STACKED PAIRS OF ESL-57's WITH SUPERTWEETERS - ANYONE STILL HEARS THESE SPEAKERS?

[puroagave]

I don't think Peter was referring to Quads per se but other speaker designs of the time like the aforementioned QRS/1D, etc.

I never got to hear the QRS/1D, as chance would have there's a set for sale on epay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INFINITY-QR...EM-w-Dahlquist-DQLP-1-Crossover-/280871595070

 

[JackD201]

I think it depends. Stacks Quads are basically large MTMs. Sit too close and elements are presented too large. They need a bit of distance to cohere and balance. Coloured or not, with the right amps tone can be heavenly. Is it my thing? No, I like my imaging neater (single pairs) and I have a tendency to go nuts with the volume control more often than I should, which a single pair can't handle. However, I can certainly understand why they appeal to so many.

 

[MylesBAstor]

I never got to hear the QRS/1D, as chance would have there's a set for sale on epay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INFINITY-QR...EM-w-Dahlquist-DQLP-1-Crossover-/280871595070

Very interesting accompanying story!

 

[microstrip]

I think it depends. Stacks Quads are basically large MTMs. Sit too close and elements are presented too large. They need a bit of distance to cohere and balance. Coloured or not, with the right amps tone can be heavenly. Is it my thing? No, I like my imaging neater (single pairs) and I have a tendency to go nuts with the volume control more often than I should, which a single pair can't handle. However, I can certainly understand why they appeal to so many.

Jack,

The stacked ESL57 will behave as a 5 feet linear source, and as you say needs some distance to sound balanced. Curiously the best memories I have them (I never owned the HQD, as I did not have the space, but got the Q stack with the Mark Levinson designed thick wood frame), come from ECM recordings - the vibraphone of Gary Burton and many other ECM instrumental recordings filled my space with astonishing timbre and life like colors. Gary Burton "Passengers" opening bars never sounded the same!

 

[microstrip]

Very interesting accompanying story!

Great story - thanks for pointing its interest.

I still own a Dahlquist DQ LP1 Electronic Crossover - at that time I could not afford the very expensive Mark Levinson crosovers!

 

[BruceD]

I still own a Dahlquist DQ LP1 Electronic Crossover - at that time I could not afford the very expensive Mark Levinson crosovers!

I used the John Curl Symmetry ACS-1


BruceD

 

[drunkenrabbit]

I like my ESL's and have heard stacked pairs in the past +/- subs. I suggest that the 2905 (when they are working - QC is a problem) is a better overall (more coherent) speaker than stacked ESL's . But there is something about the mids of the original ESL's that for certain music - vocal / instruments at moderate SPL that is very addictive. I mainly listen to classical & some jazz - and their shortcomings are easily forgiven. I sold my 2905's (after constant probelems with them) and am back with the original ESL (my third pair) as I feel they offer so very much, for so very little.

If you listen to rock, pop or electronica then I wouldn't advocate Quad 57's. They simply are not suited to that style of music.

FWIW I agree with the OP - Croft and Quad ESL go together very well (not surprising given that is what Glenn uses himself). @ OP find some Mullard 8133 NOS - they work tremendously with Glenn's amps.

 

[meistersinger57]

Jack,

The stacked ESL57 will behave as a 5 feet linear source, and as you say needs some distance to sound balanced. Curiously the best memories I have them (I never owned the HQD, as I did not have the space, but got the Q stack with the Mark Levinson designed thick wood frame), come from ECM recordings - the vibraphone of Gary Burton and many other ECM instrumental recordings filled my space with astonishing timbre and life like colors. Gary Burton "Passengers" opening bars never sounded the same!

Yes, they need some distance; here I am 13,45 ft. from the "stand" e with 1,5 ft behind the "stack", and yes, with vibraphones the things realy sing; tehy specially like Milt Jackson vibes...

 

[mullard88]

I have plans to set up my double Quads. Right now, they have been plugged in for about one week to charge up the capacitors. They have been in storage for almost three years already.

 

[Paul49720]

I like my ESL's and have heard stacked pairs in the past +/- subs. I suggest that the 2905 (when they are working - QC is a problem) is a better overall (more coherent) speaker than stacked ESL's . But there is something about the mids of the original ESL's that for certain music - vocal / instruments at moderate SPL that is very addictive. I mainly listen to classical & some jazz - and their shortcomings are easily forgiven. I sold my 2905's (after constant probelems with them) and am back with the original ESL (my third pair) as I feel they offer so very much, for so very little.

If you listen to rock, pop or electronica then I wouldn't advocate Quad 57's. They simply are not suited to that style of music.

FWIW I agree with the OP - Croft and Quad ESL go together very well (not surprising given that is what Glenn uses himself). @ OP find some Mullard 8133 NOS - they work tremendously with Glenn's amps.

Hello, I have one of Glenn's preamps and I looked for your recommended "Mullard 8133" but could find no reference. Would you kindly confirm this IS a Mullard number and perhaps send a link to a source ? Many thanks.

On the ESL57 front, I recently took delivery of rebuilt panels and electronics from ElectroStatic Solutions, St. Louis, MO. Sensitivity is up to around 86 / 87 dB and I am running them with my Yamamoto 4w SET (ADI valves) with matching loudness at same volume pot setting as for Quad 303 ! They sound sublime. I added Townshend Super Tweeters yesterday and that lifted the magic with air and space and the tendency of 2d planar character opened out into the ether of 3d --front to back-- space.