Sonus Extrema: Amplifier and room size

As a former Extrema owner for almost 3 years, I will say you need a lot more than what EAR can pump out to drive the Extrema. I have tried several amps, my favorite back then was McCormack DNA-2. Pass X350, Rowland 8Ti HC, and numerous others just did not do it for me with Extrema even though I like Pass or McCormack on other speakers.

If budget is not a big issue, I highly recommend Goldmund with Extrema. I have heard Goldmund with Marten Coltrane recently and Goldmund really deserves the high price tag. In general, Swiss makes best pre/power while Germans make best sources.

In terms of room size, my room was 13x18 or so and I have them against the short wall, 3' from side wall and 5' from rear wall (measuring from the back of speakers). They threw a huge soundstage, wide and deep.

But unless you are dead set with Extrema, technology has improved and Extrema just does not stand the test of time in this fast moving world. There are lots of new tweeter technologies that surpass Dynaudio Esotar by a big margin. Also, Extrema does not work well with tubes and to me that is a big drawback.

Semi, maybe you're right that the Extrema are more of a nostalgic choice than anything else. On the other hand I have to say that despite technological changes, some of the best products are old -- I currently own a pair of Qaud ESL 57, and they are still amazing. If you like technology, I hear great things about the Emerald Physics. Also, I love the new B&W802D, and some of the Thiel models. Tough choice. I'll probably keep my Quad and set something with more presence at the lower levels...

I'll probably keep my Quad and set something with more presence at the lower levels...

Oooops -- I just now realised you have Quad 57s!

With all due respect, and good as the Extrema may be (enticing sound; acceptably balanced reproduction across 100-10kHz; realistic rendition of string instruments and most voices), they are really no match for the realistic & pure mid/upper-mid range of yr Quads. The Extrema can play somewhat louder without fear, & offer a modicum of dynamic impact you can't have with the Quads -- but that's it. (I had Extrema for years, years ago).

I strongly urge you to keep those spkrs & invest some fun in identifying something that's a "Quad" with lower end + highs + better tolerance to dynamic abuse! I would also join you in forgetting about technological advances -- your '58 Quads are technologically OK, very contemporary if you will. If you want "avant-garde" spkr components, try Ion tweets: that should get you firmly in the '60s if I'm not mistaken. The B&Ws, etc, are still rooted in the '30s :)! Regards

I saw Rowland mentioned up the thread. There's pretty good agreement that you'll need more power with those in your room. If you think of Rowland, then consider the Continuum 500 integrated. It's transparent, crystal clear, dynamic and absolutely stressless. I now prefer it to my tube, single-ended, Class A, headphone amp by Woo Audio.

Dave

With all due respect,the Extrema configuration I heard(with Townshend ribbon tweeters)was at the very least "close to today's better" competing designs.It is also built better than most,and looks like a beautiful piece of art.
I heard it with two different "tube" amps.The first did not have the juice to get them up and running very well,But the higher powered unit opened them up majestically.
Best to all.