE MODEL 4. THIS SPEAKER MUST BE BI-AMPLIFIED WITH THE WX-4 ELECTRONIC X-OVER. A GOOD 100 WATT HIGH CURRENT AMPLIFIER IS ALL THAT NEEDED. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS CALL THE FACTORY 559-582-0324.

Michael (7/09/06): I am looking into a home theater system for a small room. The room will have a two channel set-up and a separate 5 channel set up. So you can imagine that space is a big problem. So I was thinking of a multi channel system consisting of 2-pairs of VM-1 signatures and the Vcc-5 signature center. I was wondering if the VSM-1 signatures would do well as front channels. My room is 12 ft x 15ft.

Answer: HELLO MICHAEL, THE VSM-1 WILL WORK VERY WELL FOR FRONT SPEAKERS IN A 5.1 SYSTEM. I WOULD ENTERTAIN A 2WQ FOR THE FRONT CHANNELS AND A V2W FOR L.F.E. SIGNATURE VSM-1 FOR THE REAR WOULD BE OVERKILL, THE MONEY SAVED COULD GO TOWARDS THE 2WQ. FOR THIS SYSTEM TO WORK YOU WOULD NEED A SEPARATE PROCESSOR AND AMPLIFIERS OR A A/V RECEIVER WITH PRE OUT/ MAIN IN FOR THE FRONT CHANNELS.

David (7/10/06): What is the proper method for bi-wire amplification of the 2CE speakers? Thank you.

Answer: HELLO DAVID, BI-WIRE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH AMPLIFICATION. LOOK AT THE DRAWING IN YOUR OWNERS MANUAL AND YOU WILL SEE IT INVOLVES TWO SETS OF WIRE FROM THE SAME OUTPUT TERMINALS ON THE AMPLIFIER. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS CALL TECH 559-582-0324.

Pradeep (7/11/06): Hi Richard, Is it possible for you to send me the Service Manual for the 2Wq Subwoofer. I am requesting this because my 2Wq Subwoofer needs to be repaired and it works out to be very expensive to send the 2wq to your factory from India where I reside now. Awaiting a favorable reply. Many Thanks !

Answer: HELLO PRADEEP, A SERVICE MANUAL FOR ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS IS NOT AVAILABLE. WE DO ALL REPAIRS HERE AT THE FACTORY. SOME OF THE PARTS IN THE 2WQ AMPLIFIER ARE IN LIMITED SUPPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. WE HAVE AMPLE SUPPLY FOR MANY MANY YEARS AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT WASTED. I RECOMMEND THAT YOU SEND THE AMPLIFIER MODULE COMPLETE TO US FOR REPAIR. WE SERVICE THEM AS A MODULE FOR $160.00 US OR FREE IF IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FREIGHT COSTS WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND THE REPAIRS USUALLY TAKE 1 OR 2 DAYS. DO NOT SEND IN ONLY THE CIRCUIT BOARD OR SERVICE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

(7/13/06): Yesterday I bought a pair of your speakers, actually I do not have mine yet, but the dealer loaned me a pair. I had gone a bit out of budget doing this and was a bit worried about the response when I got home, but I had to tell you: my wife said, "Do we have to sleep tonight? I need to listen to all of our music. I've never heard it before." Thank you

Answer: HELLO HAPPY CAMPER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT, ENJOY.

Jim (7/14/06): I'm planning a move to South America. Do you make a dual-voltage (or 220v only) version of the subwoofers or Quatros? Thanks

Answer: HELLO JIM, THE 2WQ WOULD NEED TO BE MODIFIED BY US FOR 220. THE QUATRO IS AVAILABLE IN 120V ONLY AND WOULD REQUIRE A 300VA STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER. FOR SOME REASON THE DISTRIBUTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA CLAIMS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE. MAYBE ONE MORE STAGE OF LINE ISOLATION IS THE REASON.

Tom (7/16/06): Richard, Recently was told by friends there are upgrades available to my Model 2C's (serials 28290c and 28291c). Is this true and what is the upgrade and cost. Thank you for your great speakers. They have traveled a lot since first purchased in California. Nevada, California again, Key West, Florida, Vienna, Virginia, and now on to South Carolina.

Answer: HELLO TOM, MODEL 1'S AND 2'S WERE NEVER UPGRADEABLE.  THERE WERE A FEW 2CE'S (LATE MODELS) THAT COULD BE UPGRADED, CHECK AN EARLIER POST FOR DETAILS.

Jim (7/16/06): Richard I bought a pair of Vandersteen model 2 off eBay. they work perfect, but I did not get the jumper so I can run one set of speaker wires or the manual. are these still available threw you or a dealer. I live in Omaha where there is no dealer at this time.

Answer: HELLO JIM, JUMPERS WERE NEVER AVAILABLE FROM US, WE BELIEVE IN BI-WIRING.

Robert (7/16/06): I've noticed that a pair of Vandersteen Quatro Woods are pictured on a Stereophile blog. They mention that they have 5A Signature tweeters. The products page here lists the Quatros as having 3A Signature tweeters. Have the tweeters been upgraded on the Woods? Which tweeter accompanies the "Woods"?  Is the Stereophile blog correct? Thanks ever so much for your time in advance. Also, it would be very helpful to know which finishes are available for the Woods and their corresponding prices. I only see quotes for 5A veneers and because there is so much more wood on the Quatro Woods I'm assuming that a price increase would accompany their implementation.

Answer: HELLO ROBERT, CHECK OUT Q&A BILL 5-2-06 ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FABRIC AND WOOD QUATRO. ALL THE WOOD OPTIONS AVAILABLE ON THE 5A'S ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE WOOD QUATRO'S FOR THE SAME PRICE, EXCEPT THEY WILL BE SATIN FINISH NOT HIGH GLOSS.

Stephen (7/17/06): Mr. Vandersteen, are there any particular budget cables (<$200.00 for 30ft pair). or what gauge would you recommend going between a Bryston 3bst and your 1C's. I've found a few, but am not sure of the synergy and don't want to waste a lot of money. Audioquest GBC (12awg, 6 conductor), DH Labs T14, ???? Any preferences?

Answer: HELLO STEPHEN, I HAVE NOT HEARD A CORRELATION BETWEEN SOUND AND WIRE GAUGE. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN A $1.00 A FOOT FOR WIRE UNLESS YOU AUDITION IT ON YOUR SPEAKERS. THERE IS A LOT SAID ABOUT WIRE IN THE FAQ SECTION.

Robert (7/17/06):  Richard First let me Thank You and Richard Hardesty for leading me to the awesome sound that I have found with your products, your article in Widescreen Review is what lead to my trying your product and I have been very pleased since. I’m at the point of upgrading the amplification for my 3A’s, my question concerns vertical bi-amping. I’ve enjoyed Richard Hardesty’s writings in The Audio Perfectionist concerning your speakers and in one of his configurations he had his 3A Signatures vertically bi-amped with a Theta Dreadnaught (One amplifier module driving the Hi input and one module driving the Low input). With the 3A’s and 2Wq combination would you recommend using a single amplifier with 200 watts with bi-wiring or two 100 watt amplifiers in a vertical bi-amp configuration? Also I liked your comments about analog; I started with an older Rega P3 now I have a heavily modified P25. Your speakers really show the differance between digital and analog. Thank You for your time.

Answer: HELLO ROBERT, FOR THE MOST I THINK BI-AMPING IS OVER RATED AND NOT THE BEST WAY TO GO. BI-WIRING WITH SHORT SPEAKER WIRES FROM A 200 WATT MONO AMPLIFIER NEXT TO THE SPEAKER WILL RUN CIRCLES AROUND THE OTHER OPTIONS. KEEP SPINNING THAT ANALOG.

Chicken (7/17/06): Since your Quatros Woods are: physically smaller than your 5A's (1/8th less surface area) and have about 1/3 more wood (the surface area reduces at the top of Quatros where the extra wood would be placed) that gives us a 20.5% increase(33% minus 12.5%) coupled with about a 10% increase for manufacture and  material- we get a 30.5% reasonable increase for upgrades in wood choice. All this gibberish means that it would be reasonable for you to charge 1/3 more for wood upgrades from your 5A veneer choices to those offered to a Quatro Wood purchase. Vandersteen speakers have always been known for their superlative sound but have always lacked in the beauty and practicality department. It makes good business sense to make beauty upgrades more affordable because they, in turn, make your products easier to live with visually. More visually appealing products also convey a greater level of taste. "WOW...not only do the sound phenomenal but just LOOK at them- they're beautiful...works of art!" instead of..."Yeah...they sound really good but, would you get a load of those sock things!" Fabric retains fragrance, can't be washed, and can be easily snagged or damaged. The more beautiful wood you send out there- the better you look...period. Think about it. And also, Richard...thanks so very much for giving the world really swell sounding stuff. I appreciate your efforts more than you might ever guess.

Answer: HELLO CHICKEN, OUR PRODUCTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PRICED ACCORDING TO WHAT THEY COST TO MANUFACTURE. MOST PEOPLE WHO HAVE BOUGHT VANDERSTEEN SEE THE BEAUTY IN VERY EFFICIENT DESIGN AND ARE LOOKING FOR THE HIGHEST PERFORMANCE AVAILABLE, NOT FURNITURE. I ASSURE YOU IF I HAD TO FEED MY FAMILY ON THE SALES OF OUR (BEAUTIFUL) SPEAKERS WE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A BREAD LINE LONG AGO. HAVING SAID THAT YOU CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS NOW, BUT IT COSTS MONEY. TO THIS DAY WE STILL SELL MORE SOCK VERSIONS BY FAR.

