Recommend a SS amp for my new Vandersteen Quatro CT


I will be taking delivery of my new speakers in a few weeks and am curious about amp/preamp combinations that might work well.  My first auditions will be with the two power amps that I own.  I have an older ARC 100.2 that has been in storage for the past 4 years and a Bryston 4bsst2 that I am currently using with my SP Tech Mini monitors.  I have every reason to believe that either of my current amps will match up ok but wondering about better matches that would compliment the Quatro to a greater extent.
randyhat
I think gdnrbob gave you excellent advice in several of his posts.  I think you are wise to have sent the ARC 100.2 back for a checkup (definitely a benefit of owning ARC gear) and agree with his suggestion that you test it and the Bryson amp with your much envied Quattro CT speakers.  I have a certain bias in that I have the 100.2 amp paired with a Reference 3 preamp. I have been very happy with my choice of electronics, which I purchased on Audiogon about 3.5 years ago from a Soundstage reviewer. I am a fan of the ARC sound and service, but am perturbed by their evolutionary versus revolutionary approach to product release.  And it seems to be perpetuated by reviewers who hail them as a " significant" advance, and further our affliction with upgraditis. While your LS-15 may LOOK "a bit long in the tooth", it may yet yield the end result we all hope for ... great sound resulting in long listening sessions. 
As an aside, I bought my ARC gear after buying a new pair of Focal 1007 Be speakers with a screaming deal through Music Direct.  I am now entertaining changing them to Vandersteen Treo CT or Quattro CT speakers. If I go forward with this choice, and I am not satisfied with the SPLs and dynamics of the 100.2, then I would likely look to an Ayre amplifier, or the Rogue M-180 mono blocks, based in part on what I've learned through this excellent forum. I am VERY interested in learning your review of the Quattro's with your current amps. 
Happy listening!!!
Consider selling the ARC equipment on A'gon. Two suggestions: One: I'd get a Sanders Sound Systems Preamp and Magtech Power amp. One can't beat either one. The former has a wonderful Universal 450 Remote Control that comes pre-programmed for the preamp. You can then program it for the rest of your systems yourself. It has balance input and outputs and an adaptable phono stage. The Magtechs will drive anything. Oh, Roger Sanders warranties his equipment for life and he has a succession plan in place. I know he honors the warranties from personal experience. There are dealers where you can see the equipment before you buy. Second: If you like tube amps I'd try to find a dealer with the Bob Carver Corporation Raven/Crimson 350 Mono Blocks. They too will drive anything I've come across and have some interesting feedback options to tailor the sound. The Carver tubes are warranted for 10 years; ARC warranties theirs for 90 days. The Carver is aprox. 1/3 the price of a comparable ARC stereo amp. I'd combine the Carvers with the Sanders preamp. In either case you may have money left over, I reckon. Why pay more?

Yes, Johnny is most definitley going to set it up for me especially since the speakers will be in odd layout.  No choice, it was a compromise with the wife :).  This is a big step for me, she hated the way the 3s looked. We settled on Harbeth C7 speakers (tiger ebony...beautiful sounded great) initially but I think the Vandy sound is for me.  
Nycjlee, that sounds like a killer setup. I'd love to listen to it. Is Johnny setting it up for you?
Another poster mention Pass Labs.  I second that suggestion. I have been using an XA-30.5 for a couple years now with Quattro Woods (not CT).  It is a beautiful sounding combo.  I also use a Pass Labs preamp, XP-10.

enjoy!

I am using the PS Audio BHK preamp with Audioquest cabling to the BHK 250 amplifier and an Audio Research Reference 2 SE phono preamp preamp. The synergy is ethereal. 

Congrats!  I agree with stringreen, the Ayre + Vandersteen combo is magical.  I should be getting my Treo CT and my AX-5 Twenty next week.  I can't wait. :)
IMHO, you shouldn't trouble yourself wondering ' how much I may be missing compared to some of the new models'. You'll end up chasing a shadow.
I say get your Quatro's and break them in slowly and gently. There will always be something to upgrade to. 
That ARC 100.2 looks like a nice amp. I am sure if ARC goes over it, it will be a keeper.
I didn't know your ARC was wasn't stock. Steve from GNSC now works for Resolution Audio. Maybe contact him and find out exactly what was done to it. He'll give you an honest assessment as to how good the preamp is with the mods added to it. 
"get the best preamp you can afford"

Interesting suggestion.  I certainly agree that the preamp can impact the sound as much if not more than the power amp...and ideally each should compliment the other.  My LS-15 was modified a few years ago by Great Northern Sound Company.  Although no longer in business, they were highly regarded for their ARC modifications.  The modifications plus the replacement of stock tubes combined to improve the sound of the LS-15 to a fairly significant extent.  All this to say, I am pretty sure I have a better preamp than the original LS-15 but I still wonder how much I may be missing compared to some of the new models.

