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Amp for Quad ESL 57?

I am starting to get bored of my current system and wanting to build a new one, again. There's a Quad ESL 57 available locally that I am interested in. However, I have no intimate knowledge of these speakers at all. What should I look for in an amp that will properly drive these speakers?

I did some research and found these speakers to have 82db sensitivity with a wide range of impedance from 60 to 1.8 ohms. Also, it seems most solid state amps need not apply. However, I do not like using tube amps. I am also eyeing an integrated amp, the Accuphase E-202. I hope this amp can properly drive the 57 as I love it's aesthetics. I just hope one won't destroy the other as I read improperly matched amps with the 57 will do. Here is a link to the Accuphase's specs:
http://www.accuphase.com/e-202sp.jpg

I listen to mainly electronic pop such as Saint Etienne, Ivy, Beautiful South, Brookville, New Order. So, I like a delicate sound with an ample amount of pop. No speed metal listener here. My room is about 15x18. My main source is digital but will be getting into vinyl within the next 6 mos.

Your help is much needed and appreciated.

Ed
viggen

Showing 2 responses by trelja

trelja
3,223 posts
 
Ed, I have heard that the Atma Sphere M60s and the Quad ESL 57 are a match made in heaven. Mainly due to the high impedance of the Quads.

I am only relaying things that I've read though, as I've never personally heard the combination.
trelja
3,223 posts
 
You would think the Quad amplifier suggestion has to be a good one.

Ed, I do have to say that I am unsure if you can find a more reliable amplifier than the Atma Spheres. The tubes last a long, long, long time (Ralph has an M60 with over 20 years on the original output tubes), and the bias has never drifted, in my experience. That being said, the biasing procedure takes all of about a minute if you ever need to do it (I do it on my Christmas vacation each year) - again, it's never drifted on me.

They are as "set and forget" as a CD player. Believe it or not. I have shorted the amp many times, sometimes just for fun to show people, never with any damage to either the amps or speakers. I have even forgot to install some of the driver tubes in them once, with also no damage whatsoever.

Now, when it comes to the combination of them with the Quads, I hope there is someone among us who can speak to it.
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