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Replacements for Quad 989's ??

I am looking for a replacement speaker for my pair of Quad 989’s. I love the Quads, but miss the bottom end. The lower freq of the Quads is very true, but lacks impact. Most types of music, of all forms do contain a fair amount of bottom end content. Certainty live music does. But here is the problem. I hate to give up the open nature of the Quads, their soundstage, depth, and accuracy.

Adding subs to Quads is hit and miss. I am aware of some other panel speakers that may have a better bottom end, but the price is a tad out of my range.

My Specs.

The room is 21 x 23, with a 9 foot ceiling that slopes up to 16 feet. The back wall of the 23 foot ( 16 foot high part ), is open for 16 of the 23 feet. The Quads are on the front 23 foot wall, well spaced off the walls and sides. Listening is not really near field, but the Quads are about 12 – 13 feet away from the listening position.

What make ?? model ?? of speaker will give me close to the Quads best features, but give me some increased bottom end, with out a one KW amp.

Current electronics are:

Bryston 2b-sst amp
Bryston 26 preamp, with MC and MM
Cary 303/300 CD
VPI TT
Kimber IC and Spk cables

The Bryston 2b-sst is a good match for the Quads, but may have to go.

Now the bad part. I’d like to keep the speakers under 12 grand new or used.

Any suggestion’s ??

Thanks in advance
128x128gammastrep
essentialaudio
1,147 posts
 
If considering Sound Labs I certainly would recommend M-1s or A-1s as a minimum for your room, and they will shine. Although the A-3s mentioned are lower cost, the results you are seeking will not be fully realized.

Sound Lab dealer.
jeffreyds
111 posts
 
Try either new Harbeth Monitor 40.1s or used Dynaudio Confidence C4s. I think you'll be suprised how well the Harbeths sound in large rooms. Harbeth C7s are the only speakers that I've owned that I prefer to my previous Quad ESL-63s. The Dynaudios are also excellent if you need something larger.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Magnepan 3.6 or 20.1.

Short term the Bryston will suffice but you will need more horsepower to properly drive both Maggies.
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
My local dealer has 2805's set up with a Wilson Benesch Torus sub and impact is one of the strengths. It is more than just low frequency rumble and shake, it is a seamless extension of the Quads bottom end. Pretty damn impressive!
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
I suggest that we all try our very best to select, install, and set up all of our gear with great hopes and desires, however in the end, it is all hit or miss. I certainly would try the sub woofer route...I know this is time and energy enefficient, but I would try every sub, passive, and electronic crossover, until I've exhausted all manufacturers and still was displeased with the results..only then would I change the whole damn speaker.
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