I used to share my stereo speakers between a 2 channel and a surround system, but now use them for stereo only records, and added a proper source switcher, to use a second blu-ray player in it for music videos or old movies, and streaming through an inexpensive Topping DAC, in addition to an old CD player.
I am using a pair of Fosi mono blocks now, and aren't sure about them yet, and like the Fosi Box X5 bought at the same time, but will continue to use a kit 12AX7 phonostage I've been used to for years from Little Bear, a T10 version 2.65. A wire from its V3 tube cover to its ground terminal eliminates any hum I can hear at much louder levels than I use.
The stereo pair sounds better after a new crossover. It's all first order, with chosen to both minimize comb filtering with a shallow slope crossover, and coincide with the main dipole peak. The drivers are on the inside, and no toe in is used, to keep the large baffle reflections away from me somewhat. The old Sansui woofers are from a sealed model, and play a bit lower with new lighter foam surrounds.
I am using a pair of Fosi mono blocks now, and aren't sure about them yet, and like the Fosi Box X5 bought at the same time, but will continue to use a kit 12AX7 phonostage I've been used to for years from Little Bear, a T10 version 2.65. A wire from its V3 tube cover to its ground terminal eliminates any hum I can hear at much louder levels than I use.
The stereo pair sounds better after a new crossover. It's all first order, with chosen to both minimize comb filtering with a shallow slope crossover, and coincide with the main dipole peak. The drivers are on the inside, and no toe in is used, to keep the large baffle reflections away from me somewhat. The old Sansui woofers are from a sealed model, and play a bit lower with new lighter foam surrounds.
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Love the sound of the Quads, great iconic speaker!
Nothing sounds like Quads. I first heard a pair with a Cary amplifier and a Meitner DAC at Pat's Audio, probably 30 years ago, and was even more impressed with a restored pair of ESL 57swith a Sumo preamplifier and a Biotracer turntable.
I've been trying some near-field experiments with the Quads. I started with them parallel, a couple feet from the chair, like big headphones. The soundstage was like headphones, too- everything was inside my head. I moved the a bit forward and toed them in- better, but centrally mixed sources still sound like they are in my head. I'll try moving them a little farther forward next. They sound fantastic!
Here's my hot GF trying them out:
Here's my hot GF trying them out: