Hi All,
this is my my very first post on AudioCircle, so let me start by saying hallo to everybody.
I have a pair of Quad 2905 since February 2007 and I must say that I am very happy with them. I share all of James's findings and impressions on this great speaker.
Curiously enough, my listening room and the way I have positioned the 2905's is similar to James's set-up. Actually, my room is even smaller than James's: it is just 12 feet and 10 inches wide per 9 feet and 8 inches deep, with an height of 12 feet and 1 inch (old Florentine building). The speakers are placed along the longer wall, which is entirely occupied by a bookcase (with a chimney in the middle). Behind the "listening sofa" there is a relatively large archway. The speakers are 3 feet away from the back wall (i.e., the bookcase) and more or less the same from the side walls. They are 5 feet and 9 inches from the inner edges of each other. The distance from the listening position is also 5 feet and 9 inches. So, this is nearfield listening, isn't it! (The room is not treated for the time being. In the future, I will place at least a column of three Acustica Applicata DaaD3 in each of the corners behind the speakers.)
While I do not rule out and, indeed, assume that the 2905's would work even better if I were sitting farther away from them, I must say that even now I am extremely satisfied. I cannot think of any better speaker, at least in that price range, for listening to the music I love (chamber music - and classical music in general -, small-combo jazz, female voices) in my little room. I should add that I drive them with a pair of 845-based tube mono amps manufactured by T-Audio, a small Italian firm (almost unknown even in Italy) that designs and produces some truly exceptional stuff. Despite their moderate power (33 W RMS per channel) these amps drive the 2905's easily and to great sonic results. Needless to say, volume levels can only be relatively moderate (although I like to "pump up" the volume, when possible).
I have a number of questions, for James, Planaria, and all of you.
@ James: Can you tell me more on your experience with the subs? Of course, which subs are you using? How (I mean, where) have you placed them in your listening room? How have you set the 10B electronic crossover?
@ Planaria: The idea of modding my Quad's is intriguing; do you know anyone one could do the job in a very competent manner here in Italy or in Europe?
Furthermore: What cables do you use to interface the 2905's with your amp(s)? I use a pair of old MIT MH-770 Twin Tube Series 2 - they do a pretty good job. What would you recommend, as a possible alternative? Also: what power cords do you use? Do you use any power filter/conditioner for your 2905's?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Ciao,
Ruggero