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In praise of the ESL-57

About a week ago, I was doing a Kijiji search for some kind of EL84 amp that would be suitable for a rebuild. Buried in an ad for an amp was pair of ESL-57's also for sale. Based on serial numbers and production dates, they were from the early 70's.

Out of curiosity, I asked if the Quads were still available. They were and he had re-listed them in a separate ad at a reduced price. They were missing legs/feet and according to the seller were great otherwise. Grills looked to be in decent shape and after a bit of back and forth, I decided to get them.

Was pleasantly surprised when we arrived to get them. They looked quite good. No problems that couldn't be addressed without a little TLC and elbow grease.

Took a minute after I brought them home to plug them in, and when I eventually did, one was dead. Bad power cord...

Let them sit and charge for a bit and then started running them. After a little repositioning, they were set up as they should.

All I can say is wow. This was my first experience with these lovely speakers. Because of Covid, couldn't audition them before picking up and I have not had the opportunity to listen to a pair before. 

I now understand why they have the following and reputation that they do.

Everything I have read about these speakers is true. The first track I ran through them when they were set up was Jazz at the Pawn Shop. At some point during the intro, there was someone in the audience that "yelped" something or another. I was startled as I thought there was someone standing behind me. Crazy!

I'm surprised and how good the bass is on these. Based on what I had read, was not expecting them to have the depth that they do. (This is from someone who normally listens to Cornwalls...)

The "head in a vice" thing is very true for full benefit, but as I am currently listening to the radio in the background, they are filling the room well and are not fatiguing in any way, which is odd when you consider how fast/detailed/articulate they are.

So very pleased with them!!! As soon as time allows, some temporary legs will be made so I can both get them off the milk crates as well as figure out a design for what will be the final legs.




perkri
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,807 posts
 
Apparently the 35wpc Naim 32.5/110 that I was using was not ideal.
How do OTL amps fair with the wide impedance curve imposed on the amps by the speakers?
The issue with most ESLs is that they are very unlike box speakers, so the usual 'voltage driven' rules (where an amp is capable of doubling power as the load impedance is halved) don't apply. So most solid state amps simply won't sound right on them.


You need an amp that is more like constant power rather than constant voltage. If this is confusing take a look at this article:
http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/resources-paradigms-in-amplifier-design.html
If the amp is a Power Paradigm device then it will be able to play bass on the ESL without sounding too bright. This explains the comment in the first quote, and to answer the question of the second quote, the answer is 'usually pretty well'. Our customers use either our M-60s or S-30 on the ESL57s.

whart's avatar
whart
3,039 posts
 
I bought my pair in 1973-4 (the receipt is still around somewhere) and ran them until around 1990 when I switched to the 63, which had been modified by Crosby Audio Works. That speaker played louder, but lacked the coherence of the 57 in my estimation. My 57's were boxed from 1990 until a couple years ago, when I had them refurbished. I own a much bigger, far more costly system, but the Quad based system, using a pair of old Quad II amps that have been sympathetically restored (with good glass) is still a revelation. Lots of good info on the web about the old Quad, along with various modifications, stands, etc. Mine are back on their little factory legs, well out from the back wall, toed in, and are very satisfying in what I'd consider a modest sized room. Despite their significant limitations, they are still a marvel. Enjoy them. 
perkri OP
907 posts
 
@atmasphere 

Well, one day when funds are plentiful, I hope to own one of your amps :)

I like "forever" things. Bought my Cary SLI-50 new back in 96' and its never leaving me. And thanks for the link, I'll be checking it out!

@whart 

According to my serial numbers, they were made in 73'. They really have a unique and magical quality to them.When I have the courage to dig into them, I'll be looking at the boards/components and see how well they have been treated in their previous life.I got them for what I think was a really good price, but sending them out for a complete rebuild isn't in my immediate future.
whart's avatar
whart
3,039 posts
 
Biggest issue as far as I know is arcing- when I had mine refurbished, a protection circuit was installed. There are people who DIY repair these things but that's way beyond my competence. Lot's to read about them if you dig, though. 
perkri OP
907 posts
 
Hours of entertainment for sure :)

I feel like, from what I've seen as far as doing up the protection and rebuilding the other boards, they should, repeat, should be within my grasp.

The panels? No way!!! Not going anywhere near those suckers!!!
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