Solid State Amps for Quad ESL 57?


My system is feeling pretty tube-y and I was looking for suggestions of a solid state amps that people are liking with their original Quad ESLs. Looking for more speed and more of the bass I know the Quads can put out if set up right.
dhcod

Showing 5 responses by sima66


Hello to all Quad lovers! :)
I'm running stacked 57' with JAS super tweeters and with Audio Aero Prestige mono's, in parallel.
Also 2 MJ Acoustics Ref.1 subs with modded cabinet.
Quads were 100% rebuild by Kent and each speaker has Valhalla shotgun speaker cable.
I built the frame from the scratch (not using the original frames) and as much as I wanted to make life easier for myself and have them in the strait line, I always liked when each pair can be tilted separately, facing my ear level. Frame is from maple-ebony real wood and it weights over 200lbs and with adjustable tilt.
Bottom pair is in the similar tilt and position like would be on the original legs and the top pair are tilted downward a bit.
Probably most will not agree with this setup, by this way I got the best detail and transparency and suits my taste.

I'm very, very happy with the sound, but I'm tired of searching for tubes!
I'm looking to  replace my amps with SS. I'm thinking two stereo SS's on each side, one speaker per channel.
The only problem is finding those SS amp's and at reasonable cost! :)

Best,
Adam

I don’t have the screens since I build different, much sturdier and heavier frames.
Also removed the felt form the bass panels.

https://postimg.org/image/6vpz9zqm7/



Another controversy is on this link:
https://www.cnet.com/news/first-watt-f7-very-special-amplifier-dazzled-the-audiophiliac/

In the end of the review it says that the FirstWatt F-7 sounded better than the ASR Emitter II amplifier!!

Like saburo said, ASR Emitter II amplifier is the amp of choice for 57’s and the best match of Chesky, Wyatt!
And when I wanted to replace my tube amps with two FirstWatt F7 amps (one amp for each side) and speaking with Marc from Reno HiFi, he said that the F7 can’t drive a pair of 57’s.
He recommend PASS XA-30.5, or 30,8 at list!
Thanks noromance......just a bit different way! :)

If no kids or pets, I really don't see a reason to have any kind of screen!
Before the rebuild, in original state, I tried the difference with and without screens and immediately I knew that the screens are out!
Just to clarify if I was misunderstood with my post from above!
The way I want to run my stacked 57's is with two stereo amps and each amp to run one side of the stack! Each amp needs to be bridged and use both amp outputs, for each speaker from the stack!
That is the reason for the Pass Labs would be a better choice!
Also my point was that I trust Mark from RENO HiFi more than the reviewer from that link above!
Mark knows his stuff and would never sale you what is not right product for you!
Only if you insist! :)