I have a stacked pair of 57s and I drive them with a pair of Bean echo mono power amps.
Works fine
I'd like to hear what those of you who own ESLs are using to drive them. I have previously read (on this forum) several votes for using something like a Quad 405 or 606 or 909, but those are pretty thin on the ground around here.
My Innersound Electrostatic amp has been a pretty good match, but is now due for a recap (it's 17 years old). And I recently realized it's probably too powerful for my ESL63s, as it can dump a ton of current through the speakers to the point where the protection circuit is activated. So I'm guessing I need to dial the power back a ways.
This experience has me wondering what others are using and - if you feel like sharing more - help me understand the whys and wherefores. Where else have you been on this journey called Quads and how'd you arrive at your current setup? Anybody using tubes?
Best regards,
Markus
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As you recommended, I did the search for Don Sachs and read through his website. His equipment sounds really cool. And it has got me thinking... Kind of wish I hadn't just shipped off my Innersounds amplifier for the recap, because with the packing and shipping that is going to set me back quite a bit. Oh well.Quad 57s, IME, sound significantly different with different amps. I would guess that this experience is common ... which is why there is so much commentary on the subject. Quad 63s, IME, present less variability, but require a significantly more powerful amplifier to sound 'big' without compression.
Quad 57s in order of preference: Citation II (in triode mode), Quad IIs, Avondale 260, Nait II or Nait V, Quad Elite Integrated.
Quad 63s, in order of preference: (I have tried with far fewer amplifiers with these speakers): Citation II (in triode mode), Quad Elite Integrated, Quad IIs, Nait II.
I could live with either the Nait II or the Quad IIs driving the 57s, but not with the 63s, for lack of power in my open 20' x 24' x 18" living room.
I am waiting for delivery of a new KT-88 amplifier from Don Sachs, out of BC Canada. Google Don Sachs Consulting. Don has rebuilt more Citation II amps than just about anybody. After he has implemented the McShane power supply upgrades & added his own tweaks and part choices, they are extraordinary amps. And, he says, his KT-88 amplifier is noticeably better. I await.
WTS
What are other folks' experiences of these gadgets? Are you believers or not? (By the way, are they only for use with 57s, or do the other models benefit from being hooked up to them too?)
Bedini 25/25 or even a 10/10 is supposed to be a very good match.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/13900970/...nding-right-amp-perfect-speaker/#.WiWIyzJLGjs
Best I've heard , and in the context of not trying to be impressed simply by volume and bass slam etc but by naturalness and subtlety, possibly ever, was a really fit set of 57's driven by a Leak Stereo 20 which I had completely gone overboard with for a good mate and had fitted regulated supplies for every stage.. including the main output stage. It sounded amazing! Best I've ever heard "No one cares" by Frank Sinatra. Source was a high end Marantz CD player.. it was white... Can't remember model