(disclaimer: I sell Quad equipment).
I have had good luck integrating both the Rel Storm and the Audio Physic Luna. The Luna does have one little problem in that it's crossover is at 32hz and 46hz. In my large (15x28 with vaults) room, I find that 36hz is ideal.
I probably listen to the 988's with and without a subwoofer an even amount. The sub is nice for far field listening because it gives truly deep bass and gives a weightier soundstage. Without the sub, the Quads have a more 'pure' sound due to their crossoverless single driver design. In a smaller room the 988's do give stronger bass. You can improve their bass by putting a diffusor panel (or thin bookcase with staggered books) behind them rather than pure dampening (or reflective surface). A diffusor is preferred because the Quad is designed to use both the forward firing wave, and the reflected backward firing wave.
It is true that putting a big amplifier on the Quads does improve the bass considerably. The bass you get has that fine detail, ultra speedy and 'cut of the same cloth' quality. I find that I most prefer a large tube amp (225w+) with them. This greatly improves the attack and 'shape' of bass notes.
I have had good luck integrating both the Rel Storm and the Audio Physic Luna. The Luna does have one little problem in that it's crossover is at 32hz and 46hz. In my large (15x28 with vaults) room, I find that 36hz is ideal.
I probably listen to the 988's with and without a subwoofer an even amount. The sub is nice for far field listening because it gives truly deep bass and gives a weightier soundstage. Without the sub, the Quads have a more 'pure' sound due to their crossoverless single driver design. In a smaller room the 988's do give stronger bass. You can improve their bass by putting a diffusor panel (or thin bookcase with staggered books) behind them rather than pure dampening (or reflective surface). A diffusor is preferred because the Quad is designed to use both the forward firing wave, and the reflected backward firing wave.
It is true that putting a big amplifier on the Quads does improve the bass considerably. The bass you get has that fine detail, ultra speedy and 'cut of the same cloth' quality. I find that I most prefer a large tube amp (225w+) with them. This greatly improves the attack and 'shape' of bass notes.