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Upgrade suggestions for Stacked Quad ESL 57 system

Happy Holidays Everyone -

I have a quasi-Mark Levinson HQD System since 1978.

I really enjoy my stacked quad esl 57's but I am open to changing and or modifying some if not all of my components to take my system to the next level.

My other components are as follows:

- Forsell Air Force One TT with its own tonearm (very open to change)- I am very interested in a modified idler but again, I'm open to all suggestions.
- Koetsu Onyx - original version re-tipped
- 3 Bedini 25/25 1mg amps - 2 bridged mono amps for my Quads, 1 stereo amp running my Decca ribbon tweeters (I really don't want to part with the mono amps, but I am open to all suggestions)
- Mark Levinsom ML3 amplifier driving my subwoofer - (open to using a pair of subs with built in amps/crossovers)
- Convergent Audio Technologies SL1 Mk 2 Reference preamp (very open to change - I don't listen to digital sources)
- Dual Fried subs in a single transmission line enclosure
(I also have a Janis SW1 sub that is not being used)
- 1 pr. of modified Decca ribbon tweeters without horns
- Symmetry ASC1 crossover - (want to get rid of)
- Symmetry ASC2 crossover - (want to get rid of)
- Yamaha - T2 Tuner - (considering a Marantz 10B or a McIntosh MR-71, but again, am open to all suggestions)
- Stax Lambda headphones with a Stax SR-12 Energiser/Preamp (want to upgrade, but I'm a big Stax fan)
- Revox A77 Reel-to-Reel tape recorder - I enjoy my reel-to-reel
- VPI 16 Record Cleaner - (definitely needs to be replaced)
- Mark Levinson cables

I enjoy rock, jazz and large scale classical. My listening room is approximately 20 by 14 by 10.

I can allocated up to $50,000 for this project, but I am looking for the best possible sound at the most reasonable price.

I'm open to tube and solid state.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read this and look forward to your timely replies.

All the best,

Rich

rmarcus5757

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Darn Rich, that is like going back in a time machine. I helped Sound Components install those systems back in the late 70s. Do you have the Levison Stands? Why not Hartley'S?
So, you have the itch:)  What would I do??????
If the Turntable is OK good bearing and all I would put an Air Tight PC 1 Supreme in it. Simplicity is always best. I would sell the Quads and get a pair of SoundLabs 845's in Ultimate frames, 945s if you have 9 foot ceilings. Then you can lose the tweeters, a cross over and an amp. Then I would keep everything else the same for the time being assuming it is all in good working order. That pretty much blew all your money. Next I would work on your sub woofer arrangement.
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