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Amp for Quad ESL 57?

I am starting to get bored of my current system and wanting to build a new one, again. There's a Quad ESL 57 available locally that I am interested in. However, I have no intimate knowledge of these speakers at all. What should I look for in an amp that will properly drive these speakers?

I did some research and found these speakers to have 82db sensitivity with a wide range of impedance from 60 to 1.8 ohms. Also, it seems most solid state amps need not apply. However, I do not like using tube amps. I am also eyeing an integrated amp, the Accuphase E-202. I hope this amp can properly drive the 57 as I love it's aesthetics. I just hope one won't destroy the other as I read improperly matched amps with the 57 will do. Here is a link to the Accuphase's specs:
http://www.accuphase.com/e-202sp.jpg

I listen to mainly electronic pop such as Saint Etienne, Ivy, Beautiful South, Brookville, New Order. So, I like a delicate sound with an ample amount of pop. No speed metal listener here. My room is about 15x18. My main source is digital but will be getting into vinyl within the next 6 mos.

Your help is much needed and appreciated.

Ed
viggen
trelja
3,215 posts
 
Ed, I have heard that the Atma Sphere M60s and the Quad ESL 57 are a match made in heaven. Mainly due to the high impedance of the Quads.

I am only relaying things that I've read though, as I've never personally heard the combination.
lapaix
45 posts
 
A long time ago I heard stacked Quads ("57s") with Marantz tube amplification. Although nostalgia is not a particularly valid criterion for choosing an amp or system, I have never heard anything better. If you were to get a Quad tube amp to go with the 57s, I do not think you could go wrong.
travelstead's avatar
travelstead
53 posts
 
I'm using VTL TT-25 tiny triode mono amps with my Quad
57's. The way they sound you would think they were made for each other.
viggen OP
817 posts
 
Trej, I heard about the Atmasphere/Quad combo as well. It is definitely intrigueing, but I want to stay away from tubes as much as possible. I want something lower maintenance. Then again, I probably shouldn't be looking at the 57 if I want something service free...

Lapaix, Although your opinion is nostalgia based, I definitely like to hear more about your hifi journey to and away from the 57.

Travelstead, The TT-25 is something I am also keeping half an eye on. Although it is tube gear which I try to avoid, this one seems to be very little maintenance as it only uses a few EL84 (if I remember correctly), and they bias really easily. I also read on audioasylum that someone was asking whether he can use his TT-25 to power a stacked "quad" of 57s. That doesn't happen to be you?
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