"I have an ARC LS-15.  Along with the 100.2 it is a little long in the tooth but still a good performer."

Keep your 100.2 for now and get the best preamp you can afford. Its the most important piece to get right, and will make a bigger difference than a new amp. Get it out of the way now and save yourself a headache down the road.

I did not mention Bryson because I have zero experience with them on Vandersteen's. I am NOT a detractor - I have a good friend with two pair of big B&W in well designed rooms running them - try it !!!!
Good call on service checkup of the 100.2 database says something like 1999 thru 2003 production so a refresh might be good.
again - excited for you !!!!

I will send the 100.2 to ARC for a checkup.  I figure whether I use the amp or end up selling it I would like to have ARC giving it a good bill of health.  As much as I like that amp I will be surprised if wins out against the 4bsst2.  I know there are many Bryston detractors here but I find the sst2 to have a more refined character than the older Bryston amps.  The SST2 was absolutely better for my fairly low efficiency stand mount monitors.  The extra power and bass control made those speakers come alive.  With the Quatro it may be a closer call because I will be filtering out most of the frequencies that are the strength of the Bryston.  So I am anticipating it will be more of a midrange shootout.  Thank you all for your suggestions.  I have heard Ayre and Aesthetix mentioned before.  The dealer where I am buying carries neither brand and auditioned them for me on ARC Reference Pre and Power amps. 
I have not heard the ARC, but know them to be well made. I don't think you will have any problems. Perhaps contacting ARC to see if they recommend updating. Again, I don't know how old the amp is, but I do know that capacitors don't last forever. (Though my poor old Adcom 555 is still functioning after 24+ years).YMMV
Bob
And, I am envious. I would love to have a pair of Quatro CT's.
IMO
you are putting the $ in the right place - I think you will be amazed how good the ARC gear sounds
i use a REF5se
who is setting up your Quatros?

Of course you are absolutely right about the preamp.  I have an ARC LS-15.  Along with the 100.2 it is a little long in the tooth but still a good performer.

Once I get my MP3, I will be driving Treo's with Atma-Sphere MA-1's.
I never had tubes before, so wish me luck.
I am currently using a McCormack DNA-1 with gold revisions. When Steve finishes with CES, I hope to have him modify another DNA-1 so I can get monoblocks. 
Then we will have a shoot out.

Many Vandy owners also swear by Ayre.
To be fair, any decent quality amp should be able to power the Vandy's. Your source and preamp would probably contribute more to sound differences.
I have heard 5a with Quicksiler and can attest they are quite good.
i believe the demo system at CES this year had Brinkmann powered Quatros - said to have been lovely !!!

Sounds like the new Belles Aria preamp and monoblock power amps are also a good match for the new Vandersteens.
You are in for a real treat :-)
IMO either amp you own excellent place to start - just make sure to properly adjust Low Pass filter DIP switches when changing amps. !!!!!
i have heard Quatro CT at many dealers across USA  with Ayre, Aesthetix, Rogue, ARC ( Ref 150, HD220 ) as well as VTL. frankly all were outstanding - I have also had a REF 75 at home running my 7 mk2 and can attest that it is one sweet amp !!!
i have an Ayre VX--R Twenty, you might give that a try - I think Richard and Charlie are pretty aligned on many design considerations and philosophy. 
importanly the Filters are RCA or balanced but not both so plan ahead there.
the Aesthetix amp has built in filter should you go that route.
where are you located ?


There are endless recommendations for ARC tube and Ayre SS amps with Audioquest cabling. I use ARC pre with Ayre and Nordost Frey2/Tyr 2 with my 3A Sigs. Great sound.
Congrats. on your Quatro CTs!!  You have many smiles in store.  One caution...be patient about break-in.  The CT tweeters take considerable time to fully form.  Your patience will be rewarded.

As far as amplifiers go, I am using an SMc Audio Revision A+ modified McCormack DNA-1 amp on my Treo CTs mated to two 2wq subwoofers.  I've spent enough time reading various threads here to realize that there are many fine amps out there that would sound great with your Quatro CTs.  One thing... with the built in powered subs. your amp will not need to be as robust as it will not be powering the lowest bass.

I love the sound I have now, but if you are open to a tube amp, Quicksilvers can produce heavenly music with Vandys.






Pass Labs .8 series with an Audio Research Ref 5SE/Ref 6.
Krell also makes very good SS amps.
Really envy your Quatros!