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Quad ESL 57 - Which to buy

I have an opportunity to purchase one of two pairs of Quad ESLs. One pair has been fully restored recently ($2300) (original panels, new rivets, new mylar, new dust covers, new electronics and EHT) and the other is an original late 1970s, single owner pair ($1200) always driven by Quad II amps. Both look and sound great on their own(they are in different towns, so I have not been able to do a side by side comparison). Both are quiet, power up well and show no signs of arcing. Cosmetically, they look identical.

I'll be driving them with Quad II-40s.

I'm in Ontario, Canada.

Any opinions on which would be the better purchase?
kwbreezer
Post removed 
kwbreezer OP
2 posts
 
The rebuild was done this winter, but i am not sure of the cost. It wasn't done by Wayne Picquet or one of the better known US rebuilders. I don't know who did them, but I have seen photos documenting the rebuild of the panels and it looked very professional. Will see what I can find out.
whart's avatar
whart
2,967 posts
 
Buy both pairs. Stack 'em. Bliss!
:)

(I still have my old pair, in desperate need of restoration, as well as a later
Crosby 63. I find the original to be unmatched in coherence).
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bwarfel
5 posts
 
I have a pair of restored quads and I love them. I would always be worrying about some component going bad on a stock unit such as the power supplies or a panel. Also look at the binding posts or the renovated versions to see of they work better with your cables. Remember that the original binding posts were close together and without a protection circuit, you could short them out easily. The other big selling point is the protection circuit for the speakers in the renovated pair...this saves you from any "oops" experiences.

Hope this helps....
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