Vandersteen Quatro CT *beginner* questions

I started a search for speakers months ago and then all hell broke loose; the search is on pause until I can start auditioning again. I had initially decided against the Vandys (cost, distance to Audio Connection) but I keep reading wonderful things about them. I have a few VERY basic questions for y'all.

--The reviews make them sound like very balanced speakers, good at everything, but I'm still curious if they're known for shining with certain kinds of music (like Harbeths are for the human voice). Although I like to crank tunes every so often, I'm particularly interested in a speaker for chamber and orchestral music. My standard is not the sax or voice or shredding guitar but the cello. I'm also interested in a speaker that can do its thing at low and moderate volumes. I read somewhere that the Quatros like to go big; can they "go small"? 

--I've read that they're relatively forgiving about placement. I know the bass can be "tuned" but I've also read that they're more agreeable about proximity to walls than many speakers. Is that true? (I've owned Maggies and suffer a bit from speaker-placement PTSD, especially around the distance from the back wall.) 

--I can see they require external crossovers. Are those included in the (gulp) $15+k price? 

Thank you all. Of course I hear great things about John Rutan and I know he's accessible, but I thought I'd run these preliminary questions by this forum. And ... thank you!