Solid State Amps for Quad ESL 57?

^^Thanks!

If you were planning to use an SET on the 57, you would likely use the 16 ohm tap. You would get a similar proportionate spread in total output power.

However, the total output power does not represent what you would actually hear in practice. This is because there is less energy in music at higher frequencies. So the amp does not need to make as much power at those frequencies. In practice it seems to work well- we have a lot of Quad customers.

Since the M-60 can make far more power than the 57 can handle, many of our customers run the  amp with less than the full complement of power tubes (which is easy to do with our amps). This would further limit the 4 ohm power but this does not seem to be a problem. Alternatively the 57s can be outfitted with a modern protection circuit which shuts down the amplifier power if it senses too much output voltage.

FWIW, Quads and OTLs have a long history together going back to the 1950s.

kalali
So, is this the right "type" of amplification for these Quads?

hmmmm.....

Sometimes...it is easier to turn the question around a little to get the right answer ? like.....

How do you know if it is "not" the right type of amplification for these Quads?

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1) Are the Canon shots on 1812 Overture so real, that you believe you are actually seeing sparks in your room; which you believe are related to gun powder.

Then it’s not the right amplification for these Quads.

2) When discussing the Speakers with the Amp manufacturer, and he/she can’t answer directly with facts, and says.

"Oh, don’t worry your speakers won’t hurt our AMP"

Then it’s not the right amplification for these Quads.

3) When you read about reviewers talking with Peter Walker and they ask.

"For people who would like to use your speakers as mid-range and high-end
reproducers - do you make suggestions about what they might add for moving-coil supplement below 100Hz, say?

Then it’s not the right amplification for these Quads ?

Quads play down to 45hz. You will have difficulty crossing over at 100hz. (just take my word on this one)

4) When you see someone’s setup and it looks like this.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urEs8lxKAII/Upb0foVkinI/AAAAAAAAA-w/oNYggMVMkgQ/s1600/Quad+ESL-57+advertis....

Don’t even bother asking the question.....go to the next question.

But first from the Quad Owners Manual

"As a general rule radiation of sound waves from the front and rear of the speaker should be restricted as little as possible. While corners and positions closer to the wall should be avoided. A corner position is often necessary for other types of loudspeakers because it accentuates the low frequencies, but such a position for the Quad will both reduce the bass seriously and cause deterioration of middle frequencies due to standing waves."

5) If someone needs to use external tweeters with the speakers.

Then it’s not the right amplification for these Quads.

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Having a lot of fun here w u guys.........so cold outside but a lot nicer today.....still, .......boating season seems so far away.

Cheers

bdp24                                   01/10/2017
 
" One great way to add bass to the 57 is with a pair of Magneplanar
Tympani bass panels. "

Agreed. It might even be the best way, provided the quads are allowed to run full range.

ct0517                    1-11-17

" When discussing the Speakers with the Amp manufacturer, and he/she can’t answer directly with facts, and says.

"Oh, don’t worry your speakers won’t hurt our AMP"

Then it’s not the right amplification for these Quads "

Soon after I purchased my first pair of quads I asked a Technician who was building amps on his dining table whether his amp would damage my Quads and he replied. " No, my amps are kind to loudspeakers." I was so impressed with his reply that we became good friends but I never tried his amp on my Quads.
 

I ran Decca ribbons with my Quads and a small sub back in the early-mid '80s- could never get the thing to cohere completely, but as my late audio friend, Chuck Lamonica said, "You could kiss every note." 
I still have the Deccas--also in need of a restoration, but lower on my list. (I used Sequerra ribbons at one point too, and was able to talk to Dick S. to get replacement ribbons from him. He was very kind).
The history behind this stuff is fascinating, as is the ability of equipment now 60+ years old to deliver a level of quality that in some ways, has not been duplicated.