Are there any problems associated with using a Quad ESL-57 upside down?

[surv1v0r]

As question . . .

With stacked ESL-57s, the lower speaker is upside down, the upper one is the right way up; would this cause any problems with the one that is upside down?

I ask this not because I plan to stack ESL-57s but because I am considering suspending two of them.

 

[Dr Jim]

Other than all the blood rushing to your head might tend to congest the upper-midrange?

Oh, you mean the speakers....

Since the Quad 57's drivers are vertically oriented, inversion shouldn't produce gross problems in their radiation pattern, but I'd be concerned about the effects of the rain of dead bugs, zombie dust bunnies, and coating flakes that could result from suddenly inverting a 50 year old electrostatic.

I'd also make <very> sure that both transformers were physically restrained by a mounting more secure than a brittle, aging circuit board - remember, "Stuff happens, but pooh-pooh occurs..."

Cheers

Jim

 

[6L6]

No problems at all. Google 'Stacked Quad 57"

 

[Groove T]

Looks like a HQD System 30 years ago
Hartley Woofer
Quad Mid
Decca Ribbon
Driven with ML 2 And Source Goldmund Studio with T3F Arm, ML Preamp an some x-over
Poor Mans Wilson WAMM😛

 

[Iamimdoc]

Be aware, that one speaker sort of points up and one down if you orient them in a nice smooth continuous curve. But neither really points at the listener. Some type of adjustment to modify the angle of attack should be considered.

 

[surv1v0r]

This query ONLY relates to hanging a single pair of ESL-57s upside down, NOT to stacking two pairs; there is a lot about that on the Internet.

I was just concerned about any possible negative impact of inverting the speakers. The comments about debris that may have settled at the bottom and the risk of the heavy electrical components coming loose do seem to be the most significant concerns - thanks for those reminders.

 

[AVWERK]

Is there a reason you want to do that as there would be no issue inverting a pair?

Regards
David

 

[surv1v0r]

Is there a reason you want to do that as there would be no issue inverting a pair?

Just to get them off the floor (to avoid children) and it seems easier / more convenient to use the base as an attachment point - strange but true!

 

[AVWERK]

Then you have to worry about their rapid growth!
I see a pulley system in your future...,

 

[Mike Beck]

Google "Faye Dunaway's stacked Quads" to see wall-mounted Quads.

 

[lcsaszar]

I think you would lose the (already not beefy) bass if you suspend them. They could vibrate from losing the rigid support.

 

[surv1v0r]

Google "Faye Dunaway's stacked Quads" to see wall-mounted Quads.

They do seem to be suspended from the ceiling but that looks like a VERY strange idea. I was under the impression that ESL-57s should be well clear of any wall which is part of the reason why I don't want them sitting on the floor in the middle of the room.

Added to that, they don't seem to be angled towards any listening area which is again something that I thought was considered to be important?

I think you would lose the (already not beefy) bass if you suspend them. They could vibrate from losing the rigid support.

You may well be right. As it happens, I was given a pair of Kef B200 SP1022s that I am planning to build into a four foot long x two foot wide "Coffin" (LINK). That will probably also end up suspended from the ceiling along with a Quad 303 and quite possibly me as well in short order 😉