Richard Vandersteen is the founder and designer of Vandersteen Audio established in 1977. He is known for his commitment to engineering that prioritizes the faithful reproduction of music, focusing on the integrity of the audio signal and its emotional impact. Richard emphasizes point-source radiation patterns for their ability to deliver correct amplitude, time, and phase in a residential listening space. The company prides itself on being a technology-driven entity, responsible for innovations such as reflection-free aerodynamic midrange drivers, minimal-baffle cabinets, and patented Perfect-Piston™ drivers, which utilize a unique carbon-fiber/balsa wood/carbon-fiber sandwich construction.
Richard Vandersteen talks about the history of his legendary speakers, the development of his unique engineering, and his current line of products.
Website:
https://www.vandersteen.com/
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:53 - Background
04:02 - Early Speaker Designs
08:46 - Do you design for a certain type of amplifier?
13:18 - Have solid state amps improved?
17:32 - DSP Processing for Phase Alignment
21:51 - Vandersteen Approach to R&D
23:49 - Designing for a Typical Room
27:04 - Why subwoofers in your designs?
29:32 - Does analog have more information? I’ve heard some great digital systems.
31:24 - Are you exploring new tech and materials for future designs?
33:37 - Ever consider electrostatic designs?
35:10 - What about planar speakers?
36:28 - Thoughts on concentric drivers?
38:02 - Horn speakers?
40:24 - Open Baffle Designs
43:08 - Thoughts on the future of the high-end audio industry?
47:00 - Vandersteen Amps and Audio Control Center
53:58 - Speaker Longevity Concerns
56:25 - Thoughts on Bi-wiring
1:00:42 - Why screw type terminals?
1:05:06 - Outside Interests
1:08:34 - Thoughts on field coil drivers?
1:12:47 - What is the Q of a loudspeaker?
1:15:50 - Baffles and Dampening
1:18:19 - Loudspeaker Feet
1:22:25 - Thoughts on ported enclosure designs
1:23:54 - What is quarter-wave transmission line loaded?
1:26:02 - Dome Midrange Drivers
1:30:09 - Phase and time alignment in Vandersteen designs
1:35:46 - Do speakers benefit from break-in?
1:37:49 - Can bracing and dampening be added to an existing speaker?