There are two primary reasons that most systems do not achieve a linear and seamless transition between the main speakers and the subwoofers.

Conventional powered subwoofers receive their input signal directly from their crossover before the main amplifier. The sonic signature of the main amplifier that is an important part of the sound you hear from the full-range speakers is missing from the subwoofer. This causes blending and integration problems as the sonic characteristics of the system are different above and below the subwoofer crossover point. This deterioration of system coherence is why conventional subwoofers have never been totally accepted as part of ultra high-performance audio systems.

The Vandersteen Model 2W Powered Subwoofer uses a unique connection method that leaves the main amplifier in the electronic chain to the subwoofer as well as the main speakers.

The second reason for a poor blend is that the main speakers do not have the bass extension necessary for a linear transition. Basic filter theory dictates that the main speakers must have predictable response at least an octave below the crossover point to insure proper blending with the subwoofers. For an 80Hz subwoofer crossover point, the main speakers must have predictable response to 40Hz or lower. This is why it is difficult to successfully mate subwoofers with mini-speakers - the limited-range small speakers simply cannot reach the required full octave below any reasonable subwoofer crossover point.

The Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofer and V2W Video Subwoofer both have unique tailoring capabilities that can significantly improve the transition to limited-range mini speakers. The 2Wq's adjustable Q and the V2W's adjustable phase can contribute to a better subwoofer to mini speaker blend than is possible with a conventional subwoofer. Factor in the superior detail and pitch control of the three quick 8-inch drivers, (compared to slow big woofers) and the Vandersteen subwoofers are clearly the best match with small speakers.