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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
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
just an amazing speaker for doing what it does superbly

unfortunately so limited in dynamics, so for me it was ultimately unsatisfying given my desire to feel as well as hear the music at moderate to high levels at times
perkri OP
907 posts
 
Thank you all for the info!

Ive been thinking about building a First Watt F6, has anyone had any experience with that amp and the ESLs?

Was not familiar with the Bedini 25/25 and am asking about the F6 because of the 25/25. Wondering how the F6 would hold up with the crazy impedance demands of the ESL 57s.

P
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 
I don't see my remaining Listening Life without 57's used.
They have been with me Since the Late 90's and are now used as a Stacked Array.

I have other Speakers as well and am also Building OB's.

The 57's are quite special in what they can produce.
As are early serial No 63's, both are available at similar asking prices, but the Early Serial No 63 is a difficult to find speaker.

I have heard 57's with Various Amplifiers in Singles and Stacked.

If EE Work is not a worry to you, I have heard Neurochrome Amp's with a Stacked set up, and they delivered in an extremely impressive way.  
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
Yup.  I have run electrostatics in my main system for nearly 50 years.
For 10 years Martin Logan CLX Anniversary.
Never used 57s though.
Two biggest pluses: transparent mid no cone can replicate; no crossover unless you listen to grunge or metal and have to have the thumping bass.

Electrostatics are much under-rated, I would guess few who post here use them.
perkri OP
907 posts
 
Thank you for the Neurochrome suggestion. 
I came across the site before while doing some research for a friend. Very tidy PC boards! 
A soldering iron doesn’t fill me with fear, though I have had some experiences that would suggest I should perhaps approach them with caution...
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