Recommended amp for Quad 57.

If solid state, Pass Aleph 3 or 5. If tube, Atmasphere S-30. Quad tube amps. DO NOT use a high power amp ( one that can output over 33 Volts RMS.)

He should check them first to see that they are in good operating condition (before budgeting amplification). Having them rebuit can cost a lot more than "good" amps for these.

Same as Ivan on the amp (no more than 30 watts and you don't want an amp which can add more than it's rated power as this can arc the panels). Quad designed "current dumping" amps, which were solid state for this application. I recently saw a 303/33/FM3 set (amp/preamp/tuner) for around $600 that would be a classic SS system for the 57's. I owned this rig myself a long time ago, but ran Rogers Ls3/5a's (not Quads) with it. I did prefer the sound of the inexpensive tube amps listed below though still liked the Quad gear (which was easy on the eyes, very small in size and quite an attention getter). The quad preamps also have tone controls that actually work well.

If they are in a smaller room, 14 watts (such as typical EL84 based push/pull tube designs should be enough power and safe to use). Some inexpensive integrated tube amps ($200-$300 in good condition) that fill the 14 watt bill are: Dynaco SCA35, Eico HF81 and Pilot 240 (these are all vintage amps that sound good). A step up if he were to use an amp/preamp combo would be a Pilot 232 power amp ($200-$350 depending on condition). I am using a 232, right now, with Reynaud Twins (they drop to 3.7 ohms) and it is one of the best EL84 based amps that I have yet heard.

If your friend has a larger room then a favorite amp (power amp only I think) used to be one by David Berning which put out 30 watts and was able to run very low (ohm) loads. I can't remember the model number but think that they retailed for around $1K ten years ago, so should be affordable now used. I have never heard a Berning amp, just heard good things about this one from a local Quad user.

The Aleph (or Volks) Class "A" SS power amps (30 watts) are being closed out by some dealer for around $1300 (saw an add recently).

Anyway, lots to chose from to power the Quads if they are in good operating condition.

The Berning Amp is the EA230 and I saw one for sale the other day here on 'gon. I owned one of these amps years ago but did not use it to drive Quads. Kept within its power rating, it sounded excellent. If you do not want to spend a lot, another possibility would be the AMC 30 watt tube amps that are for sale on Audiogon, Ebay and retrodazeaudio.com.

The Berning amp you are referring to is the EA-230. Stereophile recommended it (almost 20 years ago) as an excellent match for the 57. While I've owned both the EA-230 and the Quad 57, I didn't own them at the same time, so I haven't heard them together. Based on their sonic qualities, it should be an excellent match.

Frank.

The Quad 405 amp, which is 100 watts per channel, has places on the circuit board to plug in 2 resistors (1600 or 1800 ohms if I recall correctly) to limit the power. With these resistors in place, the amp is perfectly safe with the 57s and sounds surprizingly good. I used this combo for several years until I switched to a highly modified Dyna Stereo 70. Another great amp (if you can find one) is the Bedini 25/25.

Oooh the 47Labs gaincard is amazing with this speaker.

Chel: While your here, what do you think about the Audiomat 30 watt integrated with 57's? This is an amp that first came to mind, but I have never listened to the line.

I don't know about that one. I've heard the audiomat with several small floorstanders but not with Quads.

Thanks everone for sharing your experience. I wonder if his new old speakers are in good working condition. I'll make sure he checks it out prior to getting the right amp. I'll see if he wants to do SS or Tubes and go from there. Thanks for the choices!

-Karl

I believe that the Jadis JA 30s (if you don't need to listen loud) and 80s are a match made in heaven with this loudspeaker. Worth considering if you can swing them.

I agree heartily with Ivanj's recommendations, and I've also heard good things about the Bedini from a customer who drove his 57's with one.

On a bit tighter tube amp budget, Quicksilver makes a nice little 40-watt stereo amp you might take a look at. It's called the "GLA", I believe. Quicksilver has an excellent reputation for customer service.

VTL TT25 I had and this was AAA!!!My friend is using Audio note P2SE for excellent sound...