Thanks, Tompoodie. Your room lends itself well to Quad 57s, as you noted. Price difference notwithstanding, it took me a long time to come around to owning Quad 57s years ago, ultimately moving on to other speakers with the same midrange magic, coherency, and low level natural detail, albeit at much higher cost. My recommendation is listen to each at the various volume levels you would at home and trust your instincts.
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!
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- 9 posts total
- 9 posts total