Dan (7/18/06): Dan from Inland Empire: Richard I can think of two ways to make your subwoofers work, firstly sample the signal with a computer and make any adjustments necessary or two and more likely preprofile the subwoofer for any dispersant signals ( gross vibrations & frequencies inabilities ) and program these out when ever they occur. Which of these methods have you employed? It is impossible to tell by your rather vague description.

Answer: HELLO DAN, WE USE FEED FORWARD WHICH IS AS YOU SAY A PRE-CORRECTION IN REAL TIME OF KNOWN PROBLEMS. OUR "VAGUE DESCRIPTION" IS NOT DESIGNED TO TEACH SOME ONE HOW TO MAKE ONE JUST INFORM THOSE WANTING TO BUY ONE. MOST PEOPLE ARE BORED BY THESE THINGS AND JUST LISTEN TO IT AND MAKE A DECISION.

Joseph (7/20/06):  Can you please let me know if the new 'analog switching' amps, like the Nuforce, will work with the Model 5's. I have gotten feedback directly from Nuforce and they state that they can not say whether there would be a problem or not. The technical aspect of this is way above my head, but I have done a 'cut and paste' of their response here..."We usually point the finger back to the active subwoofer manufacturer since we can't tell how the active subwoofer is wired internally. Martin Logan Summit is one such example where ML upgraded the speaker in 2006 to allow for active woofer with amps that have half rail DC offset on the speaker terminal. With so many amps using Icepower module internally (Icepower also has DC offset), I think a lot of active subwoofer manufacturers will have to accommodate this issue." I recently heard the Nuforce and was impressed, plus they won't cause me to take out a second loan on the house;) But I am worried if they would be compatible with the power subwoofer in the Model 5's. If you have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: HELLO JOSEPH, THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE. THE NEWER VERSIONS OF THE ICE POWER AND MANY OTHER MODULES NO LONGER HAVE THE DC ON THE OUTPUT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT THESE AMPLIFIERS ARE ANALOG IN YES, BUT ARE STILL SWITCHING AMPLIFIERS. WE SHOULD CALL THEM WHAT THEY ARE INSTEAD OF PLAYING SEMANTICS. THE MODEL 5'S ARE HIGH REZ SPEAKERS BE SURE YOU LISTEN BEFORE YOU BUY. ITS NOT A GOOD DEAL AT ANY PRICE IF IT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD.

Randall (7/20/06):  Have the M5 HP's changed in the past two years? I just bought a used pair and I was wondering if they are as up to date as a new pair. I am using the M5 with mono-block amps, a pair of 2Wqs and a pair of 3A sigs. The manufacturer says the input impedance of the amps is 100k ohms each. Am I correct I can safely test my system using the M5 set at 200k, 100k, 75k and 50k to determine what sounds best? Can I can also safely perform the digital voltmeter test with the 1000 hz and 80hz test CD you described in an earlier post? Thank you.

Answer: HELLO RANDALL, THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES BUT NEW ONES WERE NOT AN OPTION OR YOU WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THEM. THE DIFFERENCES ARE MOOT THEN SO I WONT BOTHER YOU WITH THE DETAILS. YOU CAN CONTACT THE FACTORY FOR A COPY OF THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 2WQ USE. YOU CAN USE THE TEST DESCRIBED ON A EARLIER POST.

Sam (7/21/06):  I am pretty well decided on Vandys for my next purchase, am moving from old tannoys.In a personal exchange with an old Vandersteen 2ce owner, he recommended trying, if I had the bucks - the new deqx pre with room correction, speaker correction etc. which I have researched. I am very pleased with the British sound, laid back with excellent mid range, which the Vandys offer along with proper bass, missing from such lines as Harbeth and Spendor. I have heard a pair and want to go for them.  He also told me the Vandersteens would be ideal to usewith deqx as the crossovers are easily accessible - i.e. the speaker posts are right-on the crossover. Could you assist me in this? My choice would be the 2 or 3 sig as my room is not too large, more of a study. 15 by 14 feet, which I suspect the 3/s would overload. Any feedback on this too would be greatly appreciated. I have yet to read the full length of the tech page so please accept apologies if this is a redundant question.

Answer: HELLO SAM, READ Q/A (DAN 7/02/06) IT WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTION. IF YOU WILL HAVE OVERLOAD IN THE BASS IN THAT SIZE ROOM PERUSE THIS FORUM ON HOW TO SOLVE THIS WITH A HIGH-PASS. THE 2'S OR 3'S WILL WORK ABOUT THE SAME, MIGHT AS WELL GO FOR HIGH REZ AND GET THE 3'S.

Louie (7/21/06): Hello Richard, My Quatros were delivered in Jun05. This was before the Quatro manual was available. After reading the Stereophile review, I realized that the manual was now available and had my dealer obtain a copy for me. Using the manual I wanted to check and adjust the listening height of my Quatros. The problem that I encountered is that my early Quatros did not come with washers or rear cones. My Quatros came with a set of short and a set of long rear spikes. Since the manual only discuses the height adjustment in terms of washers, I am unable to perform this critical setup. How can I go about purchasing the correct hardware?--Louie PS: I just have to say that these speakers are one of the best purchases that I have ever made. Thanks for designing such a wonderful product.

Answer:  HELLO LOUIE, THE LATER VERSIONS OF THE QUATRO'S DO NOT USE CONES ON THE REAR ONLY SPIKES. THE BEST WAY IS TO FIND THE SWEET SPOT IS BY EAR OR INTERPOLATE.  THE WASHERS ARE 1/16" THICK SO YOU CAN ADJUST THE JAM WASHER ACCORDINGLY. GLAD YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR QUATRO'S.

Mike (7/21/06):  After reading the comment by "Chicken" about wood finishes I have to disagree. I have owned many speakers in the last 30 years and not only prefer the sound of my 2CE signatures to anything I have previously owned but I also prefer the look. Wood finishes go in and out of style, require oiling, if marked are very difficult to repair, sunlight can also lift the finish, etc. The sock can be replaced if damaged, is easily vacuumed and is visually non intrusive. My wife says that speakers that look like furniture don't hide the fact that they are speakers and prefers the Vandersteen look (and sound) over anything I have shown her. I think the look of the Quattro sock version in black is even nicer than the 5A. Wish the Quattro or 5A were in my budget.

Sam (7/22/06):  Richard - first off not to bother you with redundant questions, I read through your entire FAQ  last night and I must applaud you for running this feedback forum. The only other manufacturer I know who comes close is Alan Shaw of Harbeth, he is right in there too. Thanks again! not only for your effort but patience too. I am moving from Tannoys (just sold), and Harbeths in another system and love the British sound, but having recently heard you products for the first time, both in nice audiophile setups [one a Heart Surgeon and the other, wouldn't you know - a plumber!!]. I am sold on them. Quite overwhelmed at listening to their phase correct sound, fine mid-range not to mention with the addition of bass - after your designing protocol of no proper music without the foundation of bass. Wow! I have been missing this for 25 years! Also a great thank you to the writer for Audio Critic who did the long article on your speaker line, written so well in fact, seems his conclusions are indisputable. What more can I say. You have a great ally there, as well as Shane Beuttner (sic) of TAS. My question is simple though. My room which is a study is almost 16 feet wide, and almost 14 feet deep. As the right side of the room has a writing table that comes into the room about 3 feet - my listening space is more or less square although the room is technically wider. I noted in reading the FAQ and site materials that the 3 Sigs are guaranteed upgradeable, the the 2Ce Sigs are not, if I read correctly. Do you think then the 3 signatures would be appropriate for my room? This would simplify the delivery of bass, and not possibly mandate 2ce Sigs with additional subwoofers. Do you think the 3's may overload the room? and if only slightly is it possible to roll off the bass so that it may not be so deep. With the upgradeability factor, I am tempted to go for the 3's as they are not vastly larger than the 2's and according to reviewers a much superior listening experience. As I have a 3B SST Bryston, I may add another and bi amp. I have heard your speakers with Bryston SST equipment, their noise floor is the blackest of any amplifier I have heard - on your speakers (2ce sigs, and 3Sigs) they are incredible - especially notable on solo string, piano and string quartet music. Thanks for you time and congrats on your hard work in this forum. Being an entrepreneur myself (bookseller) I know the importance and significance of customers dealing with the 'owner' or in your case the 'designer / manufacturer'. Much appreciated. Sam

Bob (7/23/06): I purchased a pair ov 2C's back in the early 1980's. They still sound good except at times they break in the lower end watching movies and sounds like the bass driver may be bad. Playing music I do not have that problem. I just purchased a new Pioneer Plasma, Denon receiver and Denon DVD. I was wondering if I should build my sound around the old 2C's or start from scratch for HT. Is it even feasible or possible to rebuild these with new drivers and or has the technology changed so much that I am wasting my time with these very old speakers. Thanks in advance.

Wilbur (7/24/06): I bought a cheapo digital voltmeter at Radio Shack to do the M5HP test you describe here. The meter only displays 10ths, not 1000ths of a volt. On one leg, 75k is the proper setting; on the other, 50k. Is it OK to run them that way? I determined the setting by playing a test tone at 1000hz and getting the meter to read 1.0. I then played an 80hz tone and got the meter to read .7.

Alp (8/7/06):  Hi, I recently purchased a pair of 2ce signatures for my home theater system. They are approximately 5 years old. There was no owners manual. Can I download one from the net? I noticed different connections for the amps and I was not sure which one to use. Also I am in the process of evaluating and purchasing a surround receiver. What do you recommend, I am seriously considering the Denon avr4806 ci. I am also considering the new Arcam and Rotel. Thanks for the response.

