Electrostatics and tubes

The subject of Sub’s used with Quad ESL’s or a Tweeter to extend the upper frequency on 57’s is a widely discussed subject.

I have experienced Sub’s in use with a variety of Quad Models and a Super Tweeter in use with 57’s.

From a personal preference I find the additional Tweeter adds something that really appeals to me, ands would like to hear a Tweeter added as a Dipole Array to lift the higher frequencies.

I have detected on occasions that a added Bass is in use, from the experiences had, there does not seem to be the seamless integration into the produced end sound when the Bass is an added as a design being a typical Bass Driver set up. I am yet to experience a Dipole Array for Bass Drive Units being used.

Additionally, I have heard 57’s used with purpose produced Power Amplification that has been able to create the impression there is substantial Bass presentation , and the idea more lower frequency is required seems fleeting as an idea to be realised. I have even experienced others who have been demo'd such a set up, where some listeners have inquired which Sub Woofer is in use?

The Quad ESL (57) has been getting a bad rap for it's bass production for years. The speaker has quite good bass response down to 40 Hz. In most music, that would suffice. If you listen to rap/hip hop, electronic/dance, some of the newer movie soundtracks, and organ music, then the speaker will certainly not reach to those depths. The Quad ESL will even go below 40 Hz but at that point while the bass is still pleasing, it's more of the one not bass variety. I use a distributed bass array with two open baffle bass units next to the speakers and and additional two sealed boxes spread asymmetrically about the room. All bass drivers are 10", active crossover set to 100 Hz low and high pass with 24 dB slope. I use a Music Reference OTL-1 on the Quads and Bel Canto Ref 1000M monoblocks for the bass drivers. Works quite well.

I used several amps on Martin Logan Monolith IIIs in a 25X23X10.5 avg listening room with no power issues.  Audio Research Classic 60, Counterpoint 400, Bryston 4B.  However, my new wife had great issues with the terrible sound for rock, no bass, head in a vise dispersion for highs, lack of dynamic contrasts among others I forgot.  Dumped them for a pair of Legacy Focus and Signature IIIs (kept the latter).  We were happy for decades.