It is not the power output but the amplifier's ability to handle low impedances that is so critical with Apogees (and many other fine loudspeakers).
I learned this lesson the hard way with, coincidentally, Apogee Stages. Way back in 1990 when the Stages were first introduced, I heard a pair at a local dealer and instantly fell in love with them. At that time I had a Carver amp, one that used some type of switching power supply gimmick to generate large power ratings (it was a TFM-45 I think). This same dealer also carried Carver and assured me that my amp would drive the Stages fine. I bought the Stages on the spot and hurried home to hook them up to my Carver system. Boy was he wrong. Less than five minutes after powering up the amp with the new Stages, wickedly bright blue-white arcs of light shot out of both tweeter ribbons simultaneously while playing at low volume. No more ribbons!
Turns out, the Carver amp, with its switching power supply, became unstable and dumped pure DC to the Stages. The dealer was promptly required to replace the Stages with new ones due to his bumm advice and the Carver amp was replaced by a Classe' Audio DR-25, which worked beautifully will all of my Apogees over the years.
Be careful about what amplifier(s) you use with the Stages. Amplifiers with good power sections can be either tube or SS, its just that tube amps that can handle low impedances are usually very expensive. My guess is the VTL will do a great job. I would make sure to consult with VTL about the low impedance thing before hooking them up...
Enjoy your Stages, you lucky dog!
I learned this lesson the hard way with, coincidentally, Apogee Stages. Way back in 1990 when the Stages were first introduced, I heard a pair at a local dealer and instantly fell in love with them. At that time I had a Carver amp, one that used some type of switching power supply gimmick to generate large power ratings (it was a TFM-45 I think). This same dealer also carried Carver and assured me that my amp would drive the Stages fine. I bought the Stages on the spot and hurried home to hook them up to my Carver system. Boy was he wrong. Less than five minutes after powering up the amp with the new Stages, wickedly bright blue-white arcs of light shot out of both tweeter ribbons simultaneously while playing at low volume. No more ribbons!
Turns out, the Carver amp, with its switching power supply, became unstable and dumped pure DC to the Stages. The dealer was promptly required to replace the Stages with new ones due to his bumm advice and the Carver amp was replaced by a Classe' Audio DR-25, which worked beautifully will all of my Apogees over the years.
Be careful about what amplifier(s) you use with the Stages. Amplifiers with good power sections can be either tube or SS, its just that tube amps that can handle low impedances are usually very expensive. My guess is the VTL will do a great job. I would make sure to consult with VTL about the low impedance thing before hooking them up...
Enjoy your Stages, you lucky dog!