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Quad ESLs - I have some questions

Recently I heard the latest model Quad ESL, 2905 I think, and it was a love at first listen kinda thing.  Of course I began looking at used Quad ESLs, and I am curious what the significant differences are between the 63s and the later models like 2805s and 2905s?  Used 63s are in my price range now, 2805s etc would require some patience, so I'm curious if the SQ, reliability, power handling, or other differences are worth the additional cost?  W/r/t 63s, should I be wary if they've been rebuilt. or should that be comforting if the rebuilder has a good reputation?  Anything else I should know?

The 2905s I heard were powered by a Bob Carver Crimson 275, the dealer said my BAT VK-55 would also be a great match.  I listen to singer/songwriter/acoustic/Americana/indy/alternative music with some experimental, jazz, chamber, and classical piano thrown in.  Think First Aid Kit, Jeff Parker, Wilco, Michael Kiwanuka, Gordon Lightfoot, Everything but the Girl, Anna Meredith, generally 85-93 dBs.  Room is 12x20x8, set up for one listener, fairly well treated.  Current speakers are Thiel CS-2.3s.  Also considering Zus and Devores.
128x128thosb
emailists
923 posts
 
While I love quads and used to own 63’s with the full crosby mod, I got sick of getting panels replaced. Today you can buy refurbished panels, which cost much less, but still they have to be installed.

So do your homework and make sure you can deal with arced panels if needed (or have someone local that can do it for you) 

I feel like owning ’stats is an audiophile rite of passage.
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Run , don't walk away from them . The panels have major issues . I was in the same situation about 3 years ago . I had read of some bad panels when I was researching the 2905 . I ended up buying a pair of the 2905's from a Hifi stores used section in MN . I had them for about a year and did somewhat enjoy them . I did not try enough gear with them to get the best sound out of them . I listed them on craigslist and quite a few months later I sold them to a guy . I have texted off and on with the buyer in the 3 years since selling the speakers . He told me a panel went bad and would cost around $1500 plus shipping to get them fixed . I have seen listings for the 2805 and 2905 recently as well with talk of the scratching noise you hear intermittingly once they start going bad . Not worth 4k for such short lifespan . If you bought a pair new maybe the dough to fix wouldn't seem so bad .  
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
I am going to try the Gr Research open baffle servo subs to go with my King Sound King stats . Everything ive read over the years makes me think it will be a flawless incorporation with stats . I am also considering one of his two open baffle speaker kits to buy and build as well . Heard they can compete with stats in the mids and treble but are better than the Kings bass .
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,478 posts
 
Talk to Kent at Electrostatic Solutions in Kansas City, MO.
emailists
923 posts
 
To anyone considering an electrostat, trust me, if you can afford the space and cash, go for a Soundlab. There are only a few dealers, and I have not heard them in quite a few years, but they are so far superior to other ’stat design I have heard. And I’m sure the latest tech they have developed makes them even better.

If I ever had a dedicated listening room (and hope to someday), I would simply find the size and cost range Soundlab that suited me, and order without even auditioning them.

Having heard current and very expensive and respected other brands of ’stats, I’m shocked that people don’t hear the obvious shortcomings. A friend uses to own A1's and then U1's, so I have a decent amount of experience with them. 

As I stated I used to own Crosby Quad 63’s and currently own stat super tweeters that augment my TAD’s (which are very Quad like in sound), and yet I still dream of owning Soundlabs someday (but I'd keep the TAD)  It’s a shame that they’re not better known, displayed and marketed.  They are also a very good value and can be updated.



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