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The SUB THREE Subwoofer System is the product of 

extensive research into the qualities required for realistic 
music and film sound reproduction. The SUB THREE's 
engineering, construction, and materials far exceed 
conventional industry standards and result in superior 
performance and reliability. 

The SUB THREE Subwoofer System consists of 

one or more SUB THREE subwoofers and the 
appropriate crossover. The SUB THREE uses three 
eight-inch drivers, each with a massive 1.5 inch, four-
layer voice coil and a forty-ounce magnet structure. The 
integral 300-watt amplifier does not current limit and has 
ample power for the most demanding situations. The 
amplifier's feed-forward error correction eliminates 
response and phase variations that would 

HOW THE SUB THREE WORKS  

Conventionally powered subwoofers receive 

their 

input signal directly from their crossover instead of 

the main amplifier. The sonic signature of the main 
amplifier that is 

an integral part of the sound you hear 

from the full-

range speakers is missing from the 

subwoofer. This sonic discontinuity causes blending 
problems as the system's sonic characteristics are 
different above and below the subwoofer crossover 
point. The SUB THREE Subwoofer System uses a 
unique connection method that reduces the main 
amplifier's current demands and leaves the main 
amplifier in the signal path to the subwoofer. This 
connection method insures 

 

CONTENTS 

compromise the subwoofer's performance. 

The SUB THREE Subwoofer System will interface 

with most electronics, main speakers, and 
environments. The EQ, crossover, and sensitivity 
settings allow the SUB THREE's optimization to the 
main amplifier's input specifications, the main speakers' 
efficiency, and the listening room requirements. The 
innovative Q control then allows you to tailor the bass 
response's character to best suit your tastes and the 
room characteristics. The SUB THREE's pleasing 
appearance will enable it to visually complement your 
main speakers and the decor of your home. 

The Vandersteen SUB THREE Subwoofer System 

is designed and built in the United States of America. 

 
 

 
the main amplifier's characteristics, evident through the 
full-range speakers, sonic continuity are maintained to the 
deepest bass, but with the power and control of the SUB 
THREE's internal 300-watt amplifier. 

Like conventional subwoofers, the high-pass portion 

of the SUB THREE's crossover is inserted into the signal 
path just before the main power amplifier to roll off the 
low-frequency response of the main amplifier and 
speakers. The 

difference is that the SUB THREE does 

not take its input from its 

crossover but from the main 

amplifier in parallel with the 

main speakers. To 

compensate for the low-frequency roll-off, the SUB 

 

 

How the SUB THREE Works  1  Crossover Optimization 

Packing List 

 3  Maintenance 

M5-HP Crossover Settings   3  Service 

 

  SUB THREE 

Placement & Connection 

 4  Repacking 

      POWERED  SUBWOOFER 

Audio/Video Considerations   4  Troubleshooting 

8       

OPERATION  MANUAL

 

Optimize Settings/Placement 5  Common Questions 

Optimizing EQ Settings 

 5  Warranty 

9

     

 

Thank  you for choosing the Vandersteen SUB  THREE Subwoofer System. 
With proper  care,  your new  subwoofer  will provide  many years  of trouble 
free, high quality performance. 
We recommend that you read this entire manual prior to connecting or using 
your  SUB  THREE  Subwoofer  System.    UNPACKING  CAUTION:  Leave  the 
upper  or  lower  tray  in  place  when  pouring  the  SUB  Three  out  of  the  box, 
even on carpet. 

Vandersteen Audio 

Summary of Contents for SUB THREE

Page 1: ...main amplifier s input specifications the main speakers efficiency and the listening room requirements The innovative Q control then allows you to tailor the bass response s character to best suit yo...

Page 2: ...characteristics and to best suit your sonic tastes The Q control is from 1 to10 Position 1 provides the tightest bass and best transient response while position 10 emulates a typical home theater sub...

Page 3: ...used may vary Single Ended M5 HP Crossovers RCA input and output with eight position switch Set the Single Ended M5 HP to match the input impedance of the main amplifier Balanced M5 HPB Crossovers XLR...

Page 4: ...B THREE s inputs is connected out of phase from the other input in a mono subwoofer system the inputs will cancel With stereo subwoofers connecting one subwoofer out of phase from the other will serio...

Page 5: ...Improving the electronicsorspeakerscan benefitfromadding two more subwoofers for surround channels 4 Subwoofers Left front right front left surround and right surround When the SUB THREE S are used wi...

Page 6: ...all three tracks Adjust the preamp volume up or down until these tracks average 70dB Example track nine 69dB track ten 72dB and track eleven 68dB This is your reference volume do not adjust until thi...

Page 7: ...he level and Q controls may be necessary When you determine the best crossover selection between the preamplifier and power amplifier setting for your system you are all done SERVICE In the unlikely e...

Page 8: ...e of the SUB THREE is compromised when it is connected to the main speakersratherthandirectlytothemainamplifier Can the M5 HP crossovers be plugged into either the Inputs of the main power amplifier o...

Page 9: ...HERE THE DEFECT WILL BE REPAIRED WITHOUT CHARGE FOR PARTS OR LABOR The speaker must be packed in the original packing and returned to VANDERSTEEN AUDIO via insured freight by the consumer at his orher...

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