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Quad 2805 Toe In Experience?

I am just breaking in my new pair of 2805's. I have never had Quads or any electrostats before...always dynamic driver speakers. While they only have about 20 hours on them, I think they are going to be excellent...everything I hoped for!

They are about 4.5' out from the front wall, about 10' apart (from speaker centers) and about 9' from speaker to listening seat. My listening room is 16' X 13' with a 9' ceiling. The speakers are about 1.5' from each side wall and there is diffusion on the side walls and behind the listening seat.

My question is how much should I toe them in? I am looking for the right balance of image specificity and soundstage width. Right now they are toed in about 1/2 way between firing straight ahead and directly pointing at the listening position.

I plan to do much more experimenting. But before I install the spikes, I would greatly appreciate learning from others experience with Quads.

Thanks,

Dave
tricon_dave

Showing 3 responses by tricon_dave

tricon_dave OP
95 posts
 
Hi Papak

I have not heard the 2905. For me, once I heard the 2805 it was all over!

There are several reviews of the 2905 including 6 Moons and one by Ken Kessler. If I remember correctly, in both cases they warn of the need for plenty of room for the 2905 to breathe. Your room is pretty good size, so they could work well. YOu might also ask your dealer about room size questions or you could call the importer (not sure who that is.)

I am getting excellent bass with my 2805 in my smaller room, partly due to how I have the speakers set up and where my listening chair is positioned. I can't imagine needing any more speaker for my size room.

Good luck with your decision making.

Dave
tricon_dave OP
95 posts
 
I am using Mapleshade Double Helix Plus speaker cables. While I have not done a lot of experimenting with speaker wires, I much prefer the Mapleshade wires to my Nordost Blue Heaven wires in terms of initial attack and overall tonal quality and balance. So far, they sound great together, but the speakers only have about 40 hours on them.

Let us know what you end up with and how it all comes together. What amplification are you planning to use?

Dave
tricon_dave OP
95 posts
 
Hi Sunnyboy,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I actually think I am settling in on the speakers toed in so that they would intersect about 2-3 feet behind my seat, similar to you.

For amplification, I am using a highly modified Rogue Cronus from Mark O'Brien at Rogue Audio. It is EL34 based and about 30 wpc in triode. I have had some much more expensive tube and SS gear in the past, but this is one of the best amps I have owned. From what I have read, the EL34 tube is a great match with Quads. I also have an EL84 based Scott 222c from Mapleshade, but have not yet tried it with the Quads.

What amp are you using?

Dave
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