I have found similarly. I bought a 1970s pair in good shape three months ago. Not having heard Quad ESL's before, I thought they were very promising and sent them off --the panels and electronics only-- to the US from London for refurbishment. Upon return I was amazed by their speed, rich range of tone, bass impact, soundstage and natural "rightness". In the evening, listening to BBC FM radio, music sounds great at low volume. Voice, jazz and chamber music on LP or radio sounds fab. I have used single driver full range folded horn loudspeakers for ten years and enjoy them, of course, for their speed and dynamic force, sound staging, live and open quality. Curious to see if I could lift 57's in that direction, I added Townshend super tweeters --initially developed for use with 57's-- which was instructive, changing presentation subtly but crucially, adding useful treble to mid to bass definition and gave front to back spatial depth not there before. The horns are very different, with their own magic, and the 57's offer magic of a different nature; P. Walker was a gifted designer. Btw, the 57's came back with better sensitivity, around 88db. I was amazed to find my 4w + 4w SET (Yamamoto A -06-3) drives them beautifully, giving quite loud music in a room 5.5 x 4.5 x 3 tall with the volume pot up halfway. The respected rebuilt Quad 303 sounds dull as ditchwater by comparison with the SET. Stable power delivery from heavy duty hand wound transformers helps. Enjoy
In praise of the ESL-57
About a week ago, I was doing a Kijiji search for some kind of EL84 amp that would be suitable for a rebuild. Buried in an ad for an amp was pair of ESL-57's also for sale. Based on serial numbers and production dates, they were from the early 70's.
Out of curiosity, I asked if the Quads were still available. They were and he had re-listed them in a separate ad at a reduced price. They were missing legs/feet and according to the seller were great otherwise. Grills looked to be in decent shape and after a bit of back and forth, I decided to get them.
Was pleasantly surprised when we arrived to get them. They looked quite good. No problems that couldn't be addressed without a little TLC and elbow grease.
Took a minute after I brought them home to plug them in, and when I eventually did, one was dead. Bad power cord...
Let them sit and charge for a bit and then started running them. After a little repositioning, they were set up as they should.
All I can say is wow. This was my first experience with these lovely speakers. Because of Covid, couldn't audition them before picking up and I have not had the opportunity to listen to a pair before.
I now understand why they have the following and reputation that they do.
Everything I have read about these speakers is true. The first track I ran through them when they were set up was Jazz at the Pawn Shop. At some point during the intro, there was someone in the audience that "yelped" something or another. I was startled as I thought there was someone standing behind me. Crazy!
I'm surprised and how good the bass is on these. Based on what I had read, was not expecting them to have the depth that they do. (This is from someone who normally listens to Cornwalls...)
The "head in a vice" thing is very true for full benefit, but as I am currently listening to the radio in the background, they are filling the room well and are not fatiguing in any way, which is odd when you consider how fast/detailed/articulate they are.
So very pleased with them!!! As soon as time allows, some temporary legs will be made so I can both get them off the milk crates as well as figure out a design for what will be the final legs.
Out of curiosity, I asked if the Quads were still available. They were and he had re-listed them in a separate ad at a reduced price. They were missing legs/feet and according to the seller were great otherwise. Grills looked to be in decent shape and after a bit of back and forth, I decided to get them.
Was pleasantly surprised when we arrived to get them. They looked quite good. No problems that couldn't be addressed without a little TLC and elbow grease.
Took a minute after I brought them home to plug them in, and when I eventually did, one was dead. Bad power cord...
Let them sit and charge for a bit and then started running them. After a little repositioning, they were set up as they should.
All I can say is wow. This was my first experience with these lovely speakers. Because of Covid, couldn't audition them before picking up and I have not had the opportunity to listen to a pair before.
I now understand why they have the following and reputation that they do.
Everything I have read about these speakers is true. The first track I ran through them when they were set up was Jazz at the Pawn Shop. At some point during the intro, there was someone in the audience that "yelped" something or another. I was startled as I thought there was someone standing behind me. Crazy!
I'm surprised and how good the bass is on these. Based on what I had read, was not expecting them to have the depth that they do. (This is from someone who normally listens to Cornwalls...)
The "head in a vice" thing is very true for full benefit, but as I am currently listening to the radio in the background, they are filling the room well and are not fatiguing in any way, which is odd when you consider how fast/detailed/articulate they are.
So very pleased with them!!! As soon as time allows, some temporary legs will be made so I can both get them off the milk crates as well as figure out a design for what will be the final legs.