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Re: Quad ESL 57's - are they worth it? Building new system

Posted by Adrian on January 21, 2005 at 01:33:58:
The ESL can do certain things better than any other speakers, but in other aspects, can also be terrible. They are simply the most transparent, lowest distortion speakers ever made, with the greatest midrange performance. Solo instruments, voice, chamber music and small scale jazz bands are unmatched in the speaker universe. However, they are also the most frustrating speakers to use when trying to reproduce large scale orchestral works.
When you say $1000, you have to factor in restoration cost. Quad ESLs with original panels are unlikely to be performing at their best, even if they have been well looked after. The first thing to do is to measure the voltages, or just go ahead and change the EHT unit. Panels also lose sensitivity with age, and you can't imagine what you have been missing until you change to new panels. Unfortunately, this will set up back $1000 or more.
Lastly, amp matching is critical. The Quads will literally destroy many of the transistor amps available today. Few can handle the impedence characteristics. A good tube amp (especially a vintage one) will work wonders.