2. misc-audio
  3. 1270894733

quad 57 vs vandersteen for low volume listening

I listen at low levels to prevent hearing loss and exacerbating tinnitus. I had decided on Vandersteen quatros (not sure about sock vs wood), but a dealer suggested I consider rebuilt Quad 57's. The Quad cons of not playing loud and less treble emphasis are pros to someone with tinnitus. I clearly preferred the coherent, real sounding Vandies vs Quad 988's side by side. (I will audition the 57's soon, but can't do a side by side with Vandies) I am currently using a Rel Strata III with Vienna Acoustics Mozarts. Seems the Rel wouldn't integrate tonally with an electrostat. I'm not sure I can live with the missing low frequency harmonics in the Quads that I think are fundamental to creating the illusion of being in the room with with musicians. Let's hear from all you 1st order phase aligned and electrostat proponents!
tompoodie

Showing 3 responses by tompoodie

tompoodie OP
37 posts
 
If thats the case, I would go with the Vandersteen. The 988 is up the with the best, but I did prefer the imaging and soundstage of the Vandy. I will post my impression of the Wayne Picquet quad 57 after the audition.
Thanks, Philjolet, for your input.
tompoodie OP
37 posts
 
Hello essentialaudio: your point is well taken. The room is elongated, 15 x25'. Amplification will be tailored to the speaker. For Vandy, it would be used aesthetix (io + atlas). For Quad, IO preamp, and EAR 861 integrated amp (preamp section can be bypassed), or maybe Rogue Atlas based on this test published on the 6 moons site:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/roadtour7/roadtour3again.html Given the narrow room, and low dispersion/wall artifact of the Quads, that's a plus for them (they would be placed facing the long axis of the room). I intend to hire a room treatment specialist after the system is completed, which for Quads to have whatever bass they are capable of, is essential. Even with the Vandersteen reputation for value, the price delta is still remarkable...$10,700 for Quatro woods, and pair of Quads Unlimited: $4100.
tompoodie OP
37 posts
 
Thank you kindly for your input, Essentialaudio. I am looking forward to the Quads Unlimited 57 audition soon. I will bring my trusty radio shack dB meter to help, and a notebook. When I actually write down impressions, I realize being an audio equipment reviewer is way more challenging than it seems. Frogman, the Stax are indeed very well regarded (I found the John Nork TAS review from 1982) and I appreciate that heads up. Being able to purchase the Quads locally, newly refurbished to essentially new by Mr. P at Quads Unlimited, with really good local dealer support is pretty valuable to me. Frogman and Essentialaudio, do you have suggestions for the electronics for electrostats? I'm thinking used Aesthetix Io with volume countrol for phono/preamp and for amp: EAR 861, or Rogue Atlas magnum per Robin Wyatt's excellent test publilshed in 6moons. Some feel strongly that SET will roll off too much at frequency extremes in Quads (and Stax?) compared to push-pull...do you gentleman have an opinion about that? Thanks, Tom

link to 6moons amp shootout for the quad 57:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/roadtour7/roadtour3again.html
More to discover