Quad ESL 57
- Thread starter sancho22
- Start date
Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
Just out of curiousity, what's the best option to compensate for the lean lower-bass? Anybody got a particular sub in mind? If it could do full range, it would probably be the best speaker ever made. The mid/hi imaging is perfect.
This is one option, though I wasn't wowed by the version for the ESL-63, though many were.
http://www.stereophile.com/subwoofers/gradient_sw-57_subwoofer/index.html
http://www.stereophile.com/subwoofers/gradient_sw-57_subwoofer/index.html
JoeESP9
ESL's & tubes since 83
You could always build your own Levinson HQD system.
2 stacked pair of Quad ESL-57's
2 Decca Ribbon tweeters
1 or 2 Hartley passive subwoofers
Electronic crossover
3 stereo amps
Sorry, picture doesn't include the Hartly sub(s).
Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
That picture looks like it's from "The Sims. The Hi Fi years".
:lmao:
Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
You could always build your own Levinson HQD system.
2 stacked pair of Quad ESL-57's
2 Decca Ribbon tweeters
1 or 2 Hartley passive subwoofers
Electronic crossover
3 stereo amps
Sorry, picture doesn't include the Hartly sub(s).
OK, now you're just talking crazy... (I kid.. I kid).
No, I doubt I can afford that.... Anything with the word "Levinson" in it is usually out of my price-range... But I did ask, so thanks for that. I've been wondering lately, and I thought there might be a Quad sub, like with the DQ10's matching sub... (or at least a sub that was famous for it's ability to mate well with the Quad ESL 57). Jeez, how much do those Decca ribbons usually go for?
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frommerstop
Super Member
I've never heard the Gradient SW-57, but I suspect it would be more worthwhile than their SW-63 (which I have listened to). My problem with the SW-63 is that it doesn't add much to either the dynamics, or low bass of the ESL-63s - for $3k, I'd want significant improvements in both. They aren't really supposed to be SUB-woofers... they are more intended to extend the speaker dynamics by relieving the 'stats of upper bass. But, the 63s aren't really that weak in those areas to start with, while the '57s really are. I can imagine the added dynamics could be worth it on the '57s... at the very least, adding a Gradient woofer would protect them from being over driven (the '63s don't self destruct), and burning themselves up.
The real problem is price. A good pair of '57s will set you back between $800-$1500 - much more if you want fully refurbished. If you can find a pair, Gradient SW-57s sell for $2k & up. So, a good working, but not fully rebuilt, system is about $3000, more like $5k if you want new panels & a warranty. For that money, you could get nearly new Quad ESL 2805s... maybe even 2905s! If you want improved bass & dynamics in a Quad, That's the way to do it. Even a stacked a pair of '57s would be more cost effective, but then you'll still need to plan on rebuilding them soon... the last '57s left the factory in 1980 after all.
As an answer more to the OP, after trying several, I've had the best luck integrating a Vandersteen sub with my '57s... actually a pair worked really well for both the '57s & '63s. Second best match was a pair of Velodyne ULD-12s - these work better than the larger ULD-15s or 18s with the Quads, they are much less expensive, and have their amps built in, so a bit simpler as well. I don't think I have more than $500 into the pair I have now, and they look/work like new.
As a bargain basement Quad system, a good pair of Quad ESL57s, and one Velodyne ULD-12, plus some DQ-10 stands could be assembled for between $1000-1500. That's a great sounding system, but if it were my money, I'd be looking at ESL-63s on Arcicis.
The real problem is price. A good pair of '57s will set you back between $800-$1500 - much more if you want fully refurbished. If you can find a pair, Gradient SW-57s sell for $2k & up. So, a good working, but not fully rebuilt, system is about $3000, more like $5k if you want new panels & a warranty. For that money, you could get nearly new Quad ESL 2805s... maybe even 2905s! If you want improved bass & dynamics in a Quad, That's the way to do it. Even a stacked a pair of '57s would be more cost effective, but then you'll still need to plan on rebuilding them soon... the last '57s left the factory in 1980 after all.
As an answer more to the OP, after trying several, I've had the best luck integrating a Vandersteen sub with my '57s... actually a pair worked really well for both the '57s & '63s. Second best match was a pair of Velodyne ULD-12s - these work better than the larger ULD-15s or 18s with the Quads, they are much less expensive, and have their amps built in, so a bit simpler as well. I don't think I have more than $500 into the pair I have now, and they look/work like new.
As a bargain basement Quad system, a good pair of Quad ESL57s, and one Velodyne ULD-12, plus some DQ-10 stands could be assembled for between $1000-1500. That's a great sounding system, but if it were my money, I'd be looking at ESL-63s on Arcicis.
Those aren't dirt cheap but the key to Quads is condition. And if they've been completely rebuilt with attention to the protection circuit that's a huge plus. I paid a significant premium for my version of the 63s, all because of condition. They were totally rebuilt/like new.
frperdurabo
AK Member
Very worthwhile upgrade - the bass is much better when they're up off the floor a bit.
I ran mine with an AES Super Amp, Quicksilver Mono 90s, and an ARC VT100. The AES wasn't horrible, but the Quicksilvers and ARC were both outstanding; I think the Mono 70s would be great.
Also, I used the Townsend Maximum super tweeters with their dedicated stands for the 57s, which addressr the limited HF dispersion and ultra-low impedance issues of the native Quad.
Seriously - if you're an audiophile, you should own Quads, at least for awhile.
I did listen to them today. The owner was at least (if not more) interesting. Seen some great gear there. The sound was great but I did not get goosebumps. Now I need to admit that the set-up was far less than optimal and mostly served the purpose to assure all drivers worked. They do sound a bit "delicate" (?) perhaps polite? Really nice though.
I am not sure though that it would replace my existing speakers, but then again it was a different room, they were not set up properly and they were driven with the matching Quad II amps. The only real test would be to A/B vs my existing speakers, with my own gear, in my room...I will need to sleep on it.
I am not sure though that it would replace my existing speakers, but then again it was a different room, they were not set up properly and they were driven with the matching Quad II amps. The only real test would be to A/B vs my existing speakers, with my own gear, in my room...I will need to sleep on it.
mhardy6647
Lunatic Member
They are both delicate (gossamer) and polite - but they're perfectly capable of kicking some tushy and taking some names. We listened to Money for Nothing on a pair (not mine) recently via a DIY tt (also not mine) an APT Holman preamp (ditto) and and an MC-225 (you guessed it!) turning the volts to watts. It was dandy
