Recent content by Alex Sokoloff

Naim 90 failed after ~6 years. Naim 140 on its way out after about 5 years. Heathkit EL84 monobloacks, smooth sailing for 12 years. But if you think it's bollocks....

I used a Nait 3 (actually a Naim 90, which is half a Nait 3) and it was really good, but the amp failed after a few years. I have heard that the earlier Naits were uniquely suited to the Quads. I think your safest bet for an amp is the best push pull tube amp you can afford. Vintage tube amps...

No comment on the cans of cat food holding up the turntable? I'm thinking of hanging the Quads from the ceiling and building smaller, open back boxes for the woofers. I'm guessing the mass of the Quads is sufficient to brace them in free air, especially when they're not handling the bottom two...

If you are interested in bi-amping as opposed to just adding a subwoofer, First Watt made the B-5 active crossover for dipole woofers (now discontinued) and the B4, which is more of a general purpose design. Both are meant to be released as DIY kits (or at least boards) in the DIY audio store in...

The picture I have handy is from when the basement and my system was under construction, and my woodworking skills are terrible, so the picture so it is a little... humorous. I have wanted to try bi-amping the quads for years, and when the B5 appeared, I couldn't resist. I can't figure out...

I have ESL 57s and have used Naim 90, Naim 140, and now HeathKit UA-2s. The heathkits are far better to my ears, except for the bass. Rather than shell out for an equally transparent amplifier with better control over the panels - which would be quite expensive actually - I went to a biamplified...

I've lived with ESL 57s since the mid 90s in a variety of apartments and homes. They work in a lot of different size rooms - they're really not sensitive to side wall reflections. What they need is room behind them and, of course, they have a narrow sweet spot. So, they should go across the...