Joseph (8/8/06): Can you please let me know what the maximum watts consumption is for the powered subwoofer in the Model 5 speakers? I will need to use a step up transformer to get the voltage from 100v to 120v, but I was hoping that the 500 watt model would be enough, as the 1,000 watt models and up seem to have an audible hum. The 500 watt version is completely silent. Thanks.

Answer: HELLO JOSEPH, THE 5A SPEAKER HAS A SWITCH MODE POWER SUPPLY THAT IS FULLY REGULATED. THE AMPLIFIER WILL WORK FINE ON 100V.

Kevin (8/8/06): Hello Mr. Vandersteen, After living with subwoofer/satellite systems for the past 15 years I've finally decided to make the move to full range speakers but alas I have no room for them. I live in a Manhattan apartment that's only 11 feet wide. I would like to keep my listening position away from any boundaries for best bass response and depth) but that would severely limit my layout because I have two windows behind my front speakers. I would not be able to incorporate VSM's as front speakers because of the windows and being the classical musician performer as well as listener, I am very much enamored with 2Ce Sigs and two 2WQ subs to have the audio nirvana of two channel music. Plus it's in my budget. I thought if I went with the 1C's(which are plenty big for my Manhattan apartment) I might as well go with the 2Ce Sigs. My sensible side is laughing uncontrollably at my vision and every time I look around my room I say it can't be done. Another option is your VLR-1 which will obviously look more balanced with the room but after hearing the 2Ce Sigs it may become a compromise that would be difficult to accept. If you had a choice to setup smaller speakers where you're listening position was away from room boundaries or having full range speakers set up where you had to place your listening position against a room boundary long side wall directly behind you) what would you do?. I am becoming very stuck in making a decision. Can you help?

Answer: HELLO KEVIN, I WOULD USE THE FULL RANGE SPEAKERS WITH THE LISTENING POSITION AGAINST THE WALL. WHEN LISTENING PUT A PILLOW BEHIND YOUR HEAD OR ANY THING TO ABSORB OR DIFFUSE THE WALL BEHIND.

Havish (8/9/06):  My question is about the tone controls at the back of my 2Ce signatures. Does not setting them flat (say treble at -1 dB) still preserve the time and phase correct nature of the sound? Also, I have felt sometimes that other brands of speakers that have almost flat measured frequency response curves still seem to sound bright. Does this have something to do with them not being time and phase correct? Is it possible that the sound of the tweeter hitting the ear first makes them sound bright? Thanks!

Answer: HELLO HAVISH, CHECK OUT OTHER POSTS ON THIS SITE ABOUT THIS. MANY SPEAKERS ARE NOT FLAT THEY ARE PUSHED IN THE HIGHS. THE HIGH FREQ INFORMATION ARRIVING FIRST COULD EMPHASIZE THEM.

Terry (8/10/06): Richard: I presently have the 2Ce Sigs driven by the Rogue Stereo 90 power amp, along with a Rogue Perseus preamp. I have one Model V2W sub, and have been toying with adding a second V2W sub. My V2W is approximately 4 or 5 years old and is as I bought it (no modifications). My question is this: Do I need to worry whether the second V2W is of same or similar age? Thanks,

Answer: HELLO TERRY, THE V2W HAS NOT HAD ANY MAJOR CHANGES.

David (8/10/06): I have a new amp, so I want to try a few settings on my 2W. The WX-2 has four RCA plugs. The top two are white, and the bottom two are red. Do I connect the bottom (red) pair to my preamp? And the white pair to the amp? Thank you.

Answer: HELLO DAVID, THE WX-2 IS JUST A SERIES CAP, IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE.

Albert (8/13/06): My new Quatros are wonderful straight out of the box. My dealer is not close enough to visit and tune them. The manual describes the process of adjusting the room compensation, but some points aren't clear. First, is the first process done with ONLY the left speaker connected? And is the second process done with ONLY the right speaker connected? Is the "test disc" available to end users? If not, what are the frequencies of the 11 warble tones? Do they match the 11 frequencies controlled by the various bands as mentioned in the manual? With answers to those questions, I think I can do this myself. If I screw it up, I can always return the bands to neutral! Thanks.

Answer: HELLO ALBERT, THE WARBLE TONES ARE FROM A TEST DISC FROM STEREOPHILE. THE FREQUENCIES ARE NOT EXACTLY THE SAME SO YOU WILL HAVE TO INTERPOLATE AND ADJUST TWO TRIM POTS IN A FEW CASES. OUR TEST DISC IS NOT YET AVAILABLE YOUR DEALER WILL BE INFORMED WHEN IT IS.  THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE ONE CHANNEL AT A TIME WITH A RADIO SHACK ANALOG METER ONLY.

Chicar (8/13/06): Hi, I'm interesting to have a pair of Quatro Signature after I read a review on Stereophile its article mentions about have to buy a kit with a box including a high pass filter for Pre amp to amp n it cost US$795 for balanced. Is the kit mandatory to install n how to install between Pre n amp, any alternative in the market? Is Quatro is suit for my gear? My gear included power amp ARC VT 150SE,pre amp ARC Ref 2 MK2,all interconnect cables n speaker are XLO unlimited edition. Thx,

Answer: HELLO CHICAR, THERE IS A KIT THAT IS INCLUDED, BUT YOU WILL NEED A HIGH PASS BETWEEN THE PREAMP AND AMPLIFIER. $795.00 IS THE CORRECT PRICE FOR THE BALANCED VERSION. YOUR EQUIPMENT WILL WORK FINE.

Vassilis (8/13/06): Hello Richard, I plan to replace an old pair of infinity with 3Signatures. I use the 2-ch system for movies as well. I am concerned with some remarks made on failures of low frequency driver. Should I reconsider? My electronics are all FM Acoustics, except the amplifier which is Classed Omega. Thanks

Answer: HELLO VASSILIS, USING THE 2 CHANNEL FOR MOVIES IS FINE. IT IS WHEN USING DOLBY DIGITAL THAT CAN DAMAGE YOUR SPEAKERS BECAUSE OF THE L.F.E.. SOME MOVIES HAVE ENOUGH BASS AND COULD TRY TO PUT THE WOOFERS IN YOUR LAP, A SUB-WOOFER SHOULD BE USED IN 5.1 SYSTEMS.

Luis (8/21/06):  I recently bought 2 2wq subwoofers. I like to change my amplifier (aragon 8008) to a 5 channel amplifier Cary Audio Cinema 5. The crossover I have at the present time is a pair of 2kx2. The speakers are Magnepan 1.6.My question is : Do I have to change crossovers? or what are the parameters for cross over use. I looked in your web page and could not find any information. Specification Aragon Carey Audio Power 200 watts at 8 200 watts at 8 400 at 4 350 at 4Imput impedance 22kohms unbalance 44kohms unbalance am very satisfied buying the subwoofers and the main Magnepan but I might to go a different dealer for the amplifier.  Thanks very much

Mike (8/21/06):  I have a pair of Model 3As and am considering having them upgraded to Sigs. Two questions... 1) Will all drivers be replaced, or just the tweeters? 2) Will the crossovers be replaced? Thanks

Mick (8/21/06): Have placed an order for a pair of Quatros with Sound Reference in Brisbane. In preparing for their arrival I'm needing to make a few changes to my listening area in regard to power points specifically. Question 1: is there a power switch on the rear of the Quatros? Question 2: Should I leave the Quatros "powered up" continuously. Any other considerations I should account for? My system at present is a McCormack UDP1(Conrad Johnson Edition); Valve Preamp (Sound Reference Design) Valve Power Amps (6550x 4 per mono-block). Strictly 2 channel in this household. Enjoyed the Stereophile review but am wondering what a can of worms Michael Fremer has unleashed with his comments re Wilson MAXX speakers. I'm a long term fan of your speakers having moved from the 2CE signatures to my current 3A's. David Neilen at Sound Reference said I should not raise the issue of power cords with you. Cheers

Matt (8/26/06): Richard, I have model 2Ce speakers. One woofer has a tear in the surround and was repaired with silicone?? but plays ok. The other speaker has 2 red lights that glow softly on and off with the music. What does that mean? what would be the cost of refurbishing this model? Thanks

Bill (8/27/06): Hello -I have a pair of 2ce's and a VCC-1 center channel speaker in a home theater setting. I used to have the center channel speaker sitting on top of my subwoofer, but now I have two subs and they are behind the 2ce's, so I need something like a speaker stand for the VCC-1. Any recommendations? Thanks.

Andrew (8/28/06):  Richard, thanks for this forum which I find very helpful. I currently power my 3As with an Audio Research VT130 and LS2MkII and am thinking of upgrading to a pair of 3A Signatures or Quatros. Will the VT130 and LS2MkII be adequate for the Quatros? Also, I've gone through the forum and it seems the Quatros are only available for 120v/50Hz power supply. When will you make them for 220v/60Hz electricity supply?

Adrian (8/29/06): Hi Richard I have a couple of questions; Now that the Vandersteen Quatros have become such a success and have obtained great reviews all over the audiophile community are you going to continue future research and development on the Model 2CE Sigs and 3A Sigs or are these speakers pretty much complete? It seems that you have chosen the "active speaker technology" as the technology of choice. Wouldn't a next logical step be to place a class D full range amplifier in a speaker? I would buy that ASAP because that would make life simple (One interconnect and one power wire). I am an eleven year owner of your model 2CE Signatures, Great Speaker. Thank You

Fernando (8/31/06): I have a pair of older model 2C speakers with the beige socks. While these speakers have served me well, the socks are showing their age.  I would like to replace them with black socks. It has been stated that the replacement cost is $80 per speaker. However, shipping costs may more than double that figure. I live in the San Francisco Bay area, which is 2-1/2 hours from the Vandersteen Hanford factory. Can I drop off the speakers? Can I pick them up after the work is done? Are there any lower cost shipping options, such as shipping them to my local dealer? I am hoping that my speakers will be part of a larger shipment, and therefore cheaper to ship.

