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Upgrade from Quad 11L?

My current setup:

Music Hall cd25.2
Music Hall a25.2
Quad 11L
Onkyo T-9 tuner
Audioquest Alpha-Snake interconnects
No-name 12-gauge speaker wire

The 11Ls just replaced Paradigm Mini Mk3s. A big improvement: I love the Quad's detail, clarity, and pace. So much that I'm contemplating an upgrade to Quad 12Ls (if I can find the old version) or Quad 12L Actives (which I know I can get; the MH a25.2 would serve as a preamp).

My sense is that the system as it stands is well-balanced, and I'm actually very satisfied with what I hear. So I'm trying to decide whether this is an itch I should scratch. My suspicion is that I should stand pat and think about long-range upgrades rather than tinker now, but input would be helpful. I listen to all kinds of music, but Wilco and Radiohead are playing most often. Thanks.
afranta

Showing 2 responses by timrhu

timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I owned the 12L2s and really liked them. Sold them to try the active version and regretted it. The actives weren't anywhere near as satisfying as the standard speakers. Also tried the 21L2s but going on memory, I preferred the 12L2s.
The L series quads are very good for the money, IMO.
BTW, listened to "In Rainbows" last night and "Kid A" (twice) the other night. Great stuff but "The Bends" is my favorite.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Not sure of your budget for a sub but I used (and still use) a James EMB-1000 with the Quads. This sub has been fairly easy to mate with the various speakers I have owned. Especially after I set it on a 2 inch thick maple block. Very clean bass, musical without the muddy boom boom. Look at my system for a pic of the sub.
Also skeptical that cable swaps will "dramatically" change your sound.
Agree with you on the new Wilco album. haven't listened to it enough to rsnk it among their other albums but it is promising.
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