Will rebuilt Quad ESL 57s take the place on a great $30K dynamic speaker?


In the ‘90s I lived joyfully with Quad 57s for 10 years. Have always missed them.

Especially since Electrostatic Solutions rebuilds came to light, I have looked for a used pair. My system today is far better than what I had back then.

I was very curious to hear what they would sound like now.

I love my current speakers, but have experienced some fatigue in loud, full passages. And I realized that most of what I listened to was acoustic Jazz and Classical. But with a good amount of Pop singer/songwriter.

The Quads beautifully reproduce solo or otherwise “gentle” music. They are magical with voices. Eg.: Opera that I never got into much is now sublime. And voices in general.

But on something like Peter Gabriel, the fall apart. “So” which was a favorite recording is problematic at best.

I am leaning toward the Quads since they do “moderate” unlike almost any.

But I do miss the dynamics. Bass and treble.

 

 

 

mglik

Perhaps your problem might be due to the equipment upstream?

Can you tell us what you are using?

FWIW, I lusted for the Quads for years, but never had the chance/money to buy them.

Bob

Okay, I saw your equipment on the Virtual system list.

One thing that I see is that the AGD amps are only 85 watts and I think the Quads would appreciate a bit more power, especially for loud playing.

Second, is the Class D architecture of the amp. I have heard from some designers that Class D can 'smear' the signal- which might be what you are hearing.

As you have an Atma preamp, why not call Ralph Karsten and discuss what is happening. He knows a lot, and can give you some guidance that we mortals here on Audiogon can't. And, he has built his own Class D amp and should know what might be going on.

B

i can personally attest that the agd audion does not 'smear' the sound...