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Quad ESL servicing

Tantris

pfm Member
My ESL63's need to be serviced - the panels probably need to be replaced because of arcing. Quad themselves offer a repair service, and I was interested to see elsewhere on this site another option with One Thing Audio mentioned. And there's also the Quad specialist in Germany, who seems to have purchased much of the original equipment from the Quad factory. The service costs seem to be reasonably similar – either way, getting 8 panels replaced is going to cost around a grand.

Has anyone used any of the repair services mentioned above, and can give any advice or recommendations? Or are there other options that I’m not aware of that can be recommended? Or is it better to simply get another secondhand pair, for close to a grand?

Many thanks

Tantris
 
If you plan to keep the speakers for some time then getting them rebuilt for 'about a grand' seems the best bet. A second hand pair of fully working speakers will cost about that, and you will have no idea how much life is left in them.

One Thing Audio seem like they know what they're doing, but surely a full factory service is a better bet to make sure your speakers remain worth 'about a grand' for some years to come?

Whatever you decide please let us know!

I have a pair of ESL63 that I bought as 'broken' and had to change the EHT units, the panels seem fine. A fantastic bargain of a speaker, I don't know why everybody with a suitable room doesn't use them.

Paul
 
Paul -- thanks for your comments. I agree that Quad is probably the first choice, but there have been ownership and management changes over the years, and I would appreciate feedback from anyone with more experience and/or knowledge than me as to what the best option might be. I also agree that these are amazing speakers which are great value for money second hand, and which can be accommodated domestically much more easily than many people might think -- Tantris
 
Came across this site http://www.quadesl.org.uk/ - he offers repairs and advice.
A quote from his repair page :
"New Treble Panel Diaphragm Fitted and Tested £125 each
New Bass Panel Diaphragm Fitted and Tested £125 each
New Treble Panel Dust Covers Fitted £40 per panel
New Bass Panel Dust Covers Fitted £40 per panel
Fit Protection Circuits £20 per speaker
Fit New Power Supply £20 per speaker
Refurbish Power Supply £25 each, £35 pair

NOTE (1) : All new parts are now sold by Quad in Germany. No new parts are sold by Quad UK. All parts for the speakers are available but at a price. Since the Germans have taken over prices in most cases seem to have doubled. New grills for example were £90/pair from Quad UK. These are available from Quad in Germany for £110 each. "

Flashback have a lot of links to Quad sites :
http://www.flashbacksales.co.uk/acatalog/Links.html
 
I think that relates to the ELS57, rather than the ESL63.

My only experiences with the Quad service department were ringing them up last year and asking for EHT boards, which they were happy to supply mail order. And the lady I spoke to was very knowledgeable about electrostatic technicals. It was refreshing that the person who picked up the phone knew what I was talking about.

Paul
 
I have sent my 63's back to Quad for servicing, and should get them back in 3 - 4 weeks, fingers crossed. I'll give an update then.
 
I got the ESL63's back from Quad earlier today. The servicing cost me a lot less than I had anticipated, and I think that Quad have done a great job overall, even if their admin could be a little improved.

Straight out of the box, these speakers sound fantastic - a major leap forward from the (very good) Ruark floorstanders that have been standing in for the last few weeks. Sitting on their custom Mana stands, and fed by the Pathos, the music is effortless. Imaging and delineation is one of the strongest points of the Quads, and I think that the Mana enhances this a little further. I'll try to post a picture of the set up in the next few days.

That's enough for now - I'm off to listen to the Steven Osborne concert now playing on Radio 3.
 


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