Bi wire is a MUST. Don't even think about Vandy's if you aren't able to bi wire/amp. You won't be happy. I walked away from Vandy's years ago when I heard them. They weren't bi wired and I"m sure that made the difference. I disagree about warm amps. John at Audio Connection in NJ is as good as anyone I've met in the industry adn putting systems together and not just selling components that are rated highly. He runs the Vandy's with AR and Quickies that are neutral, but still on the warmer side. He also runs them on Aestetix tubed gear and WOW!!!! My Ayre is considered warm for SS and it's an AWESOME match. I think you need to make sure you are using higher end AQ cables with it as that will make a big difference. It's the cables that Richard himself uses. The speakers sound even better with any turntable, but the 7's blew me away with Ayre mono's, AR's best preamp with top AQ cables and Music Surroundings TT. Best sound I've ever heard, bar none and I've heard tons of 100k plus speakers.