|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
81.167.175.206
In Reply to: Re: Amps for ESL-57s? posted by coolhand on April 12, 2007 at 04:34:59:
I've also seen a list where the E.A.R. poweramps were mentioned. I currently own a E.A.R. 864pre/861powercombo using them on a pair of Hammer Dynamics. Normally I wouldn't have bothered with so old speakers, but I registered a pair of ESL-57s for sale nearby, and... Well, is this really worth trying for a rockadict, or are these speakers for jazz og chambermusic only? The ESLs have got new membrans I've been told.What about reliability? Service-parts available in case of accident?
Follow Ups:
Well I don't know about a rock nutter (!!) really getting into the 57's frankly, unless you stacked a few pairs...but if you have small space to set them up in and don't feel the need to pound the living daylights out of them (;-))...they might just tickle your fancy (crossed over with a sub could be a possbility, although I personally think this would be a very tricky scenario to get right)
There are Quad freaks world wide who can service every last part of these venerable classics, so that shouldn't be a concern...and new membranes in them shoulld be a big incentive if done correctly, as they are the key elements...
BTW, how do find the 861 ?...I've been looking for one to buy for some time now, also to pair up to my 864...
Hello. Thanks for your reply. Well, I like mostly rock, but I'm quite allround i my music taste. I don't play very loud, but I do appreciate rythm and timing - foot tapping. Coherence and "flow" is also imprtant. I like it when the music/stereo creates emotions, and not just entertainment. My main woory, is if the 57s will be able to communicate some of the energy and vitality of my Yes, Genesis, King Crimson and Jethro Tull records? Will SRV's guitar sound anemic and thin, or will the ESLs make me play airguitar? Room size is about 16sq. meters.I bought the 861 because I wanted a pre/power from the same family, and it was easy to hear that the 864 and 861 was a perfect match. Very coherent combo. Good bass performance - tight and controlled. I find it a bit hard to describe since this combo doesn't draw much attention to it self - a relief for my brain. Makes it easy to just enjoy the music without too much analysis. Communicative, I would say. Transparent, but not too analytic. A bit on the warm side, but not soft or romantic. I like it a lot!
The Quads are all about 2 things: Midrange and imaging. With the right source material, they're hard to beat in both regards. They are absolutely not about loudness. If you try to play them too loud, they will arc internally, which you can hear. Each arc burn a little hole in the plastic membrane that produces sound.I equate rock with loud. If you don't, the Quads may work for you. Energy and vitality? Hell, yes! Just not loudness.
Energy and vitality - yes, in spades. Having listened to Quads for 20 years now, I really don't equate rock with "loud" - but rather with driving energy and vitality - and classic rock of all kinds is well served (as are the Scorpions, but there's not a lot of subtlety there to reveal). I could never listen to Fleetwood Mac, Floyd, Hendrix, Supertramp, or any of their ilk on boxes again! Especially Hendrix, there was a lot of "fun with phase" effects in his music the full effect of which could never be captured with anything less than electrostatic response IMO. As always though, the room is the final arbiter - the quads need space around them to sprout wings, min 4' behind and to side in my opinion although others may disagree on the sides. I've never heard mine sound so good as when they got 8' behind and to the sides - which they have now, forever.
Thanks for the response. Looks like I have to audition them before buying. Have contacted the seller for price and condition. He's not far away, so I might be able to have a demo at home also. I find it a bit difficult to choose the right speakers, but long time ownerships tells me that something is working well...;) I'll gladly let some loudness capability go for long time enjoyment.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: