I was a proud owner of the ESL-63 for many years, their sound improved DRAMATICALLY when I attached them to their dedicated stands .. unforgettable experience...
First, thank you for your TH-cam post. it brought me back in a time machine to the 70s when I purchased 2 pairs of Quad ESL 57s in Germany and stacked them. Wow, that is a sound I will never forget. I added a pair of powered subs and to help the bottom out. Yes, the matched speed was not there on the bottom end, but it really didn't matter. Maybe my ears weren't as attuned to the spectrum as they could have been, but whatever. I had the speakers for about 6 years before selling them and I must say I miss them and regret not being able to hear those babies. The Quad ESL 57, especially when stacked for a tiny better sweet spot and greater amplitude is absolutely jaw dropping with the natural quality of sound produced. It's like opening up a window to a different universe. I now live in NYC in a one bedroom apt which makes another set of Quads impractical, so missing the sound, I purchased the electrostatic experience on a small scale with the Shure KSE 1500 IEMs for a truly portable experience. I recommend the Chord Mojo 2 + Chord Poly to complete this system for portability sake. It's not the same as the Quads, however on a personal level I highly recommend the Shure product along with an updated Dac. But if you can afford it, go with the Original Quad 57s for the original antique sound that is still relevant in 2024 and beyond.
I've heard Quad ESL 57's 10 feet apart and they were magic. Once heard you can never go back, just magic, in the USA Electrostatic Solutions is the best for repairs, and upgrades and you can even buy them directly from Kent. You can play rock also this is an all-around speaker and with upgrades they can play normally loud, not insane levels in the room. I take the 57s and 63s over any speaker today and you can buy them at sane prices also. Total rebuilt and sold as a pair under $6,000. I've used a McIntosh 400-watt amp on mine with no issues, and yes they have bass and good bass and in the room, they can hit mid 30 or lower due to room interaction.
Thank You Sir! I now know this winters project. I have had a pair of ESL57's for some 30 Years but due to constraints I have not gotten round to restoring them. So Your video has inspired Me, and now I will be driven by curiosity to get them up and running. I am an antiques restorer so I am able to undertake the restoration Myself by using a kit of parts supplied by the Australian Man who does the various ESL kits. Also I have a pair of fully restored Quad II amps to drive them with, so it will be really interesting to hear the original sound from the Quad amps and speakers. Best Wishes Jahmahrah
They are truly a magical speaker. With the right amplification, they are unlike anything else. When set up properly, in an appropriately sized room, I do not find any shortage of bass. I have a lot of different types of speakers in my “inventory” - I like changing things up with amps/speakers. As always, I wonder how many who are naysayers have actually owned/spent real time with these before passing judgement. Or are they just parroting what they have heard others say about them.
What a fantastic and accurate review of the 57's. I absolutely love what mine have t offer. Yes I spent a considerable amount of time with the positioning of them. Which is critical to bringing out the best listening pleasure. Mine are driven by a pair of fully refurbished quad 11 amplifiers. These are linked to a Densen dm20 preamplifier, very musical and dynamic. For the digital side of things, a Roksan K3 dac is connected and for the analogue side, there is Mark Travis mm phono stage along with a very heavily modified 1986 Rega planer 3. Like you pointed out, you tend to forgive the lack of extreme highs and lows for the sheer quality of what is present.
Absolutely fascinating story (video), Guido!! Thank-you so much for sharing your adventures with all the high & low points until you finally... had the fully refurbished pair of QUAD ESL's in your listening room. Marvellous. very best wishes & high regards for your patience & conscientiousness - from your Scottish audio friend in Japan, Paul...
The midrange is the best ever Had mine from 1973 They sound best with loads of space possible all around them - especially behind Have them pointing directly at you then experiment with angling them up In a small room still get as much space as possible at the back round about them You can then cross them in front of you to get the diagonal length of the room and give you a tight focus in the centre What you want is to allow the sound float in the air in front and around you Experiment putting them in the middle of a room away from the back wall - magic ! Vocals acoustic instruments pianos are fantastic Head banging heavy metal and Mahler maybe a bit nerve racking no so much - though you will hear more of the layers than ever I add subwoofers and super tweeters - subtly I’ve got quad 63s and 2905s All with subwoofers and tweeters The ESL 57 is the ideal of the Electrostatics ideal Soft beautiful vocals and acoustic strings and wood - metal and percussion that sparkle They are sensitive- think about it - Have everything on vibration curbing feet
So glad you are experimenting these legendary speakers and sharing with us. I was always super curious about them and never had the opportunity to see some. Thanks for putting the effort.
The August 1979 issue of Stereo Review described a system that used EIGHT (two panels of four each) stacked ESL 57s for the front speakers, and eight stacked 57s for the rear speakers. Each panel was made of steel frames filled with lead, and weighed 800 lbs. They were crossed over at 50 Hz to two subs with 18 inch drivers, weighing a total of 3 1/2 tons. I wish I could have heard it.
Brilliant speakers. Simply unique in their landscape. I also have STAX ELS-8X's & ELS-F83's with a smattering of STAX electronics. Nothing quite like electrostatics!
Awesome story I remember my first encounter with the quad was 1973, such a beautiful sounding speaker, as a young man then Straight outta high school I Decided to go with the Maggie 2 , in 1973 that was $2000 which is a lot of money for a 18 year old. I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. on building the best Interconnect cables, my hobby now is Car audio sound quality competition, and the cables you recommended gave me the edge over my competitors a lot. Thanks a lot for sharing all your knowledge.
Your channel (in my opinion) is simply the best on TH-cam. I love the way you are able to incorporate a “story” into a lot of your videos. In addition to that, you’re honest with your reviews. If you don’t like it, you say it. Also, you cover all topics, such as the differences between different types of CD’s, etc. I have some Quad S2’s. I know they are nothing like the originals, but for a small cheap speaker, they are not too bad for a small room system. Thanks for a great video! Cheers, from Tomball, TX.
All New Popori Acoustics Loudspeakers will be at the 2024 Capital AudioFest in Room 840. You don't want to miss this one...maybe the NEW HOLY GRAIL OF SPEAKERS ?!
On the Sunday night of the last Stereophile show, in L.A., back in 1995, I was invited to a limited-audience, after-show, vinyl playing of The Dark Side of the Moon on two pairs of vertically-mounted Soundlab A1's, plus subwoofers for each channel, in a large room, everything valve-powered. I was able to grab the center seat, first row. At the end of side 1, I found myself in tears. Mind you, I'd heard that album a 1000 times already. There is nothing like the experience of electrostatic loudspeakers.
I get the effort you put in. Like the way you explain the situation too. I'm more Kermit on Altecs and Jbl as you can play at higher levels with fewer problems and have less maintenance. In terms of midrange and delicacies these are gold. The music simply floats. The refurbishment of anything special these days is big bucks.
The best speakers I have ever heard are my large floor standing electrostatics, and I have owned many good box speakers over the decades. I first heard electrostatics as a youngster browsing in a hi-fi store when the salesman said listen to these Quads (became known as the Quad 57). I have never forgotten the experience. I recently decided on modern electrostatics rather than a new car! Absolutely stunning. I have ESL IC speakers made by ER Audio here in Australia with a B&W sealed box 10 sub. Absolutely amazing given a good recording. A lesser recording will sound poor and ESLs can be unkind to all but the best recordings.
I agree great story. I had an experience of a pair being sold locally but, didn't buy them, bought a restored Maggie 1.7 which I really am happy with. I have been listening to Patricia Barber's same album you used. Sounded even good over TH-cam! Thanks!
The Maggies are a hell of a lot better than the quads. The quads have no bottom or top end. The Maggies have a very credible live sound above the midbass so a subwoofer is essential. Whatever Guido says I will probably disagree with I was one of the first people to hear the Quads at Lyric hi-fi in New York.
I used Quads for 12 years. Soon after I bought them I bought a second pair with the intention of stacking them. I never did and about a year later the person who I bought them from contacted me asking me to sell him back his pair. I have moved on to other speakers but did enjoy my time with them.
I've had a set in my AV room, I've done a video on them, if they are original, but haven't been recapped & opened up, they have a load of dust buildup inside, which diminishes the sound quality, once clean out & vacuumed, they sound amazing, great video as usual 👍
Guido, what a journey to get them right. Thanks for sharing 🙏 I lived with electrostats for some years (German manufacture Capaciti who is no longer in business, unfortunately). I paired them with open baffle subwoofers (Ripole which are pretty close to the Linkwitz subs). That was a good combo of rumble and detail. I totally agree with what you said about the sweet spot and the max level. I ended up selling them and currently build up my own JBL 4355 to be paired with some 300B monos. Keep the good videos comin' 👍
Amazingly, I've never heard Quads over the years. I've heard Acoustats, Martin Logans and Magnepans. I have a pair of Magnepan MMGs in my smallish listening room and am happy with them. When I saw my first pair of planar dipole speakers, my first reaction was This will never work. But it does, very well thank you.
Great review and interesting story. I love quad esl, I have listened to the ESL63. To be honest I have never listened to such a transparent speaker, with warmth and natural tonality, despite the lean bass. The music just suspended in the air and wrapped around you and seduced you. Unfortunately, I didn't have the room to be a proud owner. You are such a lucky man. From that day I was always chasing a quad presentation. 😎👍🎵🎶
Excellent review 🎉 I use both Quad models with REL T7x subs and they measure pretty flat to 30hz in my room, with a small peak at 150hz. I use my 57s with quad amps but the best are futterman H3 and HITACHI hma 7500 with MOSFET. 63s need SS amps.
I love electrostatic speakers. I have a pair of Quad ESL63s and they sound amazing. But the speakers I use all the time are Martin Logan ESL hybrids. Currently I'm using an old pair of Sequel II ML hybrids. They really do a good job of integrating the woofers with the panels. They sounds close to the quads with jazz and classical. But they work great for rock and all kinds of music.
Very interesting video. I have Altec 19 and esl 57 too. Both are great. My experience with 57 is that they are much better made than the newer models. I know of at least 2 pairs that original from the 60s and 70s and play perfectly. I never had problems with any 57 .
great review THX Next to my big system with the psaudio FR30 I have Magnepan 1.7i in my office/gaming room. I´m listening to alot of music there before i actually buy the records. I´m totally happy with the Magnepan and I mainly moved them out of my homecinema room because they couldn´t handle what came from modern movies. So I needed a big box again for this room to handly the most brutal movies and sounding great for my vinyl and digital records and have a nice look. But for pure music listening these Magnepan 1.7i work wonderful, amazing when you consider the price
I was just listening to the demo of your Quad ESLs through a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones that are plugged directly into an OTL Tube headphone amplifier I made myself using three Svetlana 6N1P Tubes, and you should have heard what it sounded like, I could hear all the subtle nuances in the music, it sounded wonderful, nice and crystal clear, the bass was really nice sounding, as was the midrange and highs.
The ESL57 has been my reference speaker for over 35 years. I use them on Arcici stands, and with the Gradient SW57 open baffle dipole woofers. Once you reach a certain age, supertweeters aren't really needed. One point I would add to your video is, don't try to judge a Quad that was just plugged in. They need to be powered up for several days before they really come to life, especially if the panels are tired. In fact, a pair with older panels that hasn't been powered for an extended time, will make almost no sound when first plugged in, and the temptation is to keep turning up the amp. Don't do it! You can still arc the panels by overdriving them. Just be patient and wait. Here in the USA Electrostatic Solutions in Kansas City does a great job rebuilding them, but there are others who do great work.
It's funny, I came across a pair of Dalquist DQ10 one day, they look awfully familiar to the Quad. Main difference they are "classical" speakers not electrostatic. Unfortunately, they were at a thrift store and so you couldn't give them a listen and they were asking such a ridiculous price for it that I passed. (they did look like they needed quite a bit of work to be done) Glad to hear after all the hurdles you had to go through, you managed to enjoy them. Like you said they're not for everybody but for those who fit it's probably bliss..
Was surprised that the Quads are dynamic. Their midrange is legendary. I did something unusual recently. After listening to nothing but cds and top drawer equipment since Christmas, I hooked up an old Japanese cassette deck I have, to a 40 year old top of the line 1980s integrated amp. A combo you could buy used for $700 on the net if you could locate them. I expected the sound quality to be a huge downgrade compared to what I had been listening too. I did use my best cables and the same speakers I was using. To my shock, the sound had the same inage height as the equipment I was using before. The singers voice, as usual, was on the ceiling About the same depth and maybe even a bit more natural sounding. I did hear less purity, somewhat smaller instrument size, and less speed and immediacy on transients, but still really nice. Like listening through a very slight fog If you out there still have some old equipment which you upgraded from years ago, hook it up one day and see what you think.You may be surprised how far you have not come.
Years ago I used to look after a “sound room” in my retail days. And we had a pair of esl63’s. Every morning before the store opened I used to spend an hour or so just listening to music and it was an absolute pleasure because the electrostatic speaker were just so gentle on the ears non fatiguing. Absolute pleasure to listen to (yes you’re right, has to be high quality music) but rap also sounded good, but you have to accept a natural bass not earth shattering!
About 35+ years ago a guy I worked with introduced me to Stax electrostatic headphones at his home. I brought some of my CD’s with me on his suggestion and still remember the similar magic of hearing Joe Jacksons Body and Soul like I’d never heard it before. And somehow “You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)” from that album seems appropriate right now 😊. Cheers
I still listen to my 40 years + old STAX SRX MK3 ...............with the same pleasure outperforming all dynamic headphones within it's dynamic range ....Wonderfull .
Damn! One listen to that mid and top and I want a pair. They handle sibilance so naturally, such an integrated, natural, direct sound.....even over YT....
I would love to own a pair, if it weren't for kids and cats. But honestly can't complain, having a set of revised late 70's KEF Concerto paired with a Sugden class-A amplifier. Good sweet spot, room filling, full range sound down to 25Hz. Also a cherished vintage speaker, giving up some magic but without the headaches or pricetag.
I listened the Quads and the Dalquists head to head for three hours at Lyric HiFi and there was no question in my mind that I wanted the Dalquist speakers. The Quads just never did it for me. Now I’m a Maggie guy and I’m thrilled with their sound but they do need a subwoofer(s)
They sound great! This is not what they sounded like way back when, when I audition them. They were extremely thin sounding at that point in time and that is probably 40 decades ago.
10:33 - 11:46 I believe they were designed to sit very low on the floor so as to couple with the floor in the bass region so as to maximize the output possible in that region. This would also explain the angled curved shape which would angle the critical frequency region radiation towards the listener's ears (for the usual size home listening distance, which I am not sure what it was back then -- maybe shorter than today, maybe the same). The curvature, I would imagine to start with, would decrease any beaming in that critical region. It is hard to tell from the photos what the radius of curvature is but it is certainly greater than 4 metres. However, that would make the frequency less than 85 Hz where no-one expects any beaming so maybe there was another reason, e.g. to increase the stability of membrane. No-one should make any serious deductions from this though as the membrane was also constrained by means of rivets in its midsection so who knows how it was designed to operate. In 11:03 to 11:09 in these configurations you immediately lose the floor coupling effect which means you have to use more power - not sure how much more but if no caution is used, this would be detrimental to the speakers if no voltage limiter is added. Worse, you introduce a floor bounce effect (11:24). In these configurations the panels are not curved but straightened as with modern designs (except Martin Logan perhaps). In the configuration in 11:07 the panels retain the curvature but are angled differently. I have no idea how this set up was configured to work and why.
Hi thank you for the extremely interesting video I am not an expert but i listened to the bigger esl63 and was amazed I think that the esl63 is the better concept because the drivers are circular and coaxial I see a kind or rightness in this Another point Rumors are that the grill holds back a little the speaker performance I mean they should sound better with grills removed Imho a esl63 with the grill removed could be an ultimate solution for reproduction above lets say 100Hz For high SPLs a sub taking from 100Hz i think is needed I would think also to a mini esl63 with a 50 cm width taking care of the range from 200Hz up
Quite incredible that a speaker made in the '50s, when probably modern stereo vinyl LPs weren't even common, is still great with high resolution digital files made with technology of 70 years later! Also the cool factor or searching trough past technologies and finding some stuff that was decades ahead of what was normal or even high end at the time (and for the most part even today). Maybe give them some years more and someone will say that aliens made them!
I heard such electrostatics (I think it was the 63) at a (what you would now call) high-end audio shop. The year must have been 81 or 82. At that time, I was an electronics engineering student, I was shopping for speakers. My gear was a (self built and slightly modified) Nelson Jones 2x 10W class A amp driven by a Quad 33 preamp. I was invited to bring my gear to test drive some speakers in their listening room, I remember it was 'treated' with carpet and heavy velvet curtains. Being a student, of course I auditioned the cheaper speakers, but since my Quad 33 / Nelson Jones combination was found to be of very high quality, the owner invited me to test drive it on the ESL's too. What I heard was indeed magic... Alas, the ESL's were too expensive for me (remember I was a student), and I ended up buying Advent II's. But that event laid the seed for being an audiophile from then on.
Ottimo video. Complimenti per la tua fatica. Ho trascorso quasi tutta la mia esistenza audiofiliaca con diffusori ELS. Comincia nel lontano 1987 con una coppia di KLH Model 9 usate (un mito per allora). Ma uno dei diffusori era mezzo cotto. Non me ne ero accorto quando le acquistai. Quel furfante che me le vendette (era un mio collega di lavoro!!!!) mi truffò ovviamente ma, come hai ben inteso, le frodi fanno parte del gioco e di qualsiasi hobby. Inizi '90 passai alle Martin Logan CLS 2z che non erano male anche se, con il senno di poi, si potrebbero in qualche modo migliorare. Nel 2005 passai alle Sound Lab A-3 che detengo tuttora. Nel corso di quasi vent'anni ho cambiato i pannelli e sono passato alla variante PX qualche tempo fa. Ho abarthizzato fuori misura le elettroniche e il tecnico nostrano Marco Petrolesi (la sua competenza nel campo è eccezionale) ha cambiato i diaframmi un paio di anni. Ora vanno meglio e di gran lunga delle originali. Per quanto riguarda le Quad ELS 57, le ascoltai purtroppo frettolosamente ad una fiera forse un quarto di secolo fa (quel tedesco ne aveva appena acquistato i brevetti). Mi colpì ovviamente la timbrica ma non l'immagine, un'immagine che lasciava moltissimo a desiderare. Stavano riproducendo una voce la quale, anziché proiettarsi verso l'alto com'è ovvio, si proiettava verso il pavimento! Un ricordo indelebile! Mai sentita un'anomalia del genere. Mi sa che il loro piazzamento sia estremamente critico. Se ti capita di passare per Mantova (nei pressi) ti farei sentire il mio impianto (all tubes, all triodes, P-P di 212!!! No stato solido) giusto per sentire un giudizio
Grazie per aver condiviso la tua storia e per l’invito! Si, la posizione è davvero fondamentale e dovrei sperimentare molto di più di quello che ho fatto…è bello vedere che c’è qualcuno che si tiene dei diffusori per 20 anni, complimenti!
Today ELS 57’s are my favorite all time speakers. I have used them both a PA speakers using a 2,000 watt Carver amp snd at hime with great class A tube amps.
@@MrThacke Hello my fellow music lovers and hi-fi enthusiasts. This is from a 64 year old Black man and audiophile. You know it's kind of strange with electrostatic speakers and other panels. The can absorb several times their rated power handling capability without damage. I'm using Maggie's biamped to rated capacity with tubes on midrange and treble and transistors on bass.They rock out on all music genres and seem to have headroom for a lot more power!!
As some who sold them in the 1970’s I have a hard time believing that, sorry facts and Physics also have a hard time believing that. Yes you may have used a very large amp, but there is no way you could’ve used that type of power , maybe 10 %They just don’t play very loud before they break up.
If you want to hear something of real quality from Quad, listen to their planar headphones. They only have one flaw and that is they don’t fit very well if you have a smaller diameter head. So, I lay down on my carpet and listen to music through the headphones with the headband above my eyes and they fit fine and that way and they are incredible, especially for this really low price.
I think you can match them with a pair of subs that are small and fast with success. I think of subs as more a room reinforcement The amplifier is the key to getting much of the magic out of them (and the room-position). Mention should be made of the Quad 303 that is also a very safe and affordable amp to use with them as their voltage stays at 33v. I’m using a Radford STA 25 with KT77 tubes. Have the 303 and the Quad lls… but the Radford…. It is a sublime musical experience. They are not my only speakers, as their limitations are quite apparentand for many folks they are not practical. They are not a party speaker, nor are they great for a group of listeners as the golden sweet spot is small. But they are likely the last pair I would ever part with.
Very interesting. I've never tried electrostatics before. Is there a recommendation for a modern alternative that might be a touch more affordable? Thanks for sharing.
Great stuff Guido. I listened to a pair of huge Martin Logans and was washed away. The guy offered me to bzy them, but they were about 1,8 m high and about 60 cm wide and I can‘t place such monsters😕
I would say, very not too bad that frequency response. Listening to vinyls we all know they very rarely bring something under 40Hz. And as I'm over 66 years old I certainly won't regret the 20 KHz! Un caro saluto.
I heared these last week but they could not convince me. I played a pop/rock live album, and it was to much 'in my face', to sharp. Norah Jones on the other hand, sounded perfectly fine. System was vintage Marantz tube-gear.
Grazie per i tuoi video molto interessanti. Scusa la domanda personale ma dici che hai fatto un viaggio di un’ora per arrivare a Firenze, quindi abiti in Italia? Sono in linea con il tuo modo di vedere l’alta fedeltà e di ascoltare la musica, ascolto quasi solo Lp e ho anche io un rtr Studer ma un 807. Ascolto spesso con amplificatori d’epoca come Leak Quad e Marantz. Ho da più di 20 anni un paio di Martin Logan Sequel 2 che amo e quando ascolti un elettrostatico capisci immediatamente la loro velocità nell’emettere il suono rispetto agli altoparlanti convenzionali, altra caratteristica rispetto ai diffusori tradizionali in cassa chiusa è lo svincolamento del suono dai diffusori. Martin Logan Sequel 2 riproducono una gamma intera e suonano perfettamente nonostante l’età, le comprai usate ma con pannelli nuovi, al tempo Martin Logan sostituiva i pannelli, poi forse ha capito che non gli conveniva. Attualmente nella nuova abitazione ho avuto la possibilità di collocare i miei impianti in maniera ottimale e le Martin Logan ora suonano in una stanza simmetrica con le pareti alla stessa distanza canale destro e sinistro e per me è fondamentale in particolare con questo tipo di diffusori. Ho anche le Dahlquist DQ10 che hanno una forma simile alle Quad Esl 57 e le ho alzate di circa 10 cm. posizionandole su due pedane con ruote e per me vanno meglio, anche questi diffusori hanno la stessa caratteristica di perdere fuoco se l’ascoltatore non è perfettamente collocato. Grazie ancora e se passi per Udine passa a trovarmi! Continua con i tuoi fantastici video!
Incredible video , thanks a lot for your explanation and experience . I have an opportunity to hear a ELS and sound experience was amazing . Fan #1 . BTW , hi-fi society is promoting a hi-fi trade show this May (9th -12th) in Munich , Germany . Are you going ?
Here in America a 3 hour drive is practically next door. I would much rather drive 6 hours round trip in beautiful Italy even without a good reason. And those speakers are definitely a good reason
ESL was the actual name. ESL57 came afterwards as a way to differentiate the original from the subsequent ESL-63. I don't think that it was ever an official designation.
Excellent and timely video! I have Klipsch Cornwall IVs that I love and recently acquired a pair of original Martin Logan CLS electrostatic speakers. I asked the owner if there was any buzzing or rattling and he promised there wasn’t. Well, I got them home and instantly heard both. But aside from the noises, the sound is so captivating, so magical, that I am now in a quandary as to whether or not I should spend the $3,000 to purchase replacement panels. No one in the US will refurbish them. The only option is new panels from Martin Logan. The nice thing about the MLs and a significant advantage over the Quads is the 30 degree curvature of the panel for wider dispersion and the overall larger panel which allows for slightly more bass than the Quads and significantly more output (though certainly nothing close to large horn speakers). I don’t know about you, but I kind of wish I had never bought them because I was really happy with my Cornwalls. Now I’m halfway down a rabbit hole and not sure where it ends.
What about the Decware Zen Triode Anniversary tube amp/s (''2.3 watts RMS per channel or 6 watts in mono into the most difficult loads'') will they drive the Quads?
In the UK we're (well I am) jealous of the size of properties you guys have. It's down to us having 94000 sq/m for 67M people, you guys have 38000000 sq/m for 38M people... We're like sardines in a tin by comparison 🤣🤣🤣 Hence we have to squeeze in as much as we can. I love the Vinyl Den shows BTW, it's great to see how across the world we all love our music and vinyl.
Oh Guido. I know these speakers well. They are heart breakers. They will give you something no other can, but they will end up leaving you. It still hurts to think about what they so nearly gave me. So close to your forever partner, but no.😢💔
They are also revealing about the electronics you use...........and showing off the nasty thing that to much NFB does harm and take away from the music..........beware of some high end amplifiers made to drive current production loudspeakers ...sounding lean and clean but loosing the soul of what should talk and connect to your musical soul . Vey nice review, ..thank you !
Some models like the Quad can just be measured against any other modern speaker. Not one of those will compete in the mid-range presentation and the overall presentation in any case is, as stated in the title, a REFERENCE.
I've not lived with dipole or omni directional speakers but my mind keeps objecting to the idea that the source cannot be discerned. A large part of hearing is about determining the location of sound. It's said hearing can discern sounds arrival in 1/10th second intervals. As sounds echo and dissipate the mind can determine location by using timing cues, and this is always on. Your mind is always seeking the direction of sound. Obviously so you don't walk into the middle of a bear fight. What I am saying is a source that cannot be found is a trick. A neat trick to be sure. But is it better? It isn't more 'natural' that's for sure. Just something to think about.
Well, if you are going in that direction the whole concept of STEREO would be under debate. The speakers just make the effect/illusion better than others but it’s the stereo effect not the dipole configuration
Adding another pair really cancels the faults…….. Increased output Increased bass You don’t need any of the levinson system with subs and tweeters just 2 pairs of 57s…..I think 3 pairs in a stack would be audio nirvana
Happy OWNER of à (rare, at least in France) pair of Cadence Arca: seamless 2 ways electrostatic + 30 cm boomer. Kind of best of both world. But you need the right amps...
To, the audiophile community that hates transformers and capacitors in the signal ,path ...this is an answer and a lesson .........and invites to listen instead of intellectualise reality . No dynamic speaker will be able to do the same ........within it's limits of operation . Of vcourse when you're looking for the current mode of high end performance and exitement .....these are not for you but for people who love music . Besides a lot of very high quality amplifiers do not like a capacitive load , some go even in protection , they are not made and designed to frive such a load . Quasi complentary capacitor output PP stages ( old school SS ) will bloom with these speakers as well as the original Quad amplifiers. If you use something like a Quad 405 ............USE the limiter resistor reducing the power to max 50 watts ...............the amplifiers ound even better on all other speakers this way . Kind regards
I bought for my father a long time ago a cd transport the PS AUDIO LAMBDA which include a digital connection AT&T, connection that PS AUDIO said at the time was the best of the world. It sounded like rubbish, in fact the coax/Spdif sounded a lot better, can you talk about it, I mean it was really expensive..
In the Netherlands alone I have 3 experts who can refurbish them 😊 for way less than the german components cost by themselves 😂 like I said below, a fully functional pair of 57 for 200+80. They didnt need much, but they sound like new 😂 I really feel for how you were scammed in the first instance.
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/50CpmGNilS8aoMlarZVhI_GxRDoZdbj4ZgwCMZXg-Rq2PrEvCytlE6RVyLUrNY-rwE_sAlZ1Zw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
I was a proud owner of the ESL-63 for many years, their sound improved DRAMATICALLY when I attached them to their dedicated stands .. unforgettable experience...
someone says that they need a better frame to tame vibrations i.e. heavier and stiffer
First, thank you for your TH-cam post. it brought me back in a time machine to the 70s when I purchased 2 pairs of Quad ESL 57s in Germany and stacked them. Wow, that is a sound I will never forget. I added a pair of powered subs and to help the bottom out. Yes, the matched speed was not there on the bottom end, but it really didn't matter. Maybe my ears weren't as attuned to the spectrum as they could have been, but whatever. I had the speakers for about 6 years before selling them and I must say I miss them and regret not being able to hear those babies. The Quad ESL 57, especially when stacked for a tiny better sweet spot and greater amplitude is absolutely jaw dropping with the natural quality of sound produced. It's like opening up a window to a different universe. I now live in NYC in a one bedroom apt which makes another set of Quads impractical, so missing the sound, I purchased the electrostatic experience on a small scale with the Shure KSE 1500 IEMs for a truly portable experience. I recommend the Chord Mojo 2 + Chord Poly to complete this system for portability sake. It's not the same as the Quads, however on a personal level I highly recommend the Shure product along with an updated Dac. But if you can afford it, go with the Original Quad 57s for the original antique sound that is still relevant in 2024 and beyond.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I've heard Quad ESL 57's 10 feet apart and they were magic. Once heard you can never go back, just magic, in the USA Electrostatic Solutions is the best for repairs, and upgrades and you can even buy them directly from Kent. You can play rock also this is an all-around speaker and with upgrades they can play normally loud, not insane levels in the room. I take the 57s and 63s over any speaker today and you can buy them at sane prices also. Total rebuilt and sold as a pair under $6,000. I've used a McIntosh 400-watt amp on mine with no issues, and yes they have bass and good bass and in the room, they can hit mid 30 or lower due to room interaction.
Thank You Sir! I now know this winters project. I have had a pair of ESL57's for some 30 Years but due to constraints I have not gotten round to restoring them. So Your video has inspired Me, and now I will be driven by curiosity to get them up and running. I am an antiques restorer so I am able to undertake the restoration Myself by using a kit of parts supplied by the Australian Man who does the various ESL kits. Also I have a pair of fully restored Quad II amps to drive them with, so it will be really interesting to hear the original sound from the Quad amps and speakers. Best Wishes Jahmahrah
Glad to hear that! Good job!👍🏻
I picked up a pair two years ago. They are everything that is said about them. Love them! And yes, I use them as a reference speaker.
Nice!
They are truly a magical speaker. With the right amplification, they are unlike anything else. When set up properly, in an appropriately sized room, I do not find any shortage of bass. I have a lot of different types of speakers in my “inventory” - I like changing things up with amps/speakers. As always, I wonder how many who are naysayers have actually owned/spent real time with these before passing judgement. Or are they just parroting what they have heard others say about them.
The Quad has legendary resolution and transient speed only possible with a well designed electrostatic.
What a fantastic and accurate review of the 57's. I absolutely love what mine have t offer. Yes I spent a considerable amount of time with the positioning of them. Which is critical to bringing out the best listening pleasure. Mine are driven by a pair of fully refurbished quad 11 amplifiers. These are linked to a Densen dm20 preamplifier, very musical and dynamic. For the digital side of things, a Roksan K3 dac is connected and for the analogue side, there is Mark Travis mm phono stage along with a very heavily modified 1986 Rega planer 3. Like you pointed out, you tend to forgive the lack of extreme highs and lows for the sheer quality of what is present.
Absolutely fascinating story (video), Guido!! Thank-you so much for sharing your adventures with all the high & low points until you finally... had the fully refurbished pair of QUAD ESL's in your listening room. Marvellous. very best wishes & high regards for your patience & conscientiousness - from your Scottish audio friend in Japan, Paul...
The midrange is the best ever Had mine from 1973
They sound best with loads of space possible all around them - especially behind
Have them pointing directly at you then experiment with angling them up
In a small room still get as much space as possible at the back round about them
You can then cross them in front of you to get the diagonal length of the room and give you a tight focus in the centre
What you want is to allow the sound float in the air in front and around you
Experiment putting them in the middle of a room away from the back wall - magic !
Vocals acoustic instruments pianos are fantastic
Head banging heavy metal and Mahler maybe a bit nerve racking no so much - though you will hear more of the layers than ever
I add subwoofers and super tweeters - subtly
I’ve got quad 63s and 2905s
All with subwoofers and tweeters
The ESL 57 is the ideal of the Electrostatics ideal
Soft beautiful vocals and acoustic strings and wood - metal and percussion that sparkle
They are sensitive- think about it -
Have everything on vibration curbing feet
So glad you are experimenting these legendary speakers and sharing with us. I was always super curious about them and never had the opportunity to see some. Thanks for putting the effort.
The August 1979 issue of Stereo Review described a system that used EIGHT (two panels of four each) stacked ESL 57s for the front speakers, and eight stacked 57s for the rear speakers. Each panel was made of steel frames filled with lead, and weighed 800 lbs. They were crossed over at 50 Hz to two subs with 18 inch drivers, weighing a total of 3 1/2 tons. I wish I could have heard it.
Brilliant speakers. Simply unique in their landscape.
I also have STAX ELS-8X's & ELS-F83's with a smattering of STAX electronics. Nothing quite like electrostatics!
The genius of Peter Walker who was not only a brilliant technician but a gentleman to boot! Don’t make em like that anymore.
Awesome story I remember my first encounter with the quad was 1973, such a beautiful sounding speaker, as a young man then Straight outta high school I Decided to go with the Maggie 2 , in 1973 that was $2000 which is a lot of money for a 18 year old.
I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. on building the best Interconnect cables, my hobby now is Car audio sound quality competition, and the cables you recommended gave me the edge over my competitors a lot.
Thanks a lot for sharing all your knowledge.
Thank YOU!
Your channel (in my opinion) is simply the best on TH-cam. I love the way you are able to incorporate a “story” into a lot of your videos. In addition to that, you’re honest with your reviews. If you don’t like it, you say it. Also, you cover all topics, such as the differences between different types of CD’s, etc.
I have some Quad S2’s. I know they are nothing like the originals, but for a small cheap speaker, they are not too bad for a small room system.
Thanks for a great video!
Cheers, from Tomball, TX.
Thank you so much for your words…this is what keeps me going!!
I did not know that there were electrostats with low end that would sound so good. Thanks!
All New Popori Acoustics Loudspeakers will be at the 2024 Capital AudioFest in Room 840. You don't want to miss this one...maybe the NEW HOLY GRAIL OF SPEAKERS ?!
On the Sunday night of the last Stereophile show, in L.A., back in 1995, I was invited to a limited-audience, after-show, vinyl playing of The Dark Side of the Moon on two pairs of vertically-mounted Soundlab A1's, plus subwoofers for each channel, in a large room, everything valve-powered. I was able to grab the center seat, first row. At the end of side 1, I found myself in tears. Mind you, I'd heard that album a 1000 times already. There is nothing like the experience of electrostatic loudspeakers.
What a story! Thanks for sharing...it's very interesting to read your (intimate) stories and experiences
I've never been blown away by the Martin Logan electrostats. Have you ever done a comparison to those?
@@jman8368Quads are higher resolution, better imaging and tone.
stacked Soundlab A1 ? wow ... they are 81" each ....
I get the effort you put in. Like the way you explain the situation too. I'm more Kermit on Altecs and Jbl as you can play at higher levels with fewer problems and have less maintenance. In terms of midrange and delicacies these are gold. The music simply floats. The refurbishment of anything special these days is big bucks.
The best speakers I have ever heard are my large floor standing electrostatics, and I have owned many good box speakers over the decades. I first heard electrostatics as a youngster browsing in a hi-fi store when the salesman said listen to these Quads (became known as the Quad 57). I have never forgotten the experience. I recently decided on modern electrostatics rather than a new car! Absolutely stunning. I have ESL IC speakers made by ER Audio here in Australia with a B&W sealed box 10 sub. Absolutely amazing given a good recording. A lesser recording will sound poor and ESLs can be unkind to all but the best recordings.
Bravo! Thanks brother sharing that!
I agree great story. I had an experience of a pair being sold locally but, didn't buy them, bought a restored Maggie 1.7 which I really am happy with. I have been listening to Patricia Barber's same album you used. Sounded even good over TH-cam! Thanks!
The Maggies are a hell of a lot better than the quads. The quads have no bottom or top end. The Maggies have a very credible live sound above the midbass so a subwoofer is essential. Whatever Guido says I will probably disagree with I was one of the first people to hear the Quads at Lyric hi-fi in New York.
I used Quads for 12 years. Soon after I bought them I bought a second pair with the intention of stacking them. I never did and about a year later the person who I bought them from contacted me asking me to sell him back his pair.
I have moved on to other speakers but did enjoy my time with them.
The prior owner contacted you to ask them back!? Now that says it all!
I've had a set in my AV room, I've done a video on them, if they are original, but haven't been recapped & opened up, they have a load of dust buildup inside, which diminishes the sound quality, once clean out & vacuumed, they sound amazing, great video as usual 👍
Cool, thanks man!
Guido, what a journey to get them right. Thanks for sharing 🙏 I lived with electrostats for some years (German manufacture Capaciti who is no longer in business, unfortunately). I paired them with open baffle subwoofers (Ripole which are pretty close to the Linkwitz subs). That was a good combo of rumble and detail. I totally agree with what you said about the sweet spot and the max level. I ended up selling them and currently build up my own JBL 4355 to be paired with some 300B monos. Keep the good videos comin' 👍
Cool!😎
Amazingly, I've never heard Quads over the years. I've heard Acoustats, Martin Logans and Magnepans. I have a pair of Magnepan MMGs in my smallish listening room and am happy with them. When I saw my first pair of planar dipole speakers, my first reaction was This will never work. But it does, very well thank you.
