Long distance from amp to speakers

Any possibility of hiding the amps behind the Vandersteens?

If yes, you can leave the preamp where it is, use relatively inexpensive long interconnect cables and very short speaker wires. The interconnect cable is less intrusive, less visible and cheaper. The really good news, sound will be improved and you will hopefully have a system arrangement that's OK with your wife.

To hide the amps, they can not only go behind the speakers, but may also be camouflaged by placing plants or other decorative items to shield them from view.

If this is impossible I would go for Belden speaker cable from Blue Jeans Cable company. VERY inexpensive speaker wire. Later if the situation improves and you can afford shorter and higher quality cables you can afford to throw the Belden speaker wires in a drawer for a rainy day project.

If it matters to you, Richard Vandersteen is a big fan of this set up. He (like me) does not believe in super long speaker cables.

As long as it doesn't introduce noise, you shouldn't be able to tell the difference. Years ago I had a 40' run of AQ Crystal in a bi-wire configuration & had the cable cut down to smaller sections when I was able to reposition the gear. I didn't notice a difference.

Ayre works very well with Cardas & in fact they use internal wiring by Cardas.

Monster cables should be fine - you are using an SS amp - so it is not much of an issue. What is the damping factor on your amp?