I have had Magnepan MG 12, MC1 and 1.7i in my study, so I may be able to say something about this when my Quad 57s finally get here.
I confess I have no idea what the "Widget" is that was referred to!
The 'sound' of an ESL57 can be expected to vary when comparing different valve amps as they tend to have (relatively) high output impedances. That interacts with the large variations in ESL57 impedance with frequency to alter the results. Also explains why the choice of transformer tap can matter.
FWIW I've happily used ESL57s, 63s, etc, for decades driven by amps capable of > 200 Wpc. But 'capable' doesn't mean you have to wind them up that high. Just take due care.
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.
When you get your new amplifier please follow up and share your experience on this forum. I, for one, would be very interested to hear your thoughts. Also, since you seem to be very experienced with tubes, if you haven't read Roger Sanders white paper on tubes vs. solid state, I invite you to do so and would enjoy hearing your thoughts on his comments.
Thanks again for posting on this thread...
Markus
Well well. I'm building a JLH 1969. I wonder if it can handle doubled pairs?Used to run ESL57s with Linsley Hood class A - wish we still had room for the ESLs.
Interesting set-up: Heatkit + First Watt B5 crossover + ESL 57s + dipole woofers. Any pictures?
The N-Cores have similar low THD but being Class A/B the Neurochrome amps have a much smoother mid/top end.
I have owned a valve integrated that sounds better via a pre than directly connected to the CD player, and this may well be why.The 'sound' of an ESL57 can be expected to vary when comparing different valve amps as they tend to have (relatively) high output impedances. That interacts with the large variations in ESL57 impedance with frequency to alter the results. Also explains why the choice of transformer tap can matter.
I love the Black & Decker equipment rack!- has anyone else ever done this?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 photo sharing on this site, so look here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yW8pDOFgy9FM17Vq1
One of the quads needs a panel replaced, and at the moment I've been experimenting with tannoy MG-15s (long story - my father was the original owner and I grew up with them.)
So what would you ascribe the smoother mid/top end to?
I have no idea, but it certainly is not distortion.
A full set of test results is at the bottom of the link, Tom worked for Texas instruments and certainly knows what he is doing.