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Quad 2905 ESL Arcing Sparks

Hi Folks,
I was listening to the Sirius XM internet stream and turned the gain up on Amarra SQ+ when popping occurred in my left Quad. I then saw sparks arc across the middle of the speaker. I eventually figured out that I should cut everything off and unplug the speaker. I waited for a while, I turned the speaker back on and then heard distortion coming from the speaker. Is there anything I can do?
Thanks!
goofyfoot
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,412 posts
 
New panels every few years comes with Quad ownership, it seems. With the old 57's even more so! Mine are in storage, replaced by Eminent Technology Magnetic-Planars (like Maggies, but double sided magnets for push-pull operation, like ESL's).
goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 
Bdp24, I was told that the new Quad panels have a protective coating over the circuit board thus making them less prone to destruction.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,412 posts
 
That is great news Goofyfoot, I'll have to look into that. I already have the Quad voltage clamps which limit the input to them.
goofyfoot OP
1,316 posts
 
Bdp24, what are Quad voltage clamps?
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,412 posts
 
Goofyfoot, the voltage clamp is just a simple electronic limiter I believe, allowing only a certain amount of, duh, voltage to pass through it, to prevent the 57's panels from arcing. There is no button etc. to reset after it has engaged, but I did hear that the clamp itself can be damaged from repeated high voltage levels, then needing to be replaced.
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