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Will rebuilt Quad ESL 57s take the place on a great $30K dynamic speaker?

In the ‘90s I lived joyfully with Quad 57s for 10 years. Have always missed them.

Especially since Electrostatic Solutions rebuilds came to light, I have looked for a used pair. My system today is far better than what I had back then.

I was very curious to hear what they would sound like now.

I love my current speakers, but have experienced some fatigue in loud, full passages. And I realized that most of what I listened to was acoustic Jazz and Classical. But with a good amount of Pop singer/songwriter.

The Quads beautifully reproduce solo or otherwise “gentle” music. They are magical with voices. Eg.: Opera that I never got into much is now sublime. And voices in general.

But on something like Peter Gabriel, the fall apart. “So” which was a favorite recording is problematic at best.

I am leaning toward the Quads since they do “moderate” unlike almost any.

But I do miss the dynamics. Bass and treble.

 

 

 

mglik
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 

Perhaps your problem might be due to the equipment upstream?

Can you tell us what you are using?

FWIW, I lusted for the Quads for years, but never had the chance/money to buy them.

Bob

gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 

Okay, I saw your equipment on the Virtual system list.

One thing that I see is that the AGD amps are only 85 watts and I think the Quads would appreciate a bit more power, especially for loud playing.

Second, is the Class D architecture of the amp. I have heard from some designers that Class D can 'smear' the signal- which might be what you are hearing.

As you have an Atma preamp, why not call Ralph Karsten and discuss what is happening. He knows a lot, and can give you some guidance that we mortals here on Audiogon can't. And, he has built his own Class D amp and should know what might be going on.

B

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i can personally attest that the agd audion does not 'smear' the sound... 

whart's avatar
whart
3,047 posts
 

I have owned ’57s since 1973 and recently had them rebuilt by Kent at Electrostatic Solutions. I’m now using my old Quad II amps with really good glass, instead of more powerful ARC tube amps in the 60-75 watt range and think they sound better with the little Quad amps- rated at what, 15 watts? You don’t need a lot of power to drive them, but the impedance curve is daunting for some amps.

As to whether they are better than your dynamic speaker system, why be forced to make a choice? I run two systems- when I’m in the mood for the Quads, I use them- when I want bigger, louder, more bass, I fire up my horn-based system (which also uses relatively low powered amps).

The old Quad is one of those speakers that people regret selling and buy again for pretty much the reason you explained. If you are ever in Austin, you can have a listen here to both. (Not a dealer). :)

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