Amp for electrostat

[jcris]

First post in a long while,
I’m currently listening to active speakers and while they have been good I miss having a passive system.
Recently I heard a pair of Quad esl 63’s and was really floored at how much I liked them. So much so that I’ve begun looking to build up a passive system with the 63’s as a foundation. My current plan is to buy a pair used and have them reconditioned. I have also begun searching for suitable supporting equipment. Up front I have to admit cost is a concern. I’ve set a budget of about $6000 which would include the reconditioned speakers, the amp and preamp. Initially I intend use a Wiim Pro streamer or a cd player as a source. I’m open to changing that budget if something interesting comes along. I’m leaning toward a class D amp specifically from Buckeye but I’m still learning
https://www.buckeyeamp.com/shop/amplifiers/hypex/ncx252mp/2_channel

I’m curious what others are using and your experience
Thank you

 

[NTK]

Best to just follow Quad's recommendation.

Note that the ESL-63 has an over-voltage protection circuit that shorts the amp output when it triggers (at 55V peak, or 190 W peak into 8 Ω load, according to Stereophile). Make sure your amp has output short circuit protection if it is capable of outputting higher than 55 V peak.

 

[DrTom]

Running my ESL 57 off a 3e Audio A7 fed from a Wiim Ultra. The A7 has been great so far, no problem with the demands of the ESL 57. A7 on low gain mode with the output from the Ultra set to 500mV to protect against arcing.

 

[Panelhead]

Many used 30 watt solid state amps to drive ESL-63. There are not many of them around anymore.
It will not fit in your budget, but Topping LA-90 Discrete sure looks sweet. If I was buying an amp, that would be my choice if lower power is acceptable.
Back 40 years ago people thought the Quads sounded better with low power. And lasted longer. The Brit’s even offered 20 watt amplifiers.

 

[SHB]

This is out of your budget range, but it’s specifically designed for ESLs:

Sanders Sound Systems - ESL Mark II Amplifier

Sanders Sound Systems ESL Amplifier Page.

www.sanderssoundsystems.com

My only reservation about using a Class D amp is that their distortion rises above 4kHz as the output exceeds 5W. In that range, it might be audible with a speaker as revealing as the Quads. You see this in the Class D reviews here.

I’d suggest checking out the Topping B200 monoblocks. More than enough power for your purpose (plenty of headroom), perfect stereo separation and less distortion & noise than any amp on the market. And they’re $600 each.

At some point, you’ll want a subwoofer so you can relieve the Quads of having to produce bass below 200Hz. It will improve your system’s performance by an order of magnitude (much less distortion, much more dynamic headroom).

I have 4 of these:

Rythmik L12 - sealed HT sub

Playing my 6 string bass through these is a religious experience. Love those low B notes.

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

I power my ‘63s with an old QUAD 405-2, which was designed for them, I believe. 100 Wpc.

 

[jcris]

I listen to jazz most of the time at moderate to low volume. Likely I will select something of less than 100 watts per channel and solid state. Short circuit protection is a must in whatever amp I choose. I’ve had tube amps but they generate too much heat. While I may eventually add a subwoofer I will have to experiment without at first.
I’m figuring about $4k for a reconditioned pair of 63’s.
I may be able to push the budget but that would require auditioning an amp and pre with the 63’s. Which is virtually impossible.
Nevertheless I’m learning more
Thanks

 

[jcris]

I power my ‘63s with an old QUAD 405-2, which was designed for them, I believe. 100 Wpc.

Thanks for the suggestion,
I will take a closer look

 

[analogonly]

I bet I know who has thoughts @atmasphere.

 

[DanielT]

First post in a long while,
I’m currently listening to active speakers and while they have been good I miss having a passive system.
Recently I heard a pair of Quad esl 63’s and was really floored at how much I liked them. So much so that I’ve begun looking to build up a passive system with the 63’s as a foundation. My current plan is to buy a pair used and have them reconditioned. I have also begun searching for suitable supporting equipment. Up front I have to admit cost is a concern. I’ve set a budget of about $6000 which would include the reconditioned speakers, the amp and preamp. Initially I intend use a Wiim Pro streamer or a cd player as a source. I’m open to changing that budget if something interesting comes along. I’m leaning toward a class D amp specifically from Buckeye but I’m still learning
https://www.buckeyeamp.com/shop/amplifiers/hypex/ncx252mp/2_channel

I’m curious what others are using and your experience
Thank you

Check their condition. We are talking about speakers that are over forty years old here. They may need to be serviced and/or repaired (sooner or later). It is unavoidable.

Are you handy? Access to a workshop? Do you have the skills, knowledge, interest in servicing and repairing?

You can get an idea of the time it might take here:

Quad ESL-63 Resurrection

Repairing a Quad ESL-63 electrostatic loudspeaker

drmrehorst.blogspot.com

QUAD ESL-63 diy repair

Hi, I'm considering to buy a second hand pair of Quad esl-63's. They sell for 350 euro's and their diaphragms need to be replaced. I built five stats myself (linesources), but was never completely satisfied with the result, even though my latest ones have good sensitivity and operate (very)...

www.diyaudio.com

 

[DanielT]

I power my ‘63s with an old QUAD 405-2, which was designed for them, I believe. 100 Wpc.

A good choice, combo of speakers -amp in my eyes.

AI thinks the same:

 

[evalrat]

I am using the original els57 with over voltage protectors with a restored Quad 303 that had the current protection raised to 5A. When you are a adequately funded I think the new 303 amplifier would be a natural partner. A Quad 405 with protection installed will deliver a lower maximal output voltage.

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

I had mine rebuilt about 12 years ago here:

ElectroStatic Solutions

ElectroStatic Solutions is a company founded and dedicated to electrostatic loudspeakers. We are an authorized dealer for Soundlab and ENIGMACoustics electrostatic loudspeakers. We provide products and services for maintaining all models of Quad Electrostatic loudspeakers and the Stax F-81, F83...

estatsolution.com

They’ve been in storage since I moved about 6 years ago, sadly, as I don’t have a proper space for them to shine anymore. If you’re anywhere near Sacramento, I might be convinced to part with them and the 405-2, but would, of course, need to dig them out and test.

 

[jcris]

I had mine rebuilt about 12 years ago here:

ElectroStatic Solutions

ElectroStatic Solutions is a company founded and dedicated to electrostatic loudspeakers. We are an authorized dealer for Soundlab and ENIGMACoustics electrostatic loudspeakers. We provide products and services for maintaining all models of Quad Electrostatic loudspeakers and the Stax F-81, F83...

estatsolution.com

They’ve been in storage since I moved about 6 years ago, sadly, as I don’t have a proper space for them to shine anymore. If you’re anywhere near Sacramento, I might be convinced to part with them and the 405-2, but would, of course, need to dig them out and test.

I tried to send you a private message but was blocked.

 

[Mnyb]

The WiiM ultra as a preamp is a good idea as it also comes with subwoofer output and crossover