ESL 57 with Marantz 1030???

[perkri]

Hi

Just picked up some ESL 57's, and I know the impedance curves are "challenging" for amps.

I have a stock Marantz 1030 I wanted to try with them, but am concerned about it being able to manage the low impedance dips.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

P

 

[rayma]

Very current limited amplifier (same power at 4 and 8 ohms), so don't push it very hard.
Remember the Quads are refined, not loud. Let them charge up overnight first.

 

[perkri]

Thank you!

Crazy curve...

So, IF, and I repeat, IF, I don't turn them up, in theory I'm not going to damage anything?

These are early 70's speakers, not sure what/if that matters?

(Want ro run them with my EL34 amp - but it needs some service before I can use it)

And seeing as how I just got these speakers, would like to hear them

And what is the reason for letting them charge up overnight?

Thanks again,

P

 

[rayma]

Depending on their condition, they may take that long to charge to a proper operating state.
Until then they could have a very low acoustical output, but that does not mean that you just
turn up the amplifier. That would do damage.

Bear in mind that the Marantz could fail or oscillate, and damage the speakers due to the loading.
A tube amp is going to be much more suitable. Remember the Quads will not play loudly regardless
of the amplifier used, and can be easily damaged by trying to do so. If used within their limits though,
they are extremely good speakers.

 

[perkri]

Very helpful, thanks!

New territory for me, and do not want to damage anything.

And am not going to be playing loud - have Cornwalls for that

Any issues plugging amp into speakers with them on/charged?

P

 

[rayma]

Not at all, but the amp should be turned off before connection to the speakers.
Make sure the volume control is at minimum before turning the amp on.
Play them at low volumes only, esp if you are used to Klipsch. Good luck.

The speakers stay plugged in and turned on at all times, like a clock.
Plug each speaker's power cord directly into the wall socket.
You don't turn them on and off along with the amplifier.

 

[perkri]

Amazing.

And gotcha: loud = bad.

Another potentially silly question. If I'm moving the speakers around in the room, any precautions with a charged/omn speaker?

 

[rayma]

Not really, but be gentle with them, and never let one fall over.
The Quad ESL - Basics

 

[perkri]

Another question, does it make a difference if they're run with a cap coupled amp or a DC coupled amp?

And if they are OK with a 1030, would they be OK with a 2226? Or a 2225 (Which is DC coupled)?

Thanks!

P

 

[perkri]

They're alive!!!

Brief moment of drama as power light did not come on on one speaker. Low muffled sound.

Bad power cord.

Listening at low volume for the next few hours until they come up to full charge.

 

[stokessd]

The power lights have no bearing on the power supply operation. They are purely indicator lights and are typically burned out by now. They are neon bulbs with a limited lifespan.

Sheldon

 

[rayma]

Listening at low volume for the next few hours until they come up to full charge.

Best to not use them at all, until both speakers seem to be at full level. You could be clipping the amplifier,
while generating very little volume due to incomplete charging. These speakers are extremely delicate,
and must be used with great care, repeat great care, at all times. This cannot be emphasized too strongly.
Ignore the flickering neon lights. Talk to Sheldon (above) if you have any difficulties, or need repairs.

An output capacitor coupled amplifier could cause LF abberations, due to the speaker's impedance curve.

 

[perkri]

Thank you both! Lamp is back on. Power cord is iffy... Looks like the plug has some connection issues - plug isn't grabbing on properly to the pins in the speaker. Same problem on both speakers.

Put a new cord to the plug and triple checked continuity and its as it should be.Been listening at low volume intermittently while I've been working on a desktop amp I'm making/experimenting with.

These things sure do sound nice!!!

 

[rayma]

Wait until you hear them with a good tube amplifier. However, never connect experimental amplifiers to them.

 

[perkri]

I can't wait to hear them with my tube amp!!!

And no, would never hook them up to any experimental amp, especially one I'm just cobbling together

From what little research I've done into these, I've come to understand that I need to do much more

Especially before I clean them up and replace the boards as per online recommendations. Caution and best practices must be adhered to!!!

 

[rayma]

Personally, I would leave them as-is, if they seem to work well enough.
Adding proper stands would be a major improvement in sound.

 

[perkri]

Appreciate that advice!

Was planning on starting with the legs!

They did not come with feet/legs so they are sitting on milk crates at them moment...

Plan is to make the taller style legs that are integrated with the side panels. Will give me some design options for colour schemes Grills are black, think these were made in 73' based on serial numbers???

Grills are in fairly good condition based on what I've seen online.

 

[rayma]

Please be very careful not to let them fall over. Here is a good design for those who want
a baffle below them. Height is best 14" to 18" off floor, so you may want to experiment.
ESL Inspiration, Dedicated loudspeaker support for the Quad Electrostatic loudspeaker, Quad, Quad Stands, Quad Electrostatic Stands, Quad ESL 57, Electrostatic, Loudspeaker, Loudspeaker Stand, Speaker Stands, Stands, Composite, Quartz, Man, Made, Gra
The Quad ESL - Basics

 

[perkri]

Thanks! Very interesting approach to the stands/frames.

Makes perfect sense about how the added mass helps with the presentation.

 

[rayma]

Some prefer them without a baffle underneath, so experiment with that.