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Seeking $15,000.00 speaker to replace Quad 988's

My system consists of Thor Audio TPA 150 el-34 tubed monoblocks, a Thor TA-2000 premamp with phono(tubed),
Cary 306/200 which I use as a transport and Thor Audio DC-1000 tubed Dac, VPI scoutmaster turntable with a clearudio discovery cartridge, Richrad Gray power conditioner, an Audio Physics
Minos Subwoofer and a pair or Quad 988's.
Quad positives:Great for piano, voice and small groups such
as chamber music. With a voice or piano you swear the piano or voice was in your room.
Quad negatives:Bass does not extend low enough.
No illusion of an entire orchestra on stage. The Quads shrink the musical presentation. Lacking in dynamic contrasts. They also soften many instruments. For instance the tambourines in Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italien instead of sounding sharp like in a dynamic speaker, they sound
rounded out and softened.
My issue: I am told that only an electrostatic can deliver the clarity that a Quad can deliver. I have looked into the Sound Labs but even with their new impedance modification I do not think my amps can drive them.
Will a speaker like a Vandersteen 5A, Kharma 3.2 give me the clarity of the Quads with the dynamic contrasts, and
the illusion of 90-100 people on a stage and not 10. I know I'm asking for a lot but I don't want to replace the Quads and take a few steps backwards in doing this. The Quads have lived with me for over 1 and 1/2 and they do some amazing things, but is there more for the approximate price guideline I have suggested.? I guess as a music lover and audiophile you are always searching for that additional something. Has anybody out there found someting that might work with my sysytem that gives me that
something more?
kjl
bobneill
23 posts
 
I won't say too much about this since I'm a dealer, but the only speakers I've heard that do what you're telling me your getting from Quads without the downside (scale, dynamics, low end authority) are Audio Note E's. Ask around and/or do a search on them on AA.

Good luck,

Bob Neill
Amherst Audio
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
As a dealer for Sound Labs, I can recommend the A-1 as a complete upgrade in every sense of the word.
Better clarity, bass, soundstage, scale.
In a word, they are musical, with no harshness. They are LARGE. But that is how they are able to produce such prodigious bass response, (down past 28hz with authority).
They love tubes, and are completely non fatiguing.
Let me know if I can help.
Best,
nighthawk
259 posts
 
Used Avalon Eidolons.
bornie's avatar
bornie
71 posts
 
See the review of the Von Schweikert dB99's at www.stereotimes.com. Though not inexpensive ($10k), this new VSA model will get you as close to the "live" event as anything out there. To give you an idea of how terrific these speakers are, 33 years an audiophile, I disposed of the dB99 boxes soon after delivery! My Wife is in shock!
bpwalsh
1,201 posts
 
Sound Labs might meet your objectives quite well. Being full range ESLs with prodigious bass, they excel at reproducing piano and many other instruments as well as voice in a seamless fashion. In all likelihood you can dispense with your subwoofer, which could make the cost more palatable, even though Sound Labs are within your budget.

The new panel technology implemented in Sound Labs this year realizes an average of 9 to 10 dB increase in sensitivity and commensurate dynamic range. In a nutshell, a 10 dB increase is equivalent to suddenly having an amplifier with ten times as much power as before, so I wouldn't be too hasty thinking your 150 watt monoblocks can't cut it - in fact I'd venture a bet the Thors would drive the heck out of 'em.

My Sound Lab U-1s are en route to Sound Lab for upgrading, so I'll soon know what others have been talking about - the efficiency increase is one thing, but I'm told there are other significant benefits. Every comment I've heard or seen has been overwhelmingly positive, saying it's a stunning improvement.

For the record, I'm a Sound Lab dealer located in the Chicago area. If you're inclined to come for a listen anytime or just want to correspond or ask a few questions on the phone, feel free to do so.

Brian Walsh
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