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The closest approach...really

I recently purchased a pair of Gradient SW-63 woofers for my Quad ESL 57, and I this is so far the closest approach to the real thing that I've ever experienced. The midrange is probably the best possible, with Quads' holographic properties most audiophiles are familiar with. The micro-detail is also superb. The Gradient woofers add a very competent, tight, and fast bass. I believe this combination is hard to beat at any price. Does anyone think this combination can be beat?
ggavetti
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
A while back I had a pair of Vandersteen 2W subs integrated wonderfully with Quad 988.

It can be accomplished in the right room.
oem
91 posts
 
I could never get my Entech subs to integrate with my Quad ESL 63.Others have i'm sure but as Audiofeil stated "in the right room"
mothra
110 posts
 
opinions greatly vary on this. It's really what you like that matters.

Some would say stacked quads, which give you more bass , would integrate better witha fast sub (10 inch speakers maybe) as it doens't have to handle as much freq area.
ggavetti OP
143 posts
 
Well, let me specify that I was able to integrate them seamlessly (to my ears) in a relatively small room (something like 13x18).

The only caveat is that it took a while to figure out how to place them on the Gradient woofers. Once their feet are taken out, the ESL's sit on whatever flat surface in a slightly bent way. Well, that is definitely not the right position. They have to be perpendicular to the woofer in order to obtain the best sound. It is possible that some of the complaints I heard above have something to do with the position of the ESL's.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Mrtennis,
A seamless blend can be achieved. It depends on the room and on careful placement.
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