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Quad ESL 57 - Which to buy

I have an opportunity to purchase one of two pairs of Quad ESLs. One pair has been fully restored recently ($2300) (original panels, new rivets, new mylar, new dust covers, new electronics and EHT) and the other is an original late 1970s, single owner pair ($1200) always driven by Quad II amps. Both look and sound great on their own(they are in different towns, so I have not been able to do a side by side comparison). Both are quiet, power up well and show no signs of arcing. Cosmetically, they look identical.

I'll be driving them with Quad II-40s.

I'm in Ontario, Canada.

Any opinions on which would be the better purchase?
kwbreezer
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Well, the original may still last for yeaars.. But eventually YOU will need to have them rebuilt.

If the rebuilt pair was done by a well respected rebuilder, then they 'could' be a better deal..
On the other hand, even though rebuilt, they may fail just as soon as the original pair.

Two questions: How old is the rebuild? and what did it cost?

Those questions should be part of your deliberations..
(If a fairly recent rebuild, and the cost would be current $2K then buy the rebuilt as a better deal (accepting the chance they might fail again anyway. Even if they arc..

the redone electonics may be fine anyway.. etc. And the cost the repair not so high?
kwbreezer OP
2 posts
 
The rebuild was done this winter, but i am not sure of the cost. It wasn't done by Wayne Picquet or one of the better known US rebuilders. I don't know who did them, but I have seen photos documenting the rebuild of the panels and it looked very professional. Will see what I can find out.
whart's avatar
whart
1,930 posts
 
Buy both pairs. Stack 'em. Bliss!
:)

(I still have my old pair, in desperate need of restoration, as well as a later
Crosby 63. I find the original to be unmatched in coherence).
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