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Great write up Paul. You and I seem to agree on several opinions stated in the review and I've gained a real sense of what the Quads are like. And I'm glad you're satisfied with them.I only hear Quads once, in a very crowded room at an audiofest. In fact it was so crowded I didn't bother squeezing inside, but from the doorway I confirmed it was Quad's playing and was impressed.You mention having a RS spl meter, do you also run frequency test tones to confirm what you're hearing with the meter? (I've found most listeners have a hard time discerning 30 Hz from 40 Hz and ususally guess lower than actual.) I also find most over estimate spl's and that most audiophile settings (fests/local gatherings) run about 85 dB or less.With your single driver esperience I'm suprised to read that you consider imaging as an "audio trick". For me, its a vital part of high end audio, providing location and size to each sound source to make it all "more real". After all, the main point of stereo is to create a 3D image (and sell twice as much equipment ) isn't it?
What made you go with the older 57s Paul, over the new 2805, besides price. I know the 57 has a cult like following but you would think if anyone knows Quads it would be Quad. They can sit mint 57s to compare to their latest offerings. Rocket_I would go for the 2905 if cashed up_Ronny
I find the difference between vinyl and digital more noticeable on these speakers. Digital can still sound great, but they make me want to listen to vinyl as much as possible. (Yes, I realize I sound like I'm contradicting myself, asserting that the speakers are both exceptionally revealing but seem to give a bit of help to slightly harsh recordings. I don't fully get it either.)
Paul, Thanks for sharing - you spoke my mind when it comes to the Quads. Quad 57 (Sheldon Stokes refurb'ed) owner here as well driven by an upgraded (coupling caps and cathode bypass caps) Transcendent T16 OTL. I'm also augmenting the lower octaves with a Tekton Subwoofer. Echo a similar sentiment when comparing between digital and vinyl :The other characteristic is that notes seem to pop out and hang in the air (is that what presence means in audiophile terms ?) And the thwack of the snare drum - especially on Brubeck's Take 5 on vinyl... is so realistic..so fast and immediate..just like the real thing. I don't think any cone driver can reproduce this. It is physics after all...OTLs seem to go well with the Quads. Would like to try out other OTLs some time in the future, but for now I'm quite content.
Paul,You always seem to be thinking/doing along the same lines as I.How would you compare the dynamics to the TL-D1s, and how well do you think these would fare with a good 4 watts?-- Jim
I'm curious about your decision because I have a set on order (been waiting a long time). What didn't you like about them?