Oh, yeah, babe....

TroyD
TroyD Posts: 13,077
edited December 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
The latest incarnation of the 2ch rig: Quad ESL 63's

There's not much that I can say about them that hasn't already been said so I'll skip the intro.

We are just getting aquainted but so far, they more than live up to the billing....this is going to be fun, fun, fun until Wