Are the current Quad reference electrostatic loudspeakers worth considering ? ...

Joe

I am not sure they are a full range speaker. What they do they do very nicely. In the right set-up they will fulfill most users requirements. I would't say they compete with the top speakers out there, but that will not matter to most users.
 
Thank you Jim. I appreciate your opinion.

Strads are still on top of my list but I am considering a few others.
 
I do not believe there is currently a Quad importer for the U.S.

Service and parts on those panels was always sketchy.

I'd consider finding a good pair of 57's, or 63's and having them rebuilt by a professional refurbisher.

My 57's were done by Wayne Picquet in Florida.
 
If you are considering any electrostatic speakers Joe, I would contact Roger Modjeski. He knows more about ESL's than anybody in the business. To get the best results, you need to by-pass the transformers in the speakers and go direct with a direct drive OTL amp. This makes a night and day difference in SQ. Roger makes an OTL amp for about $4500.
 
Hi Tom,

I am not sure at this point. I'm just waiting on my Harbeth 40.1's to get here. I may eventually end up with Strads.
 
ozarktom said:
Strads? Which one are those?
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These! I wanted them for years but for some reason never went after them. :(

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/en-us/our-brands/sonus-faber/products/homage/stradivari

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joeinid said:
These! I wanted them for years but for some reason never went after them. :(

Stradivari

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If you do, I just hope they don't overdrive your room. I sold a pair of the Duntech Sovereigns to a customer back in the 80's that had a room perfect for these. It was the best I have ever heard. I heard the exact same system in a much smaller room and the system sounded like crap. The Sovereigns were about the same size as these Strads are.
 
I'm pretty sure my room can handle them. I think I have the gear for them too, it's just a matter of playing with what I have.

I remember those speakers. Very nice.

ozarktom said:
If you do, I just hope they don't overdrive your room. I sold a pair of the Duntech Sovereigns to a customer back in the 80's that had a room perfect for these. It was the best I have ever heard. I heard the exact same system in a much smaller room and the system sounded like crap. The Sovereigns were about the same size as these Strads are.
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MtnHam said:
When it comes to electrostatics, none are better than Sound Labs. An excellent review by Dr. Jules Coleman, comparing them to Quads, can be found here:

Sound Lab Majestic 845PX Electrostatic Speaker The heart of a ...
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Acoustat Monitors or X's are still the kings. The problem with the Sound Labs, no direct drive amps. The only ones with DD amps beside Acoustats were the Beveridge's and they only made 10 pair of them. To get the very best sound out of ESL's is to direct drive them.
 
kiwi_1282001 said:
Yes, the width (in particular) of the Sound Labs at around 40 inches+ for the better performing models is a shop stopper for many. You can't exactly sneak them into the lounge.

For this reason hybrid panels are quite popular. If you are considering ESL technology do include consideration of Sanders Sound Systems. Unlike the Sound Labs the Sanders is full range with a cited frequency response 20 Hz. to 27 KHz. +/- 2 dB yet at around 11 to 15 inches wide, model dependent - these do more easily receive Wife Acceptance (WAF)

The 10C model (photo below) received HP's (TAS) Golden Ear and Editors awards back to back in 2010 and 2011.


DDDwalnut11_zps80a7e36c.jpg
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But are the Sanders Direct Driven? If not, the Acoustats are still better.
 
The Sanders also sound very good but are a "one seat" sweet spot. The amplification is very good, I have a pair of the monos & have owned the stereo as well.
 
kiwi_1282001 said:
Could you define "Direct Driven"?

The Sanders is bundled with amplification and active digital cross over's with bass equalization to control the interface with the room.

I thought Acoustat Corp was now inactive?
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Direct driven is no crossovers and no transformers in the signal path. The amp has high enough voltage to drive the ESL's direct. Acoustat is no longer but if you keep watch on the look-out, a pair of Model Three or Fours can be had for less that $1000. I have seen a lot of Model Three's sell for $500. I also saw a pair of the Acoustat servo amps go for $450 on Craigslist. This makes the Acoustats one of the biggest bargains in the audio world today.

Roger Modjeski now makes a DD servo amp for $4500 in case you cannot find the Acoustat servo amps. So for about $5K, you can own these. What a bargain.
Music Reference | Product Price List

Here is a great website to learn more about Acoustat. As you read you will notice many there still say these are the best speakers in the world. I now like my Zellaton's better but it has taken me 30 years to find them.

Acoustat

The Model sixes would be very interesting to try with these amps, there is a pair on Ebay for $2200 buy it now and pick-up in Colorado.

Acoustat Model 6 Electrostatic Speakers Beautiful Condition and Sound | eBay
 
joeinid said:
I'm pretty sure my room can handle them. I think I have the gear for them too, it's just a matter of playing with what I have.

I remember those speakers. Very nice.
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Are you close to Audio Arts in NYC? If so, go and spend a few hours listening to the Zellaton Grands. Those would work perfectly in your 16x22 room but I know for sure the Duntech Sovereigns never would. The room I placed those sovereigns in was 22x32 witrh a 17 foot vaulted ceiling.

If you are an audio purist like I am, those Zellatons will spoil you forever. No speaker with proprietary drivers will ever satisfy you again.
 
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