Mike (8/31/06): I have the Model 2 sn:C30062 & 63C. Over the years of service, I am pleased of their performance. Recently the active acoustic coupler (rear cone suspension) had separated from it's base and part of it had cracked around the outer rim. Is there any way that I may purchase or exchange for new couplers, without shipping the speaker to the USA?. I am a Electronic Technician and I have no problems servicing the Model 2 including removing and reinstalling the grill to it's original factory look.

Zvonko (9/06/06): Hi Richard. I currently have 2ce Sigs that I am driving with a 125 watt/channel solid state MOSFET amplifier. I am thinking of getting a couple of the 2WQ subs to fill in the bottom end and was wondering that since the subs have their own amplifier and the main amp will not be driving the low frequencies, can I switch to a lower power amplifier and still get the same volume out of the setup. What I am thinking is that I can switch to a tube amplifier of lower wattage and take advantage of the better mids and high frequency sound reproduction that they deliver. If you agree, what would you recommend as the minimum wattage tube amplifier for this and if there is a model and brand that you have had good experience with. Thanks

Ken (9/07/06): Hi Richard, Well, if this is the place for technical questions, I have a technical question...I bought all-new Vandersteens for a 7.1 system, and I am selling an older pair of Model 5s to a guy in the US. I am in Canada, and a shipper tells me that I have to send a declaration form/letter with the speakers, to confirm that, "the field strength of the magnets in the loudspeakers is less than 0.002 gauss at 2.1 meters" and therefore are not restricted as magnetized material under Packing Instruction #902 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations." I haven't heard of this before, but I thought it likely that you would know the answer to this question. Can you help me please? Thanks.

Mauricio (9/07/06): Do you have a dealer in Colombia? How can I get a pair of Vandersteen in this country?

Felix (9/08/06): Hi Richard. I'm looking to add an old 2w subwoofer to my actual stereo setup. My main speakers consist of Totem Model 1 signature which are small Canadian monitors going down to 50Hz. On your site, you recommend using speakers which reach a full octave below the crossover point of 85 Hz(40Hz). If I add a 2w, will it have difficulty integrating my monitors and will I be able to locate it in my listening room? I hope that the answers to both these questions is no...

Ken (9/09/06): I have just purchased a pair of Quatros from Audio Connection (NJ) after a second audition in which John and Carlos painstakingly and patiently inserted my equipment (CARY TUBES) to make sure the components were compatible. WOW! The Quatros were bought to either replace or be used in rotatation with Quad ESL 63s. Unlike virtually every other speaker I have auditioned the Quatros have most of the unique qualities of the Quads and more dynamics. I have used a pair of 2wqs or Celestion 6000s to augment the Quads" bass and have become accustomed to very deep bass. My question is: should I trade the 2wqs in or can they be integrated into the Quatros for even more bass? Or, will you be coming out with 2wqs that use the 11 band compensation in the future? Thanks,

Frank (9/15/06): I Just purchased a used pair of 2CE's vintage 1996 No's 74398, 74399. My question: I am currently using an Audible Illusions preamp, model M-3. These preamps do not invert phase. AI says to switch red with black at the speaker connection. Any conflicts here regarding phase in the 2CE? Thanks.

Stan (9/16/06):  Hi Mr.V - I have my 5A's for 9 months already. I play them every day for hours, yet I still hear them getting better and better. Is this still the breaking in process?

Robert (9/17/06): I'm considering the purchase of a pair of Vandersteen 2C3e Signature series loudspeakers. I've borrowed a pair from my local dealer and love them. The only concern is the base. It "leaves" a large foot print in an already cramped room. Is there any sonic purpose to the base or is it just for stability? Can I do without the base and get optimal performance from the speakers? Thanks

Chuck (9/18/06):  I am considering purchasing a pair of 2CE's,,,serial numbers 66126ce and 66127ce...can you tell me date of manufacture from the serial numbers??? Also I am using a pair of MIT Shotgun MH-750 speaker cables....the cables are very high end and detailed but not by-wire. I there another way to connect then without jumper strips to realize full sonic benefits of both speaker and cable? Thanks,

Kevin (9/19/06):  I recently purchased a new pair of 2Ce Signature loudspeakers after literally being put into shock after hearing a dealer's demo (Audio Nexus, NJ).  Being a classical musician (trombonist) I can now tell you first hand your loudspeaker design using time aligned phase accurate drivers presents the recorded signal so perfectly, that what I once thought was overly bright recordings with strident brass was actually very natural recordings that were being desecrated by a supposedly high end satellite/subwoofer system which I owned previously. This experience has made me wonder if ALL loudspeakers that don't adhere to these design concepts are seriously flawed in their performance. If that's true, why aren't more loudspeaker companies embracing what you have been advocating for the past 30 years, and why would anybody spend $50,000+ for speakers that don't adhere to these specs? Thanks for a great product.

Richard (9/20/06): Hi Richard: I just received a set of Quatros. I want to use them in my home theater. I had 2Ci's and (2) 2Wq's. I will sell those but I was wondering if I should keep one of the 2Wq's to use with my VCC5. The 2Wq manual that I have suggests not using subs with a center channel but that was before you had the VCC5 available. Do you still subscribe to the "no subwoofer with center channel" philosophy? What is the down-side? Also my center channel amp has an input impedance of 47Kohms. I have Vandersteen 33kohm and 50kohm HP filters. Which would you use? 

Jim (9/23/06):  We're taking our Quatros to Argentina, where I don't believe there is local support for your products. Could we buy a copy of the test disc, so we can use our own SPL meter to adjust the compensation for the new room? Thanks.

Yuchyu (9/24/06): I own a pair of Vandersteen 2Ce speaker since 1992. Recently, I found that a red light below the bass speaker is on and sometime I can hear strange unstable noise even without turning on CD player. What is the problem of my speaker? What is the red light for? Should I sent the whole speaker back to you for repair or I just need to pull out one of speaker or crossover for replacement. please let me know, Thanks

Tom (9/25/06): Hi - I have some older model 2 speakers, and I am moving them from a room that had a bi-wired Dennon to one with a 'regular' dennon dra 425Is my best stategy1) use the a and b speaker outs to bi wire2) do a jump from the upper to lower speaker inputs using banana plugs stacked3) use one speaker input with some specific setting 4) something else I haven't thought of.  Thanks!

Sarkis (9/27/06): Hi Richard, I've been researching and reading about the Quatro but have not been able to find much info about the high-pass filter and how it works as well as about the subwoofers (e.g. which way do they fire, etc.). Is there a source you can point me to? Thanks.

Stuart (9/28/06): Hello Richard, I own 3A sigs + 2Wq's + HP-5B's (looking to move to 5A's). I am also looking at the new Ayre MX-R mono blocks but they have 2 Megohms Impedance. I asked Charles Hansen of Ayre how they have married Vandersteens to these new amps at the trade shows. His answer was thus:<< Am I reading the MX-R impendence right at 1M Ohm? >>Yes, it is 1 Megohm per phase. For the Vandersteen crossovers running balanced mode, this means 2 Megohms total.<< The HP-5's don't go that high :-( >>Higher input impedances require a smaller capacitor. I think the smallest capacitor in the crossover box is a 0.01 uF. This is still too big to achieve the correct 100 Hz crossover frequency. The solution is to add a resistor in parallel with the amplifier input in order to reduce the input impedance. I'm pretty sure that there is an option for this with the HP-5B. Check with Vandersteen to find out for sure. If they don't have a good answer for you, have Richard give me a call and we'll figure out a solution. Is this an option with the HP-5B's? I know several other folks on the boards have had the same question. Thank you for any insight / advice.

John (10/08/06): Why the hell don't you put copies of your product manuals on the web site???

Greg (10/09/06):  Hello, Richard. My name is Greg, and I live on Long Island. Recently, I purchased a pair of used 3A Signature speakers from one of your dealers. Unfortunately, one of the pair was lost by FedEx en route to me. This began a 2 week hunt for the missing speaker. We'd just about given up and began the long process of making a claim. Imagine my surprise when I found that the speaker surfaced at your factory! I want to thank you and especially the fine gal who answered the phone, took the initiative to look about and find my speaker, and handle the necessaries to get it shipped back across the country to me. I am now enjoying the finest sound my home known. Great, great stuff you're turning out there! Thank you again, and please thank for me, again, the staff member who took such good care of me in a time of stress.

Craig (10/09/06):  Richard, I have a question you probably haven't heard before. I am interested in purchasing two 2wq subs but my problem is the are not physically large enough. I intend to use them as end tables. Can I modify or hide the cases inside a larger enclosure (no sides) that will look like your enclosures with black cloth around the outside, without destroying the sound and performance of the subs. Thanks in advance your help.

Tom (10/28/06): Hello Richard: I have a pair of Model 5's purchased in early 2002 (sn's 2202, 2203).They are wonderful speakers. The life expectancy of the 5's internal battery pack is stated as 7+ years however the written notation on page 16 of the manual states March 2006. Typo or just a prompt for an early check? Are there audible symptoms which would indicate declining effectiveness of the internal battery pack? Best regards,

Tom (10/29/06):  Hello Richard--I have a question about your subwoofers, 2WQ. My current set up is a pair of old Model 3's from the mid 1990's (can or should they beupgraded?) with Adcom electronics. I will probably bi-Amp the system with a old rack mount Adcom that I am re-furbishing. My question is about the 2WQ's. Many reviews I have read say that a pair of these guys is really necessary, or to forget it. Another question I have is about placement. If I get a pair, can I place the second 2WQ 20 feet away from the main speakers? I mean they aren't directional are they? This is a 10x25 room with the system on the long wall, going across the shortest length of the room. I would propose having the two 2WQ's on the two ends of the room.

