Hi Tim -- from my (past) experience. Virgos placed well into the room (around 30% of total length from back wall), around 25% of room width from side walls. You can listen nearfield (Mr Joachim likes that) if you wish.
Equipment: Virgos are deceptively small and sensitive. A powerful quality amp is not overkill -- I mean power as in amps/current/pushing capability: not necessarily a 1000W Accuphase, but good power reserves. This will bring out lower-mids beautifully and help create a large soundstage. Pre should be fast and detailed and "musical" to your ears. Don't skimp on the pre: the Virgo are quite precise transducers and not very forgiving of "muddiness".
Cables that are fast & detailed and far as possible contribute minimum (perceptible) sonic signature are best -- aren't they always... Your ears are the best judge here (I was using spm & bearlabs at the time -- but there are many choices, most available used)
SS or tube? IMO, the tube would be more expensive for the power/quality combination you require. On the SS side, fast and dynamic sound (as long as musicality and rythm are there) can keep you happy. I had Symphonic Line -- but, again, many choices out there. The Pathos hybrid also produced beautiful tunes with a tube hue to them. But then, a CAT pre with its pairing stereo amp was much better (and far more expensive!).
Great speakers, good luck!
Equipment: Virgos are deceptively small and sensitive. A powerful quality amp is not overkill -- I mean power as in amps/current/pushing capability: not necessarily a 1000W Accuphase, but good power reserves. This will bring out lower-mids beautifully and help create a large soundstage. Pre should be fast and detailed and "musical" to your ears. Don't skimp on the pre: the Virgo are quite precise transducers and not very forgiving of "muddiness".
Cables that are fast & detailed and far as possible contribute minimum (perceptible) sonic signature are best -- aren't they always... Your ears are the best judge here (I was using spm & bearlabs at the time -- but there are many choices, most available used)
SS or tube? IMO, the tube would be more expensive for the power/quality combination you require. On the SS side, fast and dynamic sound (as long as musicality and rythm are there) can keep you happy. I had Symphonic Line -- but, again, many choices out there. The Pathos hybrid also produced beautiful tunes with a tube hue to them. But then, a CAT pre with its pairing stereo amp was much better (and far more expensive!).
Great speakers, good luck!