quad 2805 vs magnepan 1.7

As an owner of the Quad'63 and the Mag 1.6qr, I'd say it depends upon what you mean by "classical". The 2805= '63, and are hard to beat on vocals and small ensembles. The 1.6 is close to the 1.7 and surpass the Quads only in their powerfulness- and that is with real powerful amps. The 150.5 may not be enough. The Quads are simply more resolving of low level detail, while the Mags can play higher SPLs on more complex music. It is a trade off.

I have not heard the 1.7 Maggies, but almost every review I can recall of any Maggie has a reference to requiring a lot of power and the volume turned up to sound alive.

I have heard the Quad 2805 and they are excellent. Given your stated listening material and volume preference, the Quads would be the obvious choice. I have only heard the 2805 with tube power so I don't have anything good or bad to say about the match with the Pass amp. I hope it works out for you.

No contest. Quads. I like and have sold the Maggies also but to me the Quads are in another league. So natural, fast, easy, detailed. They can come alive with even the Quad II mono blocks. Seriously good speakers. If they are really the same price (new 1.7's vs. used 2805's) then by all means get the Quads.

the price here for a used 2805 in mint condition is a bit more than 3000euro.
The dealer in Greece sells the 1.7 for a bit more than 3000euro!
I think I am leaning towards the quads.
Listening in low volume levels is important.
Are the 2805 adequate for symphonic music?
(I don't need 105db peaks etc... just the "feeling" of the orchestra...)

Low volume, QUAD. They have always had the effect, when changing volume from low to high or high to low, of
appearing to walk closer to the music source, or to back away from it. Higher volume, in the orchastra section. Lower volume, same detail and resolution, just father away. not behind doors our outside the performance, but think of an outdoor concert, low volume, farther away, louder...just closer.
I live near a BOSE Factory Outlet. Will go listen and keep an open mind. I purchased one of the first 1801 amps, matching quad pre amp and even had the CD-4 module. I go way back with Bose, i worked at cal-stereo in the '70's and sold more Bose and Cerwin Vega than anyone on the west coast!
And they were profitable! oh well...i digress...