Hey Guys,
I just auditioned the Quatros today. They used an Aesthetix (about 225 watts) amp, 2 Cary preamps-Cinema 11 and SLP-03, Cary tube/transistor CD player all tied together with some active Audioquest cables. I really thought the Quatros would sound superior to my 3A Sigs, especially in the bass, but that was not the case. First, my system consists of a CJ CT-5 preamp, Spectron Premiere 7 (650watts)amp, Denon 5910-heavily modified by Dave Schulte of the Upgrade Company, all tied together with Transparent Ultra MM2 cables. My speakers are spread out over 10' w/a large entertainment cabinet slightly behind, but between the 2 speakers. The demo Quatros were spread out about 6 feet. My system presents the music with a much larger and deeper soundstage. I get more slam to my body than I heard/felt with the Quatros ( maybe because the subs fire down and not directly at the listener except for the 6.5" woofer as opposed to my 8" woofer and maybe also do to my 650 watts). Also, unfortunately for the demo, the Cary preamps don't have anywhere near the gain of my CJ, so realistic Mahler volumes were not available. They sounded very similar in the mids on up. The bass "may" have been a little tighter-hard to tell, but the overall presentation, at least to me did not equal my current system. To hear the Quatros with my system may change my mind, but I don't think enough for me to make the "upgrade".
Anyway, sorry for the rant. On Friday, I listen to the PBN Montana EPS2. I'm expecting great things, but if not, I've saved some money! I'll keep you posted.
Luba.
