Quad ESL 57… Brooklyn, New York to Northern California

[wdc 172]

Well guys, the Quads
made it in today, Brooklyn, New York to Northern California via
FedEx.  Now the real challenge begins, convince the wife she doesn’t
need that furniture where I would like to set these up (yes,
flanking the fireplace). 

 

My plan is to pick up a vintage amp just to run the speakers separate from my primary two channel system, either a Quad II or  Marantz 8B.  Keep the whole theme vintage 1960. I am not sure the Carver gear is suited for Quad's, any thoughts? 

 

I will listen to them a bit and then the plan is to tear them down and send them off for restoration.  I’ll have to decide on black or the copper grills, I picked up some NOS coppers in case I wanted to change them out.

 

Now let’s see if these things are as good as the reviews.

 

 

[chiroacademy 833]

Well guys, the Quadsmade it in today, Brooklyn, New York to Northern California viaFedEx. Now the real challenge begins, convince the wife she didn’tneed that furniture where I would like to set these up.

 

 

My plan is to pick up a vintage and just to run the speakers separate from my primary to channel system. Either a Quad II or a Marantz 8B. Keep the whole theme vintage 1960. I am not sure the Carver gear is suited for ESL speakers, and thoughts?

I will listen to them a bit and then the plan is to tear them down and send them off for restoration. I’ll have to decide on black or the copper grills, I picked up a new set of coppers in case I wanted to change them out.

Now let’s see if these things are as good as the reviews.

Very nice. One of the best speakers I've ever heard

[oldtexasdog 2,456]

P;ace them on either side of the fireplace--Cowboy AUX HEATERS 

 

They sounded fantastic at CF17 off Carver Sunfire amp I believe. 

[zumbini 6,147]

Congrats on the new (to you) addition Will. It's been 30 years since I heard a pair but I remember being very impressed.

[sea 675]

 

 

P;ace them on either side of the fireplace--Cowboy AUX HEATERS

They sounded fantastic at CF17 off Carver Sunfire amp I believe.

 

I was actually driving them with 45 watt QUAD 303 amp. I am now using a Carver TFM6B and it is working out fine.

[wdc 172]

  

They sounded fantastic at CF17 off Carver Sunfire amp I believe. 

 

(SEA)    I was actually driving them with 45 watt QUAD 303 amp. I am now using a Carver TFM6B and it is working out fine.

 

I was told by another source that the Quad 303 is a good match, and that this is a amp is a great value. There readily available and fairly cheap on eBay. I’m not certain that the 303 can be run Mono or bridge, anyone know?  

I was leaning towards the Quad II (an earlier tube model) is also recommended in this audiogon forum.

Amp for Quad ESL 57 

[Magnaryder 757]

  

They sounded fantastic at CF17 off Carver Sunfire amp I believe. 

 

(SEA)    I was actually driving them with 45 watt QUAD 303 amp. I am now using a Carver TFM6B and it is working out fine.

 

I was told by another source that the Quad 303 is a good match, and that this is a amp is a great value. There readily available and fairly cheap on eBay. I’m not certain that the 303 can be run Mono or bridge, anyone know?  

I was leaning towards the Quad II (an earlier tube model) is also recommended in this audiogon forum.

Amp for Quad ESL 57 

Tim deParavicini designed the EAR Yoshino V20 specifically to power his 57s. Mine was played with Eds Quads last year and the result was magic. They don't come up for sale often and when they do they are pricey. You can find a review here in the review section. Bob is a huge fan of that amplifier...as amI 

 

ray 

[AndrewJohn 10,451]

 

This just popped up on Craigs in Orange County..., if you scroll through the pictures, there's another pair of these speakers offered by this seller.

 

Link HERE. (ed. listing deleted)

 

Not associated, not interested.  Just sharing. 

[jazzman53 1,276]

Congrats on your 57's... true classics.

[wdc 172]

 

 

Quote

 

This just popped up on Craigs in Orange County..., if you scroll through the pictures, there's another pair of these speakers offered by this seller.

 

Link HERE. 

 

Not associated, not interested.  Just sharing. 

 

 

Those look clean, first time i have seen a pair with the logo on the grill. After purchasing mine i found a private party selling a pair in southern California that were very clean, with new power boards for $1350. Good price for as clean as they were. I picked mine up for around $570 but shipping was high. If i did it again i would have taken the southern calif pair. 

 

I took a different direction, bought NOS copper grills, and will send the pannels and electronics off for ground up restoration. Thinking about having the wood trim reproduced in a premium wood e.i.  Brazilian Rose, etc. simular to my Silverlines. There's not much to the trim.  

 

BTW I picked up a third single Quad 57 (4000 something SN early 1962) in Denver for $275, cheap. Looks to be in very good shape and in route now. 

[wdc 172]

Received the single Quad purchased in Denver via FedEx today, it’s going to be a tough call to decide on the black or copper grills. 

 

I got a great deal on the speaker, it’s complete and working, less the legs, in good condition for a first run speaker SN 447 (1958). 

 

I have two NOS copper grills in route. The copper really has a vintage look to them, but the black is a moden look. What's your thoughts?.

 

 Quad ESL Serial Numbers 

 

[Dadvw 2,876]

I think it depends on how vintage you want them to be. I like the black myself.......grin

[AndrewJohn 10,451]

In my house, and for WAF, I'd have to go with the Black.  

 

What's your wife think?  If you can get them positioned where you want, in exchange for letting her pick the grills..., that's "bonus" !! 

 

 

 

...always thinking ahead... 

[UncleMeat 1,173]

I'd pick copper, looks more like furniture than speakers

[madmike46 398]

Looks like the copper could blend in better with the rest of the room then the black. JMO

[PMAT 2,038]

Both! As the seasons or decor change you will have both. 

[Chops 693]

Looks like the copper could blend in better with the rest of the room then the black. JMO

 

This.

 

Plus I think the copper gives them a classier look.  

[Blues Pwr 766]

Looks like the copper could blend in better with the rest of the room then the black. JMO

 

I agree, the copper really matches well with the marble on the fireplace, and looks like a vintage pattern on the grill cloth material.

 

 

[wdc 172]

I would like to thank everyone for their input. The consciences is leaning towards the copper, which is what I was thinking as well, plus I have a new set of copper grills coming.  That being said, the black does give a clean modern look, but my objective is vintage.

 

AndrewJohn does have a point about the wife, fact is, she’s anaccomplished interior designer and my authority pretty much ends at the door whenit comes to decor.  If I’ve learnedanything over the last 30 years, it’s to carefully pick and choose my battles.  The old story of the organ grinder and themonkey and I’m the one carrying the cup…lol.   

 

That’s not to say I’ll be trying to influence the placement decision, making every effort to flank the fireplace with them.  Good thing, it’s a room we don’t use much, bad thing, she’s the Organ Grinder.  We’ll see how it goes but thanks to all and I’ll keep you posted.

 

Well I’m off, I have a hot water heater to fix today, damn 

 

 

 

[Ar9Jim 6,512]

Wow. Super nice! Had a chance to hear Eds (Sea) at Caverfest. Beautiful sound. Thanks for sharing.

[kingman 662]

I lean towards the black covers, but if you can pull it off, the copper is fantastic looking!