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Any of my existing amps work on Quad ESL-57's

Hi All,

I just purchased a pair of ESL-57's and will be keeping my eyes open or suitable amps. I'm not sure whether what I have in house are suitable.

Currently working, I've got a super high power solid state Classe Omega and a 300b SET amp made by Quicksilver Audio. For the Omegas, besides the impedence mismatch that hampers some solid state amps, do I need to be worried about too much power? If I'm careful not to blast them, should these be OK? Per the 300b's - is this too little power? Risk of clipping? The room is 14x18x11high.

I have a pair of EL34 amps: Cary SL70's - but they need some tuning up. Seems like they could be a good match. I may send these to Cary for tuneup. Any thoughts?

Finally, I have a CAT SL2, but I want to replace the fuse resistors in it prior to using it. It's an older production model, and the newer fuse resistors are safer.

If neither of my currently working amps are recommended, I may purchase an inexpensive amp to keep me going. A Rogue Atlas Magnum, a rebuilt ST-70, maybe look around for Heathkit UA-1's or other not too expensive solutions.

Good advice appreciated. Thanks, Peter
peter_s
kentaja
25 posts
 
I would strongly advise that you install the protection boards available for the speakers. With the boards installed you may use any amp you like without fear of damage. The speakers do sound best IMO with large power amps.

Even if you don't play them loudly with large amps accidents can happen which will damage the tweeter elements.

Protection boards are cheap. Rebuilding elements is expensive.
dover
2,243 posts
 
Hi
I've had plenty of 57's including stacked. Best amp was the 8417 Quicksilvers.
Do NOT use high powered transistor amps - you are asking for trouble.
For solid state the old Electrocompaniet 25 watts pure class A was excellent.
So I would recommend any medium powered valve amp around 60 watts. Of what you have the Carey sounds most promising. I would try and pick up a pair of EL34 based Quicksilvers.
If you lift them off the floor ( I used small tables about 14" high ) and tilt the speakers so they are more upright, the imaging and bottom end improves significantly.
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