Vandersteen Quatro CT *beginner* questions

Choosing the right speaker is such a personal thing that only you can decide what works best. .I've been a Vandersteen guy for a long, long time and I've never felt the need to stray to another speaker manufacturer. You won't find a more honest or knowledgeable audio expert then John at Audio Connection. I've been dealing with him for well over 25 years and he's as enthusiastic about audio today as he was back in the good old days.........if nothing else I can guaranty that you will leave his store with far more insight into the science and artistry of audio then you came in with......Good luck with your search!!

Bob F.

I am always amazed at the loyalty of  the Vandersteen crowd.
I first heard them in the '80's and never forgot how good they sounded.
I was happy to find after 35 years, that they were still in business, and still making the 2's.
That a speaker should remain in production for so long indicates a great design.
@bobfr ,
+1 on John Rutan. One of the best.
Bob

The high end dealer in my town that I deal with primarily is a big believer in Vandersteen. I spent an hour or two with my own music on a thumb drive auditioning different speakers and I could just never quite get there with the Quattros. They were in a relatively small room powered by really excellent electronics but to my ears just didn’t sound right. I play almost exclusively classical music. I ended up with Magnepan 20.7s. Prior to the maggies, I’ve owned Thiels (my second favorite after the Magnepans), big Soundlabs, Acoustats, Celestion and others. I have lusted after a pair of Harbeths -- interesting that you mention them -- primarily for a second system. One of the problems with Vandys for me is I’ve watched them climb in price higher and higher and having seen that progression from regular money to significant investment its hard to swallow their current pricing for me. But I have a feeling I’ve never heard the Quattros truly properly setup "right-sized" to a good room. At the end of the day I find the big Maggie 20.7’s the best reproducers of classical I’ve ever heard. I attend symphony concerts regularly year round so I know what music sounds like. You have to go to the 20.7’s to get decent bass however. The 20.7’s are less expensive than a pair of quattros.  The other thing I found about Magnepans with classical music is they they respond extremely well to tubes, specifically ARC.  There is a delicacy and presence that is truly remarkable with the right electronics and Magnepans.

@pwhinson ,
Like the ads say, YMMV.
Though I disagree with your opinion about Vandy's ' climb in price higher and higher', I do agree that Maggie's are pretty sweet sounding speakers.
If I had the space I would own them, too, but my Vandy Treo's work in my small space perfectly.
And, if you are using tube amps, a pair of Sound Lab speakers would be a better choice, in my opinion, as Maggie's present a more difficult load on an amp.
Like I said, YMMV.
And, if it sounds good, it is good.

Bob

Not all but many Vandersteen dealers also carry and love Maggie :-)