Jason (10/31/06):  Hi Richard. I totally agree with your designs, and I love your "house sound". However, I also love that distinct and pleasant sound of speakers that use those Vifa XT19/25 ring radiators. Is there any possibility of incorporating the Vifa XT19/25 into you current designs?

Bill (10/31/06): Hi Richard, just a note to tell you how pleased I am with my new 5As. Eric Schmidt recommended these speakers and I could not be more pleased. The piano black finish is truly remarkable. I am driving these 5As with a Macintosh MC 2102 and the preamp is a Macintosh C 2200. Both components are vacuum tube design. The 5As seem to really blossom with these components. Family and friends marvel at the open sound, the realistic sound stage, and the absolute delightful overall presentation. I am a heavy listener and study straight ahead jazz. Given the hours of listening I have suffered ear fatigue many times. But no more. The Vandys just deliver a beautiful presentation without glare or harshness. Thanks very much for your craftsmanship and pride. If you are in the San Jose area please let me know. I would to demo these speakers and give you the chance to see how well they work with the Macintosh tube gear. Of course Miles Davis and John Coltrane would be involved not to mention a glass of vino ! All the best,

Luciano (10/31/06):  After reading how to use the 2Wq and the article from Audio Perfectionist Journal, I agree that this is the way to go but what if the main speaker is very small i.e. with a low frequency response of around 90 - 95 Hz ? in other words there is no way to change the 80 Hz of the crossover as per 2Wq specs and still getting optimum results ?

Lars (11/03/06):  Hi Richard. Do you have any suggestions for ceiling-mounts of the VSM-1 speakers ?(Running experiments with overhead surround sound as a further extension of the "EX" format. Essentially a 5.0 matrix decoding of the Left/Right surrounds). -Thanks.

Eddy (11/03/06): Eddy, from Brisbane AU Hallo Richard, could I use a pair of 2Wq with the 3A Signature and VCC-5 center. I listen to both music ( cd, SACD, DVD-A) and home theatre, or would I be better off with a pair of V2W. Regards

Mike (11/04/06): Hi Richard, If the battery runs flat in the 5A high pass filter can the loudspeaker be damaged? Regards

John (11/07/06):  The spade connectors at the end of my speaker cable are wider than the space allowed by the plastic dividers / "fins" / on each side of the screws that serves as the binding posts on the 3's. What would happen if I removed / cut off the dividers so that the spades could make a better connection / be fully seated around the screw ? Naturally I would be sure that the 2 spades didn't touch each other.

Allen (11/07/06):  Dear Sir,I am writing to enquire if an integrated amplifier can be used with the new Quatro model? Doe the Quatro external crossover units require separate amp and preamp for installation or will a very good integrated allow for installation? Many Thanks,

Rich (11/08/06): Hi Richard - first the up front compliment: fell in love with your speakers in the late 80's at a NYC Hi-Fi show, and have since then gone from 2Ci to 2Ce Sig and recently to Quatros they sound great. I listen to vinyl and my system will always be optimized for 2 channel. But just been relocated to Nashville, and building a new listening room so may attempt to integrate very modest secondary multi-channel capability in order to watch movies with my significant other or check out the multi-channel content on my SACD's/DVD-A's. I spoke to you briefly (will probably spring for Brian Berdan to come here to set-up the Quatros) and reviewed the FAQs but frankly I'm a complete multi-channel novice and not sure I even understand some of the answers -- what's an LFE? -- so now to the question: I'm thinking about getting an A/V receiver and using its pre-out to feed the front L/R through my primary 2-ch pre-amp's bypass to 2-ch amp/Quatros. Then using the A/V receiver amp to power a couple of your VSM's for the rear and a VCC center. As I want to keep this simple, and my preferences are more towards small group jazz and older classic/foreign movies -- limited large orchestral or car chase/explosion fare -- I'm inclined to skip a subwoofer (I gather I can set most processor/receivers to no sub?) as the Quatros should be fine in a 16' x 26' room. If anything, rather than a sub, I suspect I'm better putting $ towards the

Unknown (11/08/06): I have a pair of 2CE signatures running on a Dynaco ST 70. The manual suggests that I put all the low frequency through the left channel and the high frequencies through the right. If I set up the bi wiring to do this it doesn't seem like a natural idea because I wont get channel separation. Is there something I should know?

Kevin (11/10/06): When can we expect your VCC-2 loudspeaker to debut?

David (11/13/06): Two questions regarding Model 5's and the batteries. Sometimes batteries do not last as long as they are expected. What would be the audible signature if either of the battery packs were to give out prematurely? Also, these look like 9V's "strapped" together, as it were. Can you provide a brief tutorial to a person who can solder on battery replacement who is not wanting to send in the modules or take them to a dealer? Thanks.

Anthony  (11/13/06): I have a pair of 2ce's that I bought in either 1991 or 1992. I had to put them in storage for a short time, only to recover them with what appears to be a water spot on the the bottom grill cloth of each speaker. I would like to send them back to the factory to have them looked at, but can you also replace the grille cloth?

Bryan  (11/14/06): I am a long-time owner of a pair of your original 2C speakers with low 6,000 serial numbers. These were manufactured before you provided bi-amping. Besides the bi-amping what are the major differences between these and the current version of this speaker? What benefits would I derive besides further speaker life?

Amy (11/16/06):  Dear Richard, my name is Amy and I'd like to thank you for making your expert advise publicly available. Currently I’m running a pair of 1C’s with a 2wq sub placed in between. It’s all set up in a very small room (10x12) with acoustic treatment. I’d like to get more precise imaging, and was wondering if I’m better off upgrading to the 2ce sigs for the added benefit of a midrange driver, OR would I be better off adding a second 2wq so I could place the subs behind the main speakers instead of having just one in the center? Conversely, should I just give up since my room is so small?

Dave (11/17/06):   I have a pair of Model one speakers and would like to know what power amp and brands are compatible and would provide the richest sound. I presently have a Kenwood amp.

Dave (11/19/06):  I am upgrading my prepro/amp to Sunfire TGP-5 prepro and TGA-5200 amp. The amp has two sets of binding posts for the front channels. The following describes them:(1) a standard voltage-source (i.e., near zero impedance) output for all typical applications and:(2) a higher-impedance current-source output, which many prefer for electrostatic, planarmag net ic, or ribbon speakers. Or you can bi-wire your system with the voltage source driving the woofer(s) and the current source driving the upper part of the system. In many cases this provides by far the best possible in ter face between the amplifi er and the speaker system. I have 2CeSignatures, front left, front right, V2W sub, VCC and VSM speakers. Can I b-wire the 2Ce's as described in (2) above?

Bill (11/23/06): Hello from Canada, I have purchased a pair model 2s. I have not seen them and will not until I recieve them in 2 wks. Could you tell me what type of connectors are on the speaker. I want to have wiring ready when the speakers arrive but connot determine the type of connectors I need at the speaker end. Thank you,

Paul (11/24/06): I had my Moscode 600 amplifier upgraded a couple years ago. Recently I got out the radio shack db meter and it appears as though my crossover with my 2w sub is now somewhere around 160 hz. I think the input impedance of my amplifier is 100k ohms. What value capacitor should I be using for the crossover, its currently a multi-cap hard wired into the input. And, larger cap = lower crossover point (or higher?)

Kevin (11/25/06): I have a pair of 1c and a pair of 2ci the 1c's are 43 days old and the 2ci's are 17 years old both sound outstanding i won't have any other speakers in my house WELL DONE GREAT JOB! i need a lean angle graph for the 2ci's could you tell me where and how to get it once again love your speakers.

Brien (11/25/06): Richard, I have been using 2C's, a 2W and a VCC1 for years, with gratification. I am ready to try something a bit different. Can I re-wire my 2W so that it feeds from the ".1" signal of Dolby 5.1? Do you have a wiring diagram for the 2W's amplifier?

 Eddy (11/25/06): Hello Richard, the 2Wq are rated at 220 volt, we have 240 volt, is this ok, also can I leave the unit switched on, or do you recommend that I switch off when it is not in use. The speaker cables which are supplied with the 2Wq, would they need to be upgraded to a better quality, or can I keep using them?

George (11/27/06): George---- Hi, I have a pair of Lowther full range drivers mounted in transmission line, custom cabinets. Currently, after 2 months of notch filter adjustments, room positioning, etc. I have what I think- is a satisfying, musical system. I have excellent response down to 36hz- and about zero after that. So, in an effort to gain a little more reinforcement of true low bass etc. I tried my Axiom HT sub- to no avail. It sounded something like fog horn going off along with the music. I am intrigued by your superior application towards resolving issues these HT type subs present. But with no way to audition your 2wq's....What is your opinion of applying your subs with the full-rangers?? Thank you!!

Craig (11/27/06):  I just purchased a system including your 1C speakers & a 2wq subwoofer. I noticed the Q control on the back of the subwoofer feels loose when compared to the tweeter adjustment on the 1C's & the sensitivity adjustment on the subwoofer. All the mentioned controls have some resistance when adjusting. The Q does not. Is this normal? By the way your speakers have the best soundstage I have ever heard! I am currently running them with Quicksilver Minis And the midrange reminds me of my old Quads-Except your speakers convey dynamics!! Thanks for creating an affordable speaker that really performs!!

David (11/28/06):  I'm looking to buy a set of 2ce Signature speakers that a seller purchased new in September, 2005. Will I still be able to have the 5 year warranty in this case? Thanks

David (11/28/06):  Here is an additional question that occurred to me relative to my previous about your answer below to Dave (2/2/06):"I ASSURE YOU THAT IF IT IS ON THE MOVIE IT WILL BE REPRODUCED ALBEIT WITH PROPER Q. MOST PEOPLE INCLUDING ME WANT MORE THAN WHAT HAS BEEN RECORDED, HENCE THE V2W. THE PROPER WAY WOULD BE ACCURATE REPRODUCTION (2WQ'S) WITH A BASE CONTROL ON THE PROCESSOR SO ONE COULD DIAL ALL THE BOOM DESIRED. THIS IS CONSIDERED SAC-RELIGIOUS IN HIGH END SO WE HAVE IT BUILT INTO OUR SUB-WOOFERS, UNFORTUNATELY WITHOUT A DEFEAT SWITCH. GOING TO ONE INPUT AND HALF A X-OVER WOULD SAVE ABOUT $5 AND NOT ALLOW THE SCENARIO ABOVE." My understanding is that the ".1" in 5.1 is a DISCRETE Bass effects channel referred to as LFE. So, IF the pre-pro is set for no LFE because there is no V2W in the system ("only" Stereo 2Wq's), then there IS no LFE info and therefore, your statement that "I ASSURE YOU THAT IF IT IS ON THE MOVIE IT WILL BE REPRODUCED ALBEIT WITH PROPER Q" is confusing to me. How can it all be there with no LFE? Am I missing something here?

Answer: HELLO DAVID, WHEN YOU TELL THE PRE-PRO THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE A SUB AND THAT THE RIGHT AND LEFT SPEAKERS ARE LARGE (FULL RANGE) ALL OF THE LFE INFORMATION IS MIXED INTO THE RIGHT AND LEFT CHANNELS.

Ken (11/28/06):  HELLO KEN, SIX FEET WOULD BE THE MINIMUM BUT YOU WOULD HAVE TO INTERPOLATE THE GRAPH OR TUNE THE TILT BY EAR.

Dave (11/30/06):  Hi, Richard. As I continue to audition power amps for my 2ce Signatures, a dealer is recommending that I try out the Audio Refinemine Multi-5, which is a five-channel power amp. Now, he said I could use only two channels, but he also said I'd get the best results by using four channels and bi-amping. My 2ces are already bi-wired, and I know you don't recommend bi-amping. But is bi-amping from a single five-channel amp such as the Audio Refinements: 1.) Reasonable? 2.) Better or worse than bi-amping from two identical amps? 3.)Likely to result in better sound than simply using two of the channels? 4.) Probably a complete waste of time; I should just keep looking for a good two-channel amp? Thanks for your help.

Charles (11/30/06):  Richard, Along the lines of Ken's question above, what is the minimum listening distance for the 5as? Thanks so much.

PCall (12/03/06): Mr. Vandersteen: I have a 1984 pair of Vandersteen 2C serial #6911C/6909C. The speakers are in good condition. However, I’m having trouble selling them because people seem to know of the foam surrounds around the speaker cones. Am I unable to sell these old 2C’s? Should I consider finding a dumpster big enough to fit the Vandersteen’s in or what would you consider it’s monetary value. They work fine and I don’t see any broken cone surround.

Peter (12/03/06): Peter (12/3/06): I have had 2Ce Signatures for several years and I am considering upgrading to the Quatro. However, I live in Tucson, AZ, a long distance from any of your "premier" dealers. I would like to learn how to setup the Quatros myself (without dealer help). Can you provide me with instructions/information on how to do this? I have a reasonable knowledge of electronics (i.e., can deal with VOMs & other test equipment) and have built kit components in the past.

Romano (12/06/06):  Please give me the nearest dealer because I would like to buy 3A's. I am helpless, is there any chance to buy them in this part of Europe?

Max (12/07/06):  Hi Richard, I am currently using a REL Storm 5 Sub with a Valve (20wpc class a ) ans Electrostatic Hybrid speakers. I am pretty satisfied with this setup. I did find your school of thought regarding 2wq Sub Filters. I think that would work great in my system. Do you think this would be a worthwhile upgrade? Secondly, do you have any dealers in India? I stay in India and would like to purchase 1 for a start and then upgrade to 2?

David (12/07/06):  Help, listened to the Quatro's and was impressed. Would like to purchase a pair but after my daughters wedding and two sons in college at the same time, justifying $7k is not in the cards today. As an alternative, I liked the model 2Ce Signatures and thought perhaps coupled with either 1 or 2, 2Wq (s) would solve my sound tastes and budget. The dealer disagreed and recommended purchasing the 2 Ce Signatures and budget permitting, sell the model 2's and step up to the the model 4's. I have not heard the model 2's with the subs, so this might be a pipe dream trying to approximate the model 4 on a economy budget, but would appreciate your unbiased feedback.

Steve (12/08/06): I am interested in the 2Wq sub woofer, a pair of them, but my main speakers (2-way floor standers) use a second order crossover where the 2Wq is first order. Does it matter that the crossover slopes would not be the same?

Vlad (12/13/06): Hi. I have two 2W subwoofers w my main pair of speakers. I using active set up with active crossover set -3db at 300Hz 24 db/oct in each tower four 7" woofers with separate vented encloses. My room 12'4"W,33'L,9'4"H,and then it still continues to the open kitchen (so the space fairly big), when I use subs as per manual with 33K X-2 Xover it seams that I don't gain any additional bass response (subs six 8" compare to main speakers. eight 7"vented),and to mention that I tried different settings with WX-2 47K, 70K,ect. the 33K gives the best mid-bass (my amp Bryston 4 BST is 50K),it seams that when I playing without subs there more punchier response and it does go pretty low too. I try them running without X-2 ,I figure if I have low pass at 300Hz 24db it is almost the same as if 150hz 12 db or 75Hz at 6 db. and this actually worked way better now have weight an fullness I was looking for so its loaded room better than before, just one thing there sound now a little thick I guess appx. after 120Hz up...So my question is: How I can run this subs with out roll off low frequency of my main speakers (and this is full range speakers in my previous house they was sounding awesome, no subs needed, but the space was smaller). It would be nice to run main speakers full range and run subs at 80Hz 6 db or 12 db roll off. Should I buy separate power amp. (I have two Low pass outs in my active crossover) and run the new amp and subs separately from my Bryston? I think there should be an easier way to roll off subs with out affecting main speakers. .I almost at the point of selling the subwoofers and for the info : I played with positioning , moving them , phase reversing bla, bla, bla...Please Help. (I listen mainly acoustical music, classical, Jazz ect. )

John (12/18/06): Around August I purchased the 2CE signatures new and would like to know what options I have to upgrade them to the 2CE signature II?

Bill (12/23/06):  I just received my issue of Stereophile and enjoyed reading Art Dudley's rave review on the 2Ce Sig II. I have two questions. I am looking for 3A Sig performance but in a smaller package, how close are the new 2's? Could you explain why the anechoic measurements that John took are very flat yet the in room measurements are not as flat?

Answer: HELLO BILL, THE NEW 2Ce SIGNATURE II DOES HAVE THE TWEETER AND THE MID-RANGE OF THE 3A SIG'S. THIS AND DOZENS OF OTHER CHANGES INCLUDING STRUCTURAL PUSH THE PERFORMANCE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE 3'S. THE MODEL 3'S ARE LARGER AND HAVE MORE ADVANCED DRIVERS IN THE BASS SO THE MID BASS AND BASS ARE STILL SUPERIOR BUT THE GAP IS CLOSED AT THE HIGHER FREQUENCIES. I SUGGEST WHEN YOUR DEALER GET A PAIR AN AUDITION. I WILL SAY IT HAS TURNED AN OLD CLASSIC INTO ONE INCREDIBLE SPEAKER. AS FOR MEASUREMENTS, JOHN MEASURES ALL SPEAKERS THE SAME AND IT IS A SIMPLE PROCESS TO READ THE MANUAL AND GET THE TILT AND ALIGNMENT CORRECT FOR ANY INSTALLATION. THIS WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN BETTER MEASUREMENTS HOWEVER THEY ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO POINT OUT THE SPEAKERS TIME AND PHASE CHARACTERISTICS VERSES OTHER DESIGNS. I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT THE IN ROOM MEASUREMENTS WERE RELEVANT BECAUSE A LISTENER WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A RUBBER NECK TO GET A AVERAGE FROM THAT MANY POSITIONS WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC. ALL THE OTHER MEASUREMENTS JOHN MAKES I APPLAUD BECAUSE THEY WILL DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN DIFFERENT DESIGNS FOR THE READER. THE PROOF IS IN THE LISTENING.

Drew (12/27/06):  Hello Richard, I recently purchased a pair of Vandersteen 2CE Signatures from Audio Connection, my third pair of Vandersteen's, and am very happy with them. When I purchased them I was told that major revisions had been made including the addition of the midrange unit from the 3A Signatures. The serial numbers of these speakers are 57416 and 57417 and they have black end caps.  Are my speakers 2CE Signature II's? hank you,

Drew (12/27/06):  Richard: I have M5-HPB crossovers that I want to set for use with 2WQ subs and VSM-1 signatures for my back surround channels. The 2WQ manual suggests a different setting for the temporary crossovers (2nd value below specified input impedance instead of 1st value below) due to a high pass filter in the VSM-1.  If using the method you have previously described to set the crossovers with a voltmeter, assuming 1 volt at 1 Khz, what voltage should I be looking for at 80 Hz? Is it still .707 volts for the VSM-1 speakers, or is there a different target due to the high pass filter in the VSM-1? Thanks for taking the time to consider my question.

