How does high-pass filter requirement affect system decisions?

Glad you asked this question, as I'd been pondering it myself.  Doesn't it make sense that going bi-amped with Vandersteen powered loudspeakers is an invitation to go with tubes for the upper range?  I say this as a curious Vandersteen 5A owner with a SS McIntosh stereo amp in the mix.  

I think it gives you a lot more flexibility for experimentation. 

I'm very happy with my AX-7e. Of course, I'm interested what an Ayre upgrade would do, but I think $12k of new music would bring more satisfaction than $12k of new hardware. 

I do feel like my break-in process took much longer than expected (assuming predominantly the components downstream of the high-pass filter). When I bought the Quatros, I also bought Pangea 9-gauge power cables for each speaker, 2 pair of Audioquest CV-8 speaker cables, Audioquest Colorado XLR cables for all my sources (along with Pangea power cables) and an Ayre L-5xe power conditioner. Oh, and the new crossover capacitors dropped into the AX-7e. These probably all play a factor. 

It's interesting how loudly you can play the system without any sense of strain. 

@nrenter You mention getting Pangea 9-gauge AC cables for your Vandersteen speakers.  Did these fit the low profile IEC plugs on the Vandy's?  A lot of AC cords don't . . .

thanks!

You now have a world of amazing amplifiers open to you !
i ran my 5A with SS Ayre, a 1961MAC 240 and REF 75 tube amp.
and I use an Ayre VX-R Twenty with my 7 mk2.

There are a fair number of Vandersteen dealers who are also Audio Research dealers, the pairing of Richard's speakers and ARC tube amps being a long-time favorite. I've heard that coupling at many shows, and at length at Brooks Berdan Ltd. and Optimal Enchantment in S. California.