Please do post your impressions. My impression of the Quad 57 was more delicate micro details than the 988 (which I owned). Not a fair comparison, but I was really taken with a stacked set of 57's, whereas the 988 was "very good". It's been a while, so I'll look forward to your posting.
quad 57 vs vandersteen for low volume listening
I listen at low levels to prevent hearing loss and exacerbating tinnitus. I had decided on Vandersteen quatros (not sure about sock vs wood), but a dealer suggested I consider rebuilt Quad 57's. The Quad cons of not playing loud and less treble emphasis are pros to someone with tinnitus. I clearly preferred the coherent, real sounding Vandies vs Quad 988's side by side. (I will audition the 57's soon, but can't do a side by side with Vandies) I am currently using a Rel Strata III with Vienna Acoustics Mozarts. Seems the Rel wouldn't integrate tonally with an electrostat. I'm not sure I can live with the missing low frequency harmonics in the Quads that I think are fundamental to creating the illusion of being in the room with with musicians. Let's hear from all you 1st order phase aligned and electrostat proponents!