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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
perkri OP
909 posts
 
For sure some research is required re: EL-84's

I wonder how much of a difference the transformers make with the tubes compatibility?
prof
3,479 posts
 

I started off with the ESL 63s for several years (and Gradient subs).But even then, once I heard the 57s I preferred the tone of the 57s and still do.
I'm a speaker whore and love to keep around several different speakers.It kills me that the 57s just won't work for me as an alternative speaker to have on hand - their design won't work in my home theater room (which does double duty for 2 channel music listening), and I don't have a place to store them either.   Still bums me out.
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 
Prof2
        I am very familiar with Quads ESL Speaker System.
My First Ever Encounter was at a HiFi Event in the EAR Room.
T D Paravicini had them directly coupled to Valve Power Amp's.
That's where it Started and I have a been loyal to the 57 since.

I have heard many 63's in various conditions and also in rebuilt guises,  more recently I have become very accustomed with the 2812 Model.

The 57's and 2812 have got something going on that is a attractor to myself, and I would also say that when the 57 has become a Model that is no longer viable to a standard type of owner,
one who is  'not able to carry out a repair' than I think a used 2812 would be a good alternative option, if the Quad Brand is off importance.

Not Too Long Ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to audition
Two Pairs of 67's, either produced from a different production Period.
Before the session the Two Speakers were in use for a few hours,
to keep them in a close condition of warm up. 

The Early Production Model was found at a a price that was a steal,
and these were put to the test first,
It was very impressive and noticeably in a close relation to the SQ of the 57.
The Later Production Model had a Service History Paperwork and was looking pristine, there purchase cost the going commonly seen asking price.
They were rejected almost immediately, and the early production models were put back in.

If a Quad ESL 63 would suit your needs as a Alternative Speaker, I would strongly recommend searching out a 63 with a early production model serial number, and having a listen, even better if it is for sale,
 it might end up in your possession.       
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