Paul (12/28/06): Richard, I have a pair of 2ce Serial #57xxxce. I need to replace the front woofer. The woofer has separated apart. Vibration and crackling when speaker used.  What would the process of getting the parts? It looks like I need to de-solder and replace with new woofer. Are there other recommended parts that I should replace? Is it my understanding that I cannot upgrade to SIG series? Thank You.

Answer: HELLO PAUL, CHECK OUT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Michael (12/28/06):  I own Vandersteen 5's, and Ayre electronics. Ayre sent me a cd Irrational But Efficacious. They told me to use tracks one and seven to tune my stereo.  It is basically a sweep of a full glide tone from 5hz to 20khz and track one is a shorter version. It made the system sound better. Why? Thanks

Bill (12/29/06):  It was a pleasure meeting you this past year at my local dealer in Raleigh NC. I appreciate the time you took to answer the questions that were asked. I took your advice and tried a "true" bi-wire setup with 2 separate cables per side and I do like the improvement. I am planning on doing some more room placement experimenting with my 3As. Currently I have them on one of the short walls of my room using the room odds method you describe in the manual. I plan on trying then on one of the long walls. If I like this better it brings up the issue of what to do with the speaker cables. If I plan to keep the long wall placement, the room will dictate I keep most of my electronics on one of the short walls. So here is the question... would you either run long speaker wires say 20 feet from the amp or would you run a long interconnect(~20 ft.) between the preamp and amp placing the amp between the speakers and stay with shorter speaker cables?? I currently Cardas 300B interconnects and Crosslink speaker cable. And am currently using Musical Fidelity SS electronics. The capacitance of the interconnects is 42.9 pf/ft and 55 pf/ft on the speaker cables. thanks in advance.

Jim (12/30/06):  Hi Richard, I just read Art Dudley's review of the 2Ce Sigs II and the serial numbers of those speakers were #58274 and #58275. Does that mean speakers with serial numbers higher than those are the Signature IIs? I just bought a pair and they are #58320 and #58321. Thanks.

Rayner (12/31/06): I am planning to add a couple of 2Wq's to my 3As. Can Vandersteen supply crossovers to work with balaced cables? Thanks,

Dennis (12/31/06):  I'm considering the 2WQ subwoofer. I understand and appreciate the virtues of using two subwoofers, but my budget only allows me to buy one. I'm concerned about localization of the subwoofer using only one, especially with such a shallow filter slope. Is this an issue? Can the crossover be set low enough for this not to be a concern? Also, I have my 2CE Signatures bi-amplified. I know you've said that there aren't many advantages to bi-amping, but I'm already doing it and I'd rather bi-amp than have two idle channels. With this setup, where do I connect the 2WQ? I don't recall the 2CEs having separate high frequency and low frequency connections. Thank you,

Steve (1/1/07):  I noticed the 2WQ sub woofers use a high-pass filter that rolls off at 80Hz. Does the 2WQ have ANY output above 80Hz? If so, how high does it extend? I am wondering how well the 2WQ will work with Merlin VSM-MX speakers. Thanks.

Ashok (1/2/07): Hi Richard, I have a pair of the V-5A's and am going to set up my own 5.1 channel home theater around these speakers. Would you kindly advise on whether it is better to use VSM speakers or the 2ce or 3a speakers for the back/side channels. Also, would I need a subwoofer, and if so, which subwoofer would be better value-wise considering the 5As already have a very good woofing system.  Thanks a lot for your time.

George (1/3/07):  Per instructions for my Model 5s, I replaced the 27 volt battery packs on the crossover boards yesterday. The written instructions are clear and for that I thank you. The procedure was so simple on the one speaker that I had my fourth-grade daughter do the second speaker ... all it is after all is cutting the straps holding the battery pack, cutting the double-stick tape, de-soldering two leads, cleaning the board of tape residue, soldering together three 9 volters and gluing them together with adhesive caulk, and re-strapping them in. Optionally, I cleaned some tarnish off the inner surfaces of the 8 silver screws.  These are very early serial numbers, so I do hope that for the sanity of other customers the later models have some form of click-in battery mount. It's a good thing these speakers are so good, for we must earn the right to own them over and over. No, a fourth-grader didn't really do the second speaker.  NOW ... for a question ... I was alarmed to see that on both crossover boards, there were three prominent caps near the speaker input terminals that had corrosion on their ends, where the can was not covered with plastic. They are labeled "Wonder Signature Infiniti Cap .68 microF 425V". I've not heard anything grossly wrong, but then I could be like the frog in a pot of water that's slowly heated up. Of course these are out of warranty. Have you encountered this problem, and is it a problem? If so, and let's assume that I can replace them, exactly what replacement caps should I buy? Thank you

Dave (1/2/07):  Hi, Richard. I am currently driving my 2ce Signatures with a McCormack DNA 0.5 amp and a Rotel 1062 integrated amp. I'm considering replacing the integrated with a passive preamp, namely the McCormack TLC-1. At some point, I think I'd like to add the 2wqs to my system. Is there any reason the 2wqs can't be paired (or shouldn't be paired) with a passive preamp? Is this, in general, a good combination? Thanks again for your help

Juan (1/3/07):  Hello Richard, I would like to know what material the 1c woofer loudspeaker model is made of in order to buy the appropriate adhesive to fix it. The problem is that the polycone has become apart from the outer membrane. Thank you in advance.

Jeff (1/4/07):  On 7/8/06, you answered a question from Matt concerning 2CE Sigs vs 3A Sigs. You responded that continual upgrades to the 2CE Sigs "are a moot point and did not cause the 2CE Sigs to rival the 3A Sigs," and you suggested that he buy used 3A Sigs, not new 2CE Sigs. So, why have you now upgraded the 2CE Sigs with 3A Sig components? Would you now answer Matt's question differently, or are we all better off looking for good used versions of the more expensive speakers? By the way, I'm a very satisfied owner of 2 CE Sigs and, call me crazy, but when I auditioned 2CE Sigs vs 3A Sigs at my local dealer (without considering price, since I could afford either), I actually preferred the overall sound integration on the 2s (and my remarkably honest dealer agreed). For me, less is more.

Mike (1/6/07):  Hi Richard, you commented about silver oxide being a good conductor. I use o-lugs as speaker wire termination and these seem clean as are the inside of the screws on my 2CEsignatures. The visible part of the screws are often tarnished which I periodically clean, is this an issue or is this silver oxide? Thanks,

Answer: HELLO MIKE, THE SCREWS ON YOUR 2CE'S ARE SILVER PLATED AND DO NOT NEED TOO BE CLEANED. OXIDIZED SILVER IS SILVER OXIDE.

Romesh (1/8/07):  Hi Richard, I'm a dealer in New Zealand, and having problems getting a valve amplifier to stably drive a pair of 2ce. When we run one VTL ST85 bi-wired into the 2ce everything work fine. When we try to bi-amp with a second st85 we find that when a amplifier channel sees only the tweeter load it becomes unstable and we see wild variations in bias. The same problem applies with either vertical or horizontal bi-wiring .When we measure the tweeter load using a standard multi-meter we get an open circuit, and when we measure the bass we get varying impedances. Very strange. Are you able to shed any light on the situation? Can you suggest a fix so that we get allow our client to bi-amp?  We would greatly appreciate your help  Best regards,

Answer: HELLO ROMESH, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS BUT RARELY WITH TUBE AMPS. THE HIGH FREQ AMP IS SEEING THE X-OVER CAPS PROTECTING THE MIDRANGE AND TWEETER LIKE ANY SPEAKER. THIS BY ITS SELF WITHOUT THE RESISTIVE LOAD PRESENTED WITH THE WOOFER SECTION IN PARALLEL IS CAUSING THE AMP TO BE UNSTABLE. THESE AMPLIFIERS CAN NOT BE USED THIS WAY BUT SHOULD BE BRIDGED MONO AND BI-WIRED INSTEAD.

Joe (1/8/07):  I don't mean to sound rude but recently heard you Quatro speakers and thought they sounded great. I came to this website for more information and found my faith in the company shaken. The presentation here Is terrible and shouldn't be a representative of a high end speaker company. Also the dates of the notes at the bottom appear to have incorrect dates. The page appears to be sorted by date and the last few dates on the page should have 2007 for the year. If I hadn't heard your speakers and saw this website I would never consider them. This is not met to be posted, just a professional heads-up.

Answer: HELLO JOE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR "PROFESSIONAL HEADS UP", AND I AM FLATTERED YOU WERE AS IMPRESSED BY THE SOUND AS YOU WERE. I APOLOGIZE THERE IS NOT A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE QUATRO, IT IS OUR NEWEST PRODUCT AND WE ARE VERY BUSY. DEVELOPING NEW PRODUCTS AND PUTTING THEM INTO PRODUCTION COSTS A LOT OF MONEY AND I WOULD RATHER PUT IT INTO THE PRODUCT. I UNDERSTAND THAT IF TOO MANY POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS HAVE YOUR OPINION AND WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SELL THEM, SLICK LIT WILL BE A NECESSITY. KEEP POSTED WE WILL IMPROVE WITH TIME.

