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Quads 57 -

Ok. So let me start out by saying I am not in search for the worlds best speakers or the perfect setup.

I just want something that will make music to my ears and make my little toes tap with joys.My amp of choice is the Ayon Spirit III
My music is 80% Jazz, 10% Female vocals, 10% rock et. al. (paul simon/arlo guthrie, dylan eagles). My source is mostly Vinyl.
I currently have a B&W CM7 that I don't like much. Music sounds good, but no soul. Room size is 10 ft x 11 ft.
I top out at $4K on budget (and that's pushing it).
I am fairly close to pulling the trigger on a brand new refurbished 57 from Quads Unlimited.
So I guess what I am asking here is, if you have ever owned a 57, do you still have it? If not, how soon did you move on & why?
jarraa
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I had my 57s for about ten years, I moved on because they lack dynamic range.

Something that did not bother me but may be difficult for others is that you have to sit in the sweet spot to really hear them at their best. You have to keep your head in a 1 foot area or else they sound 50 percent worse.

Everyone should own a pair and I recommend them highly. I imagine they will stomp the CM7 for what you need.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I had my first pair in 64 or 5 and had them off and on till they were discontinued. I was a dealer for 15 years or so. Most of the time I also had Spendor, starting about 1970. The Quads are still excellent speakers but ultimately I preferred the Spendors, better bass, dynamics and far easier to use; also more extended top. There is a pair of SP1/2Es currently listed for under $1500 if I remember; their current cost is over $5000. I would try a pair of them, I still have and use a pair myself. Both of them are great on vocals and small instrumentals especially. The Spendor will do a better job on rock, although neither is a headbangers speaker.
br3098
1,014 posts
 
Jarraa, heed the comments above. Also, you you going to find it challenging to place Quad ESL speakers in a 10 x 11 room - a room of that size is challenging for any speaker.

The Spendors that Stanwal mentioned are an excellent idea. Also, have you considered a pair of Audio Note Ks or Js?

If you want to test on a budget there are a lot of vintage speakers that will also work well: I would mention the Klipsch KG4 or Heresy and Snell Ks or Js (precursors to the Audio Note speakers). The ubiquitous Spica TC-50 is also a great vintage speaker for small rooms.
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