Price Paid:  $4000.00 from Deetes Sound Room, C

Summary:
Always striving for the best sound is our main priority, with affordability not far behind. Reading various reviews of available tube amps and doing comparison studies for our specific needs, we decided to purchase the Quicksilver V4’s without ever hearing them. We were and continue to be overwhelmed with the incredible improvement in our listening pleasure. The V4’s sound much more powerful and richer; with a smoothness and clarity that invites/encourages high listening levels. Bass was softer, richer, however, seemingly lower in level, but still an incredible delight. The V4's sound much more powerful than the more powerful solid-state amp they replaced. We decided to experiment with various tubes, understanding that each have their own unique qualities. We recently replaced the Chinese-made KT88’s with Russian-made Svetlana SVKT88’s (although we discovered later we could have requested the Russian tubes at time of purchase), we now understand what reviewers mean when using the word “involvement.” Listening to Eva Cassidy singing “Imagine” or a Miles Davis tune softly in the background, my wife commented, walking from the back of the house, that with the Quicksilver’s it sounds as if they are in our front room, performing a private concert. System: Denon DVM 4800 DVD-A Quicksilver Remote Line Preamp & V4's Vandersteen 2CE Signatures & 2Wq Subwoofers All Cabling Chris VenHaus DIY's

Strengths:
Huge, dynamic sound with clarity, richness and depth. Words are not adequate to describe the sound. A visitor looking at them commented "these are art". Mike Sanders has answered all E-mails promptly although an example of breifness.

Weaknesses:
It was difficult to identify a weakness, but we do experience a very MINOR "hum" coming from the units' themselves (not through the speakers). The "hum" is audible only between songs and does not interfere with music quality.

Similar Products Used:
This is our first (and last) tube amp purchase. Doubt that we will ever be compelled to replace them.

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Audio Connection/NJ

Summary:
Once I finally made the jump to tubes, there has really been no going back. This purchase is the culmination of my search for amps that do most everything right. I have worked my way up the Quicksilver line, and have been pleased with each step forward. As with any amp, musical preference plays a considerable role in selection. That said, I think these are fantastic jazz and classical music amps, which is 85% of what I listen to. The main strength here is the midrange! It is just soooooo right. I opted for the KT-90 version (vs 88s), but have also listened with EL-34s. Voices and timbres are superb (good wire helps)... bass with the V-4 is excellent, but won't shake the foundation, nor was it meant to. This is a music lover's amp all the way. Guitar, female voice, piano, acoustic bass are all presented honestly, and with plenty of power to transport you into the music. Jeff Buckley is a great example... his guitar just sounds sooo right "there," and with all the resonance and truth you'd expect. Marian McPartland and Bill Evans are in my living room, and the DaPonte String Quartet sounds ALMOST as good as when they play in south Bristol. These amps will hold their own with rock... Son Volt's "Drown" is powerful and grungy, just like they are in concert. Bias is simple to adjust, and everything I've had from QS has been rock solid, and has never needed any kind of repair. Top quality all the way. system includes: Vandersteen 3A signatures Audible Illusions 3A w/gold phono Heart 6000 tubed CD AudioLab Premier turntable w/Benz SCHEU TMC cables (incredible value:performance)

Strengths:
Timbre, presentation, MIDS

Weaknesses:
none that I notice... perhaps no dinasaur footfalls, but this ain't made for home theater!