Great review and interesting story. I love quad esl, I have listened to the ESL63. To be honest I have never listened to such a transparent speaker, with warmth and natural tonality, despite the lean bass. The music just suspended in the air and wrapped around you and seduced you. Unfortunately, I didn't have the room to be a proud owner. You are such a lucky man. From that day I was always chasing a quad presentation. 😎👍🎵🎶
Excellent review 🎉 I use both Quad models with REL T7x subs and they measure pretty flat to 30hz in my room, with a small peak at 150hz. I use my 57s with quad amps but the best are futterman H3 and HITACHI hma 7500 with MOSFET. 63s need SS amps.
Thanks! Yes, even Enrico said the Futterman is the best solution.
Listened to a pair at TurntableShop in North Vancouver and was awestruck. Nothing has ever impressed me the same. Ever.
@@DealerIgnition That’s where I bought mine. I miss Nick!!!
Me too. He was such a legend!
These Loudspeakers are just like giant headphones,amazing Monitors...you must be placed right in the center space !...
INDEED !
I love electrostatic speakers. I have a pair of Quad ESL63s and they sound amazing. But the speakers I use all the time are Martin Logan ESL hybrids. Currently I'm using an old pair of Sequel II ML hybrids. They really do a good job of integrating the woofers with the panels. They sounds close to the quads with jazz and classical. But they work great for rock and all kinds of music.
NICE!!
Very interesting video. I have Altec 19 and esl 57 too. Both are great. My experience with 57 is that they are much better made than the newer models. I know of at least 2 pairs that original from the 60s and 70s and play perfectly. I never had problems with any 57 .
I also say that if you tilt them a bit forward, with some books under the back foot you will experience a dramatic improvement in my opinion.
Interesting thank you!
great review THX
Next to my big system with the psaudio FR30 I have Magnepan 1.7i in my office/gaming room. I´m listening to alot of music there before i actually buy the records.
I´m totally happy with the Magnepan and I mainly moved them out of my homecinema room because they couldn´t handle what came from modern movies.
So I needed a big box again for this room to handly the most brutal movies and sounding great for my vinyl and digital records and have a nice look.
But for pure music listening these Magnepan 1.7i work wonderful, amazing when you consider the price
Cool!
I was just listening to the demo of your Quad ESLs through a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones that are plugged directly into an OTL Tube headphone amplifier I made myself using three Svetlana 6N1P Tubes, and you should have heard what it sounded like, I could hear all the subtle nuances in the music, it sounded wonderful, nice and crystal clear, the bass was really nice sounding, as was the midrange and highs.
Wow! 👍🏻
The ESL57 has been my reference speaker for over 35 years. I use them on Arcici stands, and with the Gradient SW57 open baffle dipole woofers. Once you reach a certain age, supertweeters aren't really needed. One point I would add to your video is, don't try to judge a Quad that was just plugged in. They need to be powered up for several days before they really come to life, especially if the panels are tired. In fact, a pair with older panels that hasn't been powered for an extended time, will make almost no sound when first plugged in, and the temptation is to keep turning up the amp. Don't do it! You can still arc the panels by overdriving them. Just be patient and wait.
Here in the USA Electrostatic Solutions in Kansas City does a great job rebuilding them, but there are others who do great work.
It's funny, I came across a pair of Dalquist DQ10 one day, they look awfully familiar to the Quad.
Main difference they are "classical" speakers not electrostatic.
Unfortunately, they were at a thrift store and so you couldn't give them a listen and they were asking such a ridiculous price for it that I passed. (they did look like they needed quite a bit of work to be done)
Glad to hear after all the hurdles you had to go through, you managed to enjoy them.
Like you said they're not for everybody but for those who fit it's probably bliss..
Was surprised that the Quads are dynamic. Their midrange is legendary. I did something unusual recently. After listening to nothing but cds and top drawer equipment since Christmas, I hooked up an old Japanese cassette deck I have, to a 40 year old top of the line 1980s integrated amp. A combo you could buy used for $700 on the net if you could locate them. I expected the sound quality to be a huge downgrade compared to what I had been listening too. I did use my best cables and the same speakers I was using.
To my shock, the sound had the same inage height as the equipment I was using before. The singers voice, as usual, was on the ceiling About the same depth and maybe even a bit more natural sounding. I did hear less purity, somewhat smaller instrument size, and less speed and immediacy on transients, but still really nice. Like listening through a very slight fog If you out there still have some old equipment which you upgraded from years ago, hook it up one day and see what you think.You may be surprised how far you have not come.
Years ago I used to look after a “sound room” in my retail days. And we had a pair of esl63’s. Every morning before the store opened I used to spend an hour or so just listening to music and it was an absolute pleasure because the electrostatic speaker were just so gentle on the ears non fatiguing. Absolute pleasure to listen to (yes you’re right, has to be high quality music) but rap also sounded good, but you have to accept a natural bass not earth shattering!
Cool, how nice that you took some time for yourself!
You are batting a thousand. My TL5 transport is around two hundred hours burnt in. The angels come down from heaven to hear my rig.
About 35+ years ago a guy I worked with introduced me to Stax electrostatic headphones at his home. I brought some of my CD’s with me on his suggestion and still remember the similar magic of hearing Joe Jacksons Body and Soul like I’d never heard it before.
And somehow “You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)” from that album seems appropriate right now 😊.
Cheers
I still listen to my 40 years + old STAX SRX MK3 ...............with the same pleasure outperforming all dynamic headphones within it's dynamic range ....Wonderfull .
Great stuff!
Damn! One listen to that mid and top and I want a pair. They handle sibilance so naturally, such an integrated, natural, direct sound.....even over YT....
I would love to own a pair, if it weren't for kids and cats. But honestly can't complain, having a set of revised late 70's KEF Concerto paired with a Sugden class-A amplifier. Good sweet spot, room filling, full range sound down to 25Hz. Also a cherished vintage speaker, giving up some magic but without the headaches or pricetag.
Sweet! Congrats!
I listened the Quads and the Dalquists head to head for three hours at Lyric HiFi and there was no question in my mind that I wanted the Dalquist speakers. The Quads just never did it for me. Now I’m a Maggie guy and I’m thrilled with their sound but they do need a subwoofer(s)
They sound great! This is not what they sounded like way back when, when I audition them. They were extremely thin sounding at that point in time and that is probably 40 decades ago.
Thanks Guido, very interesting!
10:33 - 11:46 I believe they were designed to sit very low on the floor so as to couple with the floor in the bass region so as to maximize the output possible in that region. This would also explain the angled curved shape which would angle the critical frequency region radiation towards the listener's ears (for the usual size home listening distance, which I am not sure what it was back then -- maybe shorter than today, maybe the same). The curvature, I would imagine to start with, would decrease any beaming in that critical region. It is hard to tell from the photos what the radius of curvature is but it is certainly greater than 4 metres. However, that would make the frequency less than 85 Hz where no-one expects any beaming so maybe there was another reason, e.g. to increase the stability of membrane. No-one should make any serious deductions from this though as the membrane was also constrained by means of rivets in its midsection so who knows how it was designed to operate.
In 11:03 to 11:09 in these configurations you immediately lose the floor coupling effect which means you have to use more power - not sure how much more but if no caution is used, this would be detrimental to the speakers if no voltage limiter is added. Worse, you introduce a floor bounce effect (11:24). In these configurations the panels are not curved but straightened as with modern designs (except Martin Logan perhaps). In the configuration in 11:07 the panels retain the curvature but are angled differently. I have no idea how this set up was configured to work and why.
Great video!
THANKS!
Items of passion.
Hi thank you for the extremely interesting video I am not an expert but i listened to the bigger esl63 and was amazed
I think that the esl63 is the better concept because the drivers are circular and coaxial I see a kind or rightness in this
Another point Rumors are that the grill holds back a little the speaker performance I mean they should sound better with grills removed
Imho a esl63 with the grill removed could be an ultimate solution for reproduction above lets say 100Hz
For high SPLs a sub taking from 100Hz i think is needed
I would think also to a mini esl63 with a 50 cm width taking care of the range from 200Hz up
Great video love it ❤
Infinity Servo Statics were the most revealing and uncanny speakers I ever had.
