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Quads 57 -

Ok. So let me start out by saying I am not in search for the worlds best speakers or the perfect setup.

I just want something that will make music to my ears and make my little toes tap with joys.My amp of choice is the Ayon Spirit III
My music is 80% Jazz, 10% Female vocals, 10% rock et. al. (paul simon/arlo guthrie, dylan eagles). My source is mostly Vinyl.
I currently have a B&W CM7 that I don't like much. Music sounds good, but no soul. Room size is 10 ft x 11 ft.
I top out at $4K on budget (and that's pushing it).
I am fairly close to pulling the trigger on a brand new refurbished 57 from Quads Unlimited.
So I guess what I am asking here is, if you have ever owned a 57, do you still have it? If not, how soon did you move on & why?
jarraa
jarraa OP
34 posts
 
See photo below. It's not a square. It's got a cathedral ceiling ....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/reevesm24/5466835210/
jarraa OP
34 posts
 
When I mean soul, I mean the music feels "alive". As in your eyes start to peal away the hollow boxes (speakers) to reveal fingers moving over strings, mouths gasping for air and looks that give a new meaning to improv's.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Yep, the Totems access the "soul" of the performance...how much depends on your budget and which Totem is right for you. They immerse you in the soundfield with exceptional harmonic balance and continuity...a must listen!
jarraa OP
34 posts
 
I am probably going to get flamed for this, but my original post was
" if you have ever owned a 57, do you still have it? If not, how soon did you move on & why?"

I don't want people recommending me other speakers, so please don't. I am still on the topic of the QUAD's and I would still sincerely appreciate answers from owners/ex-owners of the 57's.

Much appreciated.
jhendrixfan
40 posts
 
Jarraa - GREAT response-stick to QUAD ESL57's!!
I run STACKED 57's with IMF TL subs @ 40HZ.
All four refurb's by Wayne as well as te custom stands to accomodate the subs. They look great and sound fantastic!

I have had them for over 10+ years and would not move on to anything else! Why?
Because IT IS A REFERENCE SYSTEM - PERIOD!

Yes, it is not for everybody but mine has the finesse of a small system and the largess of horns (or other large speakers). Plus discoveries/recommendations found on my system generally transfer to other set-ups but not vice-versa.
The Quad electrostatic sound, done right, is truly an addicting sound. Namely it just sounds LIVE.
OTOH, most people experience ESL57's that were "tired" and they did not know it. So unless someone had a pair from Wayne and did not like them then they have not experienced what they truly sound like.
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