2. amps-preamps
  3. 1161733169

Amps and Quatros

I have a pair of Vandersteen Quatro speakers. I attended the Iraqi Mountain Audio Fest this weekend and heard several amplifiers that I liked, but I am having a hard time deciding what to get. Your help is appreciated.

I am considering Quicksilver V4, Manly Labs Snapper,mono blocking a pair of Blue Circle BC22s; pay McCormack 500; Cary V12 and perhaps Jolida.

Please also recommend a preamp. I MUST HAVE an XLR connection from the preamp to the amp because of the high pass filters on the Quatro's.

My room is 12 x 24 and acoustically treated. I use the equipment for home theater as well as music. I listen at levels between 75 and 85 dB. My music choice is quite varied: from Johnny Cash to Jethro Tull.

I appreciate your feedback.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xcajunbaseball
philbrady
89 posts
 
Did you see the live performance of Akash Nezrahmni. His playing of the crowd favorite "Die Infidel Die" was mesmerizing. Phil Brady.
arthursmuck
451 posts
 
I heard the Quatro's with the Quicksilver at a dealer's a couple weeks ago, very nice combo.
theo's avatar
theo
2,680 posts
 
Thank you for the correction. As a native and resident of the ROCKY MTN region we have no semblance to Iraq. I was ta the show and thought that the Ayre Mono's sounded great with the Quattros. I have also heard them with the V1 Ayre and had no complaints. Didn't like them with bryston though, thought they sounded a little harsh. Great speaker though. As far as the Iraqi Mtn AF, I quess they are selling a special audiophile sand that adds more bass to speaker stands. Jeez I hope that doesn't start going up in price now.
cajunbaseball's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cajunbaseball OP
15 posts
 
I can't believe I sent the post that way and there's no way to recall it. camels as acoustic treatments... interesting.

Okay, here is an update. I bought a Calypso preamp today. I am thinking of going tube preamp with a solid state amplifier. Good idea?

And Phil, I heard Akash and also Ahhsheet Mimeestak. Excellent combo!
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Congrats on the Calypso, it is a fine preamp. Tube preamps with SS amps are a popular combination. I would check out the McCormack 500 that you've previously mentioned, as well as the Ayre V-1xe or MX-R mono's that Theo mentioned.
You may also want to give the Pass X-350.5 a listen.

If you would consider a single ended amp, you may enjoy the music through a Conrad Johnson Premier 350.

Happy hunting,
John
More to discover