Otto (1/9/07):  Hi Richard, I recently came into owning a pair of 3A Signatures and a VCC-1 Signature. Very nice stuff, indeed. I see that some people have inquired about replacing the top and bottom wood caps. As you have referenced many times, there are instructions on how to remove the bottom cap in the "repair" section of this website. I have read that twice, and believe I can remove the bottom cap. My specific question is this --> How do I remove the top cap of the 3A Sig and VCC-1 Sig? I am intent on recreating these caps out of my own wood, and I don't want to destroy the originals, the sock, or any other part of my Vandersteen speakers. I have read on the Internet that you can just pry them off similar to the way your website has described to pry off the bottom caps. I have also "heard" that they are attached with a silicone-based glue, which also sounds similar to what you describe on your disassembly instructions. So, please let me know what's in there. Like I said, I'm intent on doing this. I also have quite a bit of woodworking experience and ability at taking things apart, so I'm sure I can do it. Just don't want to screw it up at step #1. Thanks for your time, your work, and your excellent products.

Answer: HELLO OTTO, EVERYTHING YOU HAVE READ IS CORRECT EXCEPT "THAT YOU CAN JUST PRY THEM OFF". THEY ARE GLUED WITH TWO DIFFERENT ADHESIVES AND SILICONE FOR SONIC REASONS. THIS IS NOT EASY AND WHY FOR LIABILITY REASONS THERE ARE NO INSTRUCTIONS. PLEASE PROCEED WITH CARE IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE THE SKILL TO DO IT.

Andy (1/9/07):  Hello, I've located a good deal on a Vandersteen VCC-1 Center Channel speaker. How would they match up with up with a non-Vandersteen speaker system ? I own a pair of Ohm Walsh 200 MK2's, with the new Ohm Walsh drivers. I appreciate any input you can give me, as I've come to learn that matching a Center Channel speaker isn't always an easy task. Thanks for your time...

Answer: HELLO ANDY, IT IS EASY IF YOU USE THE CENTER RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURE OF YOUR SPEAKERS. YOU ARE RIGHT, MIXING DIFFERENT BRANDS OF CENTERS AND MAINS CAN BE A MESS.

Ardian (1/10/07): I am wondering what type of SPL meter do you use to set up the Quatro's low frequency band equalizer? The standard Radio Shack meter which has been mentioned on some of the posting herein does not have a bandwidth down to 20 HZ (Per there specifications posted on RadioShack.com). Thus in short how are bands 1, 2 and 3 accurately measured? Thank You.

Answer: HELLO ARDIAN, AS THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES, USE THE RADIO SHACK ANALOG METER. THIS METER DOES ROLL OFF THE BOTTOM AT THE SAME RATE AS ROOM GAIN LIFTS IT.  TOGETHER EVERYTHING WORKS. TRY IT BEFORE JUDGING IT.

Bob (1/12/07):  Bi-Amping the 3A Signatures From: Bob HoshallI would assume Bi-Amping any speaker could be advantageous, if you had two MATCHING POWER AMPLIFIERS, but what if you don't??? In my case I have a Parasound HCA-1200II High Current Power Amplifier rated at 205 Watts RMS X 2. My second is a PS Audio Amplifier, the Delta 200 rated at 200 Watts RMS X 2. If I were to take a guess, I would think the PS Audio is a bit better amplifier, even if the Parasound has some bells and whistles the PS Audio doesn't, neither have balanced inputs. What is your view of Bi-Amping, especially with two very different power amps? Thanks.

Answer: HELLO BOB, I NO LONGER RECOMMEND BI-AMPING OF ANY KIND UNLESS BOTH ARE TUBE AMPS. MANY SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS ARE UNSTABLE DRIVING THE TOP OF ALL OUR SPEAKERS. THIS CAN RESULT IN AMPLIFIER PROBLEMS OR SPEAKER FAILURE. IF CONSIDERING THIS MAKE SURE YOU USE A O' SCOPE ACROSS THE OUTPUT OF THE AMPLIFIER AND LOOK FOR OSCILLATIONS ON TRANSIENTS. MANY REPORT IMPROVED TRANSPARENCY ONLY TO FIND LATER THAT THE AMPLIFIER HAS SHORT BURSTS OF OSCILLATION TRAILING ALL TRANSIENTS.  LISTEN TO BOTH OF YOUR AMPLIFIERS AND PICK THE BEST ONE, BI-WIRE TO YOUR 3A SIGS AND PLAY MUSIC.

Juan (1/13/07):  Hello Richard, just a question on power amplifiers the Rotel RB-1092 and RB-1091 use a switching power supply instead of the normal transformer it's also rated at 500 watt with a 20 KHz filter, are these amplifiers OK to use with the 3A Signature speakers VCC-5 center.

Answer: HELLO EDDY, I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THESE AMPLIFIERS.  IN GENERAL I HAVE NOT BEEN IMPRESSED WITH CLASS D AMPLIFIERS ESPECIALLY WITH A HIGH RESOLUTION SOURCE (VINYL). I WOULD ASK A VANDERSTEEN DEALER THAT HAS ROTEL FOR A DEMO COMPARING THE ROTEL TO OTHER RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIERS ON THE 3A SIG'S. THE 500 WATTS IS NO PROBLEM ASSUMING THE USER IS SOBER AND REASONABLY INTELLIGENT.

Ed (1/15/07):  I have a pair of 1B's. I am considering upgrading to a home theater sound system, and need to buy a center channel speaker. Since the 1B's have been out of production for some time, I wonder whether the VCC-1 was designed to work well with the 1B's for a 3 channel home theater setup? Would the VCC-1 be a good choice, and if not, do you have other suggestions? Thank you very much.

Answer: HELLO ED, THE VCC-1 WILL WORK WITH YOUR 1B'S VERY WELL. THE VSM-1 WALL SPEAKERS WOULD BE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR THE REAR CHANNELS.

Tom (1/16/07):  According to the manufacturer, the balanced inputs of my tube mono-blocks have an input impedance of 289K/leg! If accurate, is this out of the upper limit impedance range of the balanced crossovers (400K)? Since the single ended input impedance is 130K, i don't trust the balanced figure and run single ended. Thanks

Answer: HELLO TOM, YOU DID THE RIGHT THING IF YOU DO TRUST THE IMPEDANCE PROVIDED. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY THAT YOU HAVE THIS CORRECT. CHECK Q&A PAUL 11/24/06 ON THIS SITE ON HOW TO GET IT RIGHT.

Robert (1/16/07):  There is a chance I might be moving to Germany in the near future. My concerns are for my pair of 2Wq,s, I know that I can get a down converter for the voltage but will the difference between the 50/60hz harm the amplifier section in the subwoofer. I would hate to have to part with these as they make a world of difference with my 3A's.

Answer: HELLO ROBERT, IF YOU USE A STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER (500VA) IT WILL WORK GREAT.

Raymond (1/17/07): Hi Richard I'm in the process of replacing the batteries in the vaunted Model 5s and filters with lithium batteries. Could you please tell me the type of wiring that is used to solder the batteries together and on to the boards. I would like to use new wire, it's just easier. Thanks for making the best full range speakers in the universe period, they are truly the ultimate listening experience.

Answer: HELLO RAYMOND, IT IS SPECIAL WIRE SO I WOULD USE THE WIRE ON THE BATTERIES YOU REMOVE.

Answer: HELLO JOSEPH, THE 2WQ WOOFER REQUIRES THE X-2 BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE PRE-AMP AND AMPLIFIER. CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER OF YOUR INTEGRATED, AND ASK IF THIS IS POSSIBLE.

Mike (1/23/07): Dear Richard, I am interested in listening and possibly purchasing a pair of your 3a signature speakers (walnut wood and sound anchor stands) but was wondering what you suggest as to where this can be done as I live in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY area? I also wanted to know about some of the discussion with these speakers using "crossovers from the Vandersteen 5 speakers"? Any help and suggestions would be welcomed. Thank You.

Romano (1/25/07): Hello Mr. Vandersteen i am planning to buy Vandersteen's in the near future and I am a little bit confused. Now when You have upgraded 2Ce sig. to 2Ce sig II practically. You moved very close to 3 A sig.  For me it would be logical to improve 3A sig  in this situation in order to have some "obvious" difference between 2's and 3's. If You are planning something like that I think it would be very wise to wait for it. Please, excuse my English, best regards,

Tony (1/26/07):  You have listed that having 2 Sub will allow better performance." Summing the channels into a single subwoffer alters or cancels all the low frequency information containing phase differences between channels. Stereo Subs reproduce all of the bass information" Can you do this with the V2W's or just the 2Wq's.Not sure how the LFE Coaxial out will differ between left and right channel bass information.-Tony

Joseph (1/27/07): Hey this is Joseph again, Thank you for your reply, My integrated amplifier has only a fixed pre-out, The manufacturer doesn't know any thing about this, they are asking why an external X-over is there for a subwoofer, if its powered it must be built in, I guess they must not be aware of this subwoofer. As I have very little knowledge on electronics, I don't know how to explain it elaborately to them. I'm using Cadence VA-1HP valve amplifier. Nobody is giving me a good advice on this , Can you help me on this matter, I have already purchased 2ce, not yet unpacked, waiting for the sub to come, I always use to check the FAQ section for my knowledge on Vandersteen. Is X-2 available along with the subwoofer, or do I have to purchase it separately.

Arianto (1/28/07):  I have questions regarding the best partnering for model 5A. eg, what kind / brand name of amplifier, preamp, DA, cables ets. thank you much

James (1/28/07): Browsing through the Quatro manual on this web site (I heard them in with Ayre gear at HE2006 and loved the sound), I noticed that the warranty coverage was listed as one year with nothing indicating an extension if you registered/mailed in a card. I always thought your products carried a five year warranty. Apologies if I am missing something...

Carl (1/29/07):  Dear Sir, I have an upstairs 2600 cubic foot room that is pre-wired for home theater/entertainment and I am in the planning/purchasing phase to have it implemented as such. I am a recent retiree and have not been involved in the audio/stereo/video world for some 20 years, but my family/10 year old son have convinced