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Quad ESL 989 and Maggie 3.6s

I'm thinking of moving from the world of monitors and floorstanders to planers/electrostats -- this is partly due to my new amps, a set of McIntosh MC-501s, which finally give me more than ample power to get into this world.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has listened closely to both of these speakers, or has strong opinions toward one or the other? I've heard both described as near-ultimates of the type and certainly as "giant killers." Unfortunately, I have not heard the Quads (and it's been a long time since I have heard Quads).

One possible consideration against the Quads is that we do have small children in the house and they could be dangerous.

Ideas?
highdudgeon
highdudgeon OP
28 posts
 
Really? You feel the electrostats are somewhat compressed and less dynamic? I would have thought the opposite.

Also, I'm hearing (and reading) tha the esl-988 is actually the smoother speaker. Anyone audition both of these?
goatwuss
875 posts
 
HighDungeon -

Put a pair of Quads or Maggies next to a big pair of wilsons or Dynaudios. Play some dynamic rock or jazz music. You will near night-and-day differences in dynamic capabilities between the planars and the boxes. Granted, you'll also hear night-and-day differences in transparency in favor of the planars... so pick your poison.

Goatwuss
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Auditioned both and bought 88. More focused and better mid-range. Bottom end difference between the 88 and 89 is insignificant as you will need a sub or ideally a pair anyway. There is no reason to spend extra $$$ for the 89.
kw6
433 posts
 
Hi Wc65mustang,

I'll be auditioning Quad 988/989 hopefully soon myself.

Did the 989 have a taller soundstage compared to the 988 so you don't have to look at the performance?

My concern would be if images have body like good cone speakers like Living Voice OBX-R2. And mid level dynamics.

Thanks!
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Kw6
With the exception of the 88's slightly more liquid mid-range and and a more focused presentation, the 88 and 89 are virtually identical in sonics. I suppose that the extra panels permit the 89 to go a bit lower but it is barely discernible and relevant. As I mentioned before, you'll need assistance at the bottom end as neither the 88 or 89 are true "full range" speakers.
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