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Best amp for Vandersteen Quattro?

Hope someone can help - I have a Mark Levinson 380s pre with an old pair of Electrocompaniet AW180 monoblocks currently powering my Vandersteen 2 sigs. I have bought Quattros and I am expanding my system for HT use and would thus need amplification for three more channels - I plan to move the EC's to rear channels and need to buy an amp for the main speakers - what do I buy to power the quattros? As I understand it (with the built in subwoofers of the Quattros) I do not need ultimate bass grunt but need an amp with a sweet and open mid and treble - am I correct? My budget is $5000.
Thanks
cft
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I've heard them sound quite beautiful with Audio Research amps. I'd imagine any of the more open and clear tube amps like, Atmasphere, Manley and VTL etc., might work nicely. I usually prefer ss but in this case, tubes might be the ticket. If you prefer ss, the McCormacks usually work great with Vandy's. I'd imagine BEL and Threshold would work well too.
davemitchell
253 posts
 
The only caution about the McCormack amps is that the input impedance on some models is too low to be compatible with the required M5HP (high pass filters) used on the Quatros.

They are nice sounding amps though.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I have heard them with Ayre, AudioResearch and Classe amps all with outstanding results (my dad owns the wood Quatro)
mingles
796 posts
 
Give Richard a call and find out what he recommends. I'm sure he has something to say. More than likely he voiced them using a particular amp. (559) 582-0324
cmk
397 posts
 
Sanders ESL monos produced some of the most realistic "life" sized images with great treble purity.
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