QUAD ESL 2905 / 2805

I loved my 2805s and used a McIntosh 275 (75wpc) and McIntosh C2300 preamp. The match was great with plenty of power in my 12 X 24 X 8 room. Over the years I used other lower power tube amps which also worked well.

But in the two years I owned them (bought them new), I had them in for repair 3 times, even though I never drove them beyond 80 - 85 db. It was not panel failure, which is common from over-driving them, but electronics failures. Poor soldering, shoddy workmanship, etc. It is a real shame, because they are great sounding speakers. The warranty is only one year.

The dealer I bought them from has since dropped the line due to so many reliability issues with both the 2805 and 2905. I've since moved on to other electrostatic speakers with a much better reliability record.

If I was to do Quads again, I would get some rebuilt 63's or maybe even 57's, from one of the reliable companies here in the US that does the rebuilds.

Dave

FWIW, have decided to drop the idea of the QUAD ESLs ... and go the way of the Advantgrade Duos ...... maybe this will even render my bat vk55 w more than sufficient power ...

While I really appreciate this thread from the standpoint of information, I'm more than a bit disheartened to read it.

The reason being, I'm getting together with some audio friends tomorrow to visit a couple of local dealerships, with my intent being to audition the 2805 and/or 2905. For the record, the previous two generations did not suit my tastes, and I've not as yet had the opportunity to hear the ESL57. I have no idea if this current iteration will work for me, as I've yet to hear them, but I'm more than curious at this point. I was going in with a completely open mind and the feeling that if they turned out to be the answer, I'd most likely move forward with a purchase. However, after reading this, even if I fell in love with them, I have truly serious reservations.

At any rate, having an intimate knowledge of some Chinese audio components, I'm not at all surprised regarding the issues regarding reliability and workmanship. Sadly, most of us see the things they do well (such as component weight and cosmetics - chassis, paint, etc.) and mistake that for solid engineering and build quality. I've learned the hard way the two categories are not at all intertwined.

In my recent travel to U.K. to collect the pair of Quad ESL 57 I bought to a seller, I listened to his ESL 2905 and the 57's sounded more detailled and musicaly involving. They where originals, just checked by Quad every 5 years. Back home I opened them and there was a very thick dirt deposit on the panel covers. I cleaned everything, put them on 57 cm stands ( hearing height) and I am blown away by the sound they have. My Logans are not my reference any more ! Killer looks too, just incredible for a 50 years old pair of electrostatics. Have a look at them in my system. I would love to have them stacked, the real challenge is the WAF factor here !
Best,
Jean.

Dave: ESL 57 with Mc 275 is a delight ! I would go for 57's refurbished .
Best,
Jean.