To keep the story short and sweet, I am in the process of getting off the rather expensive SET merry go round and reverting to my first love, a Quad based vintage system. Call it old age, but this is the kit I was brought up on and various impending life changes dictate that I have to watch the audio pennies somewhat. So, without further ado, I am appealing to you good PFMers to help me draw up a short list of speakers which will be happy on the receiving end of all that my Quad 303 can throw at them, but further down the line, will give me the scope to have a play with, say, some Quad IIs. In the frame are:
Spendor BC1s - Pros: plenty around, are an easy load for valve and solid state amps, can be repaired, relatively inexpensive at £400 - £500 the pair SH. Cons: difficult to audition, on the large side for my smallish listening room, plug ugly - although that’s not a deal breaker......
Harbeth P3 ESRs - Pros: quite a following, beautifully made, can be serviced for the foreseeable future. Cons: mixed reviews (lack of bass), expensive at £1,000 - £1,400 SH
Any others? I’ve had ESL57s and ESL63s but must reluctantly rule these out on the grounds of space - or rather the lack of it.
As you can see, I have already shot myself in the foot by shortlististing the P3ESRs, which are contemporary and not vintage, so I haven’t ruled out considering a moden alternative. The HECO Elementa 300 has been mentioned by a dealer I know and whose opinion I trust.
All suggestions welcome.
Andimac
Spendor BC1s - Pros: plenty around, are an easy load for valve and solid state amps, can be repaired, relatively inexpensive at £400 - £500 the pair SH. Cons: difficult to audition, on the large side for my smallish listening room, plug ugly - although that’s not a deal breaker......
Harbeth P3 ESRs - Pros: quite a following, beautifully made, can be serviced for the foreseeable future. Cons: mixed reviews (lack of bass), expensive at £1,000 - £1,400 SH
Any others? I’ve had ESL57s and ESL63s but must reluctantly rule these out on the grounds of space - or rather the lack of it.
As you can see, I have already shot myself in the foot by shortlististing the P3ESRs, which are contemporary and not vintage, so I haven’t ruled out considering a moden alternative. The HECO Elementa 300 has been mentioned by a dealer I know and whose opinion I trust.
All suggestions welcome.
Andimac