Quads vs Sound Labs vs Maggie 20.1

Hi Detlof

I put a smiley at the end, we all know better is only an opinion.

My opinion:

The quads are nice, if...you don't have a large room, and don't play your music at higher volume levels, and don't need deep bass.

The Maggies are nice, have deeper bass than the Quad, and will play louder than the Quad.

The Soundlabs are great, play deeper than both of the above...but may, or may not, play louder than the Maggies.

The Fullrange will play "much" louder than any of the above, are truly fullrange (20hz)...and are the equal of the above, in all other areas that would be important to "me" as a user of these type of speaker designs. (and of course this is where the opinion part comes in).

And of course we have another factor..."cost"

1. Quad
2. Maggies
3. Apogees
4. Soundlab

The Apogee Fullrange must be biamped. I would use all tubes as a first choice, and solid state on the bass panels only, as a second choice.

Another smiley :-)

Dave

I can't comment on the speaker comparison having only really listened to the ESL-63s. However, you asked for a recommendation on Quad ESL restorers. Last year I visited Kent McCollum in Kansas City. Kent specializes in restoring old Quad ESls. I was very impressed with the quality of his work, the finished product was better than new IMHO, with a lot of small, but significant, upgrades.

A triple stack of Quads would be "more" than outstanding!...check out Quads Unlimited. (I think their in Florida).

That would probably put you in the price range of the Soundlabs or Apogees.

Dave

Hi Dave,
Thanks. I do see your point. Two smileys ((:
I had a double stack of Quads once, was impressive, but I'm happier with my Sound Labs now.

Suggest:

Rebuilt 63's "Kentaja" $3300
used Gradient63 Dipole $1400
used Martin Logan DescentI Omni sub $1800
TOTAL = $6500 for the money, you will have an amazing full range system
Amps du jour
Dan