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Replacements for Quad 989's ??

I am looking for a replacement speaker for my pair of Quad 989’s. I love the Quads, but miss the bottom end. The lower freq of the Quads is very true, but lacks impact. Most types of music, of all forms do contain a fair amount of bottom end content. Certainty live music does. But here is the problem. I hate to give up the open nature of the Quads, their soundstage, depth, and accuracy.

Adding subs to Quads is hit and miss. I am aware of some other panel speakers that may have a better bottom end, but the price is a tad out of my range.

My Specs.

The room is 21 x 23, with a 9 foot ceiling that slopes up to 16 feet. The back wall of the 23 foot ( 16 foot high part ), is open for 16 of the 23 feet. The Quads are on the front 23 foot wall, well spaced off the walls and sides. Listening is not really near field, but the Quads are about 12 – 13 feet away from the listening position.

What make ?? model ?? of speaker will give me close to the Quads best features, but give me some increased bottom end, with out a one KW amp.

Current electronics are:

Bryston 2b-sst amp
Bryston 26 preamp, with MC and MM
Cary 303/300 CD
VPI TT
Kimber IC and Spk cables

The Bryston 2b-sst is a good match for the Quads, but may have to go.

Now the bad part. I’d like to keep the speakers under 12 grand new or used.

Any suggestion’s ??

Thanks in advance
gammastrep

Showing 2 responses by jafox

jafox
1,470 posts
 
The reason I mentioned the A3 and not the M1/A1 was because Gammastrep mentioned he wanted this under $12k. And it was mentioned that the 989's are doing mighty fine in the listeners room other than a lack of low-end control. The M1/A1 speakers do come up at this price and lower from time to time, but this would require an equal investment in electronics to achieve their capability. Without this, it makes no sense to consider the speaker.

As a long time Maggie owner, I loved these speakers. But anybody using Bryston electronics with these has no idea the capability that can be had.

To choose a speaker to resolve the reported problem, it will like be necessary to find an appropriate amp at the same time. To simply buy a different speaker and expect much benefit will likely result in further dissatisfaction.
jafox
1,470 posts
 
Sound Lab.....and how's this for a steal of a deal! I do not know the seller, just happened to see this. And the value here would allow you to upgrade the Bryston with electronics fit for these speakers, like the Atma MA-1's often here for $5k and still have $$ to upgrade the preamp. Lots of options to stay with 'stats with your budget.
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