Quite incredible that a speaker made in the '50s, when probably modern stereo vinyl LPs weren't even common, is still great with high resolution digital files made with technology of 70 years later! Also the cool factor or searching trough past technologies and finding some stuff that was decades ahead of what was normal or even high end at the time (and for the most part even today). Maybe give them some years more and someone will say that aliens made them!
Thanks for your videos♥️♥️♥️👍👍👍
I heard such electrostatics (I think it was the 63) at a (what you would now call) high-end audio shop. The year must have been 81 or 82.
At that time, I was an electronics engineering student, I was shopping for speakers. My gear was a (self built and slightly modified) Nelson Jones 2x 10W class A amp driven by a Quad 33 preamp.
I was invited to bring my gear to test drive some speakers in their listening room, I remember it was 'treated' with carpet and heavy velvet curtains.
Being a student, of course I auditioned the cheaper speakers, but since my Quad 33 / Nelson Jones combination was found to be of very high quality, the owner invited me to test drive it on the ESL's too. What I heard was indeed magic...
Alas, the ESL's were too expensive for me (remember I was a student), and I ended up buying Advent II's.
But that event laid the seed for being an audiophile from then on.
Thanks for sharing this! Love people’s experiences and stories
Ottimo video. Complimenti per la tua fatica. Ho trascorso quasi tutta la mia esistenza audiofiliaca con diffusori ELS. Comincia nel lontano 1987 con una coppia di KLH Model 9 usate (un mito per allora). Ma uno dei diffusori era mezzo cotto. Non me ne ero accorto quando le acquistai. Quel furfante che me le vendette (era un mio collega di lavoro!!!!) mi truffò ovviamente ma, come hai ben inteso, le frodi fanno parte del gioco e di qualsiasi hobby. Inizi '90 passai alle Martin Logan CLS 2z che non erano male anche se, con il senno di poi, si potrebbero in qualche modo migliorare. Nel 2005 passai alle Sound Lab A-3 che detengo tuttora. Nel corso di quasi vent'anni ho cambiato i pannelli e sono passato alla variante PX qualche tempo fa. Ho abarthizzato fuori misura le elettroniche e il tecnico nostrano Marco Petrolesi (la sua competenza nel campo è eccezionale) ha cambiato i diaframmi un paio di anni. Ora vanno meglio e di gran lunga delle originali.
Per quanto riguarda le Quad ELS 57, le ascoltai purtroppo frettolosamente ad una fiera forse un quarto di secolo fa (quel tedesco ne aveva appena acquistato i brevetti). Mi colpì ovviamente la timbrica ma non l'immagine, un'immagine che lasciava moltissimo a desiderare. Stavano riproducendo una voce la quale, anziché proiettarsi verso l'alto com'è ovvio, si proiettava verso il pavimento! Un ricordo indelebile! Mai sentita un'anomalia del genere. Mi sa che il loro piazzamento sia estremamente critico.
Se ti capita di passare per Mantova (nei pressi) ti farei sentire il mio impianto (all tubes, all triodes, P-P di 212!!! No stato solido) giusto per sentire un giudizio
Grazie per aver condiviso la tua storia e per l’invito! Si, la posizione è davvero fondamentale e dovrei sperimentare molto di più di quello che ho fatto…è bello vedere che c’è qualcuno che si tiene dei diffusori per 20 anni, complimenti!
Today ELS 57’s are my favorite all time speakers. I have used them both a PA speakers using a 2,000 watt Carver amp snd at hime with great class A tube amps.
Holy moly!
Hard to imagine. More than about 35 watts will fry them.
@@gotham61 not my pair. I played and sang through a 1500 watt Carver Amp full volume.
@@MrThacke Hello my fellow music lovers and hi-fi enthusiasts. This is from a 64 year old Black man and audiophile. You know it's kind of strange with electrostatic speakers and other panels. The can absorb several times their rated power handling capability without damage. I'm using Maggie's biamped to rated capacity with tubes on midrange and treble and transistors on bass.They rock out on all music genres and seem to have headroom for a lot more power!!
As some who sold them in the 1970’s I have a hard time believing that, sorry facts and Physics also have a hard time believing that. Yes you may have used a very large amp, but there is no way you could’ve used that type of power , maybe 10 %They just don’t play very loud before they break up.
If you want to hear something of real quality from Quad, listen to their planar headphones. They only have one flaw and that is they don’t fit very well if you have a smaller diameter head. So, I lay down on my carpet and listen to music through the headphones with the headband above my eyes and they fit fine and that way and they are incredible, especially for this really low price.
Interesting, thanks!
I think you can match them with a pair of subs that are small and fast with success. I think of subs as more a room reinforcement
The amplifier is the key to getting much of the magic out of them (and the room-position). Mention should be made of the Quad 303 that is also a very safe and affordable amp to use with them as their voltage stays at 33v.
I’m using a Radford STA 25 with KT77 tubes. Have the 303 and the Quad lls… but the Radford….
It is a sublime musical experience.
They are not my only speakers, as their limitations are quite apparentand for many folks they are not practical. They are not a party speaker, nor are they great for a group of listeners as the golden sweet spot is small.
But they are likely the last pair I would ever part with.
Yes the Quad 303 is excellent with the ESL57, coincidentally, I have a Radford STA25 Mk 3.
SDS Audio in Grantham, New Hampshire USA repairs Quad Speakers. I’ve heard that he is good.
Very interesting. I've never tried electrostatics before. Is there a recommendation for a modern alternative that might be a touch more affordable? Thanks for sharing.
Well, a great place to start is surely Magnepan and Martin Logan. Otherwise also on the vintage side Acoustat X comes to mind
No comment on electrostatic but I find the observations you had also ring true for the KEF Ref Ser 104.2
Great stuff Guido. I listened to a pair of huge Martin Logans and was washed away. The guy offered me to bzy them, but they were about 1,8 m high and about 60 cm wide and I can‘t place such monsters😕
I would say, very not too bad that frequency response. Listening to vinyls we all know they very rarely bring something under 40Hz. And as I'm over 66 years old I certainly won't regret the 20 KHz! Un caro saluto.
It would be interesting to see how they compare with magnepan
I heared these last week but they could not convince me. I played a pop/rock live album, and it was to much 'in my face', to sharp. Norah Jones on the other hand, sounded perfectly fine. System was vintage Marantz tube-gear.
Grazie per i tuoi video molto interessanti. Scusa la domanda personale ma dici che hai fatto un viaggio di un’ora per arrivare a Firenze, quindi abiti in Italia? Sono in linea con il tuo modo di vedere l’alta fedeltà e di ascoltare la musica, ascolto quasi solo Lp e ho anche io un rtr Studer ma un 807. Ascolto spesso con amplificatori d’epoca come Leak Quad e Marantz. Ho da più di 20 anni un paio di Martin Logan Sequel 2 che amo e quando ascolti un elettrostatico capisci immediatamente la loro velocità nell’emettere il suono rispetto agli altoparlanti convenzionali, altra caratteristica rispetto ai diffusori tradizionali in cassa chiusa è lo svincolamento del suono dai diffusori. Martin Logan Sequel 2 riproducono una gamma intera e suonano perfettamente nonostante l’età, le comprai usate ma con pannelli nuovi, al tempo Martin Logan sostituiva i pannelli, poi forse ha capito che non gli conveniva. Attualmente nella nuova abitazione ho avuto la possibilità di collocare i miei impianti in maniera ottimale e le Martin Logan ora suonano in una stanza simmetrica con le pareti alla stessa distanza canale destro e sinistro e per me è fondamentale in particolare con questo tipo di diffusori. Ho anche le Dahlquist DQ10 che hanno una forma simile alle Quad Esl 57 e le ho alzate di circa 10 cm. posizionandole su due pedane con ruote e per me vanno meglio, anche questi diffusori hanno la stessa caratteristica di perdere fuoco se l’ascoltatore non è perfettamente collocato. Grazie ancora e se passi per Udine passa a trovarmi! Continua con i tuoi fantastici video!
