Interesting discussion. I am awaiting delivery of a pair of Quatro CT and am beginning to evaluate my amplifier needs. In fact I started a separate thread asking for advice on amp/preamp options with the Quatro CT. I wish my Vandersteen dealer also carried Ayre as I am intrigued by this combo. They primarily pair the Vandersteens with ARC amps. As much as I am pre-disposed to SS amps, I am curious about the ARC REF 75SE. I am thinking that 75 watts might be all I need...especially considering the high pass filtering will be relieving the amp of it's deeper bass duties.
How does high-pass filter requirement affect system decisions?
I've been thinking about my Ayre AX-7e that drives my Vandersteen Quattro CTs (the AX-7e had the required high-pass filter installed by Ayre). Other than the obvious, how does that filter affect system choices?
For example, I'd assume the current-delivery requirements are reduced, the need to damp back-EMF is reduced, and perhaps the speaker cable characteristics change (since they are not carrying as much low-frequency, high-current information). Are massively overbuilt amplifiers really necessarily to bring out the best from the Quatros?
For example, I'd assume the current-delivery requirements are reduced, the need to damp back-EMF is reduced, and perhaps the speaker cable characteristics change (since they are not carrying as much low-frequency, high-current information). Are massively overbuilt amplifiers really necessarily to bring out the best from the Quatros?