Si, sono Italiano e abito in Italia. Mia madre era statunitense quindi sono bilingue. Bel viaggio tra gli elettrostatici, complimenti!
Incredible video , thanks a lot for your explanation and experience . I have an opportunity to hear a ELS and sound experience was amazing . Fan #1 . BTW , hi-fi society is promoting a hi-fi trade show this May (9th -12th) in Munich , Germany . Are you going ?
Thanks! I would love to go, it’s the biggest HIfi event on the planet or at least the most important but it’s hard between work and family…
Thanks for the great video! Are you keeping them?
Thanks! For now I am. Until I have room…
Here in America a 3 hour drive is practically next door. I would much rather drive 6 hours round trip in beautiful Italy even without a good reason. And those speakers are definitely a good reason
4:06 Yes. It's called bass (not a dirty word in the wider audiophile sense but perhaps a dirty word in certain esoteric audiophile circles).
ESL was the actual name. ESL57 came afterwards as a way to differentiate the original from the subsequent ESL-63. I don't think that it was ever an official designation.
Perfect for blues as well.
Very interesting. Do you have experience with open baffles using conventional dynamic drivers?
Not in my system...one day!
Excellent and timely video! I have Klipsch Cornwall IVs that I love and recently acquired a pair of original Martin Logan CLS electrostatic speakers. I asked the owner if there was any buzzing or rattling and he promised there wasn’t.
Well, I got them home and instantly heard both. But aside from the noises, the sound is so captivating, so magical, that I am now in a quandary as to whether or not I should spend the $3,000 to purchase replacement panels. No one in the US will refurbish them. The only option is new panels from Martin Logan.
The nice thing about the MLs and a significant advantage over the Quads is the 30 degree curvature of the panel for wider dispersion and the overall larger panel which allows for slightly more bass than the Quads and significantly more output (though certainly nothing close to large horn speakers).
I don’t know about you, but I kind of wish I had never bought them because I was really happy with my Cornwalls. Now I’m halfway down a rabbit hole and not sure where it ends.
I hear you man! 😁
You could bring back the best Reggiano when you visit Parma. It’s worth the six hour round trip.
Manga Guido!
If fact I did that, il Parmigiano delle Vacche Rosse (red cows’ parmigiano)
What about the Decware Zen Triode Anniversary tube amp/s (''2.3 watts RMS per channel or 6 watts in mono into the most difficult loads'') will they drive the Quads?
I am afraid not, or at least as as well as they should. You need at least 15w
@@anadialog Oh dear, how sad. Never mind. Thanks for the quick reply.
In the UK we're (well I am) jealous of the size of properties you guys have. It's down to us having 94000 sq/m for 67M people, you guys have 38000000 sq/m for 38M people... We're like sardines in a tin by comparison 🤣🤣🤣
Hence we have to squeeze in as much as we can.
I love the Vinyl Den shows BTW, it's great to see how across the world we all love our music and vinyl.
Oh Guido. I know these speakers well. They are heart breakers. They will give you something no other can, but they will end up leaving you.
It still hurts to think about what they so nearly gave me.
So close to your forever partner, but no.😢💔
I think I will keep them, they are too good, but must put them in another place, don't have anymore room!
Alien 👽 technology 😊❤
They are also revealing about the electronics you use...........and showing off the nasty thing that to much NFB does harm and take away from the music..........beware of some high end amplifiers made to drive current production loudspeakers ...sounding lean and clean but loosing the soul of what should talk and connect to your musical soul .
Vey nice review, ..thank you !
What Altec model do you have there?
My 19's! th-cam.com/video/Oe641YRwiCY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4SF-620Bp6kDykoe
Classic loudspeakers must be appreciated by what they can do good and not by what they can't, tat would be unfair.
Some models like the Quad can just be measured against any other modern speaker. Not one of those will compete in the mid-range presentation and the overall presentation in any case is, as stated in the title, a REFERENCE.
Thanx a lot for charing your story. Incredible. still laughing about the "dieing familie" MfG
I think you should try PMC speakers
Stacked QUADS with a super tweeters and open baffle subs are fun. But there are cheaper ways to get close to that. 😅
At the end of the day, costly driver that is best from 100 hz- 10,000 hz
I've not lived with dipole or omni directional speakers but my mind keeps objecting to the idea that the source cannot be discerned. A large part of hearing is about determining the location of sound. It's said hearing can discern sounds arrival in 1/10th second intervals. As sounds echo and dissipate the mind can determine location by using timing cues, and this is always on. Your mind is always seeking the direction of sound. Obviously so you don't walk into the middle of a bear fight.
What I am saying is a source that cannot be found is a trick. A neat trick to be sure. But is it better? It isn't more 'natural' that's for sure. Just something to think about.
Well, if you are going in that direction the whole concept of STEREO would be under debate. The speakers just make the effect/illusion better than others but it’s the stereo effect not the dipole configuration
That’s why they call them “Walker’s Windows”.
Adding another pair really cancels the faults……..
Increased output
Increased bass
You don’t need any of the levinson system with subs and tweeters just 2 pairs of 57s…..I think 3 pairs in a stack would be audio nirvana
Magnepan subs or dipole ones will work. 😊
what are your fvorite speakers or ones you desire to obtain❓
Well, I would really like to explore more horn loaded efficient speakers. One of my dreams is the Loth-X Bard!
Happy OWNER of à (rare, at least in France) pair of Cadence Arca: seamless 2 ways electrostatic + 30 cm boomer. Kind of best of both world. But you need the right amps...
How cool!!
To, the audiophile community that hates transformers and capacitors in the signal ,path ...this is an answer and a lesson .........and invites to listen instead of intellectualise reality .
No dynamic speaker will be able to do the same ........within it's limits of operation .
Of vcourse when you're looking for the current mode of high end performance and exitement .....these are not for you but for people who love music .
Besides a lot of very high quality amplifiers do not like a capacitive load , some go even in protection , they are not made and designed to frive such a load .
Quasi complentary capacitor output PP stages ( old school SS ) will bloom with these speakers as well as the original Quad amplifiers.
If you use something like a Quad 405 ............USE the limiter resistor reducing the power to max 50 watts ...............the amplifiers ound even better on all other speakers this way .
Kind regards
Good points!
The germanscr v expensive but one thing audio is v good .iwner recetly pastvaway now run by his son.
If they could focus here on upgrade here then we might have something maybe they have.
And now you will be searching for a cross between the Quad and Altec 😁
. Now that would be a neat trick.
😶🌫️
I have a pair lift them off the floor a bit and sit in sweet spot magic happens!
I bought for my father a long time ago a cd transport the PS AUDIO LAMBDA which include a digital connection AT&T, connection that PS AUDIO said at the time was the best of the world. It sounded like rubbish, in fact the coax/Spdif sounded a lot better, can you talk about it, I mean it was really expensive..
I had a set of these and took them to the dump.
The original els’s use stretched pig guts which actually sounds better than mylar.
Nonsense.
6:00 you meant the wife’s life, or the speakers? 😜
😂...can't say!
In the Netherlands alone I have 3 experts who can refurbish them 😊 for way less than the german components cost by themselves 😂 like I said below, a fully functional pair of 57 for 200+80. They didnt need much, but they sound like new 😂
I really feel for how you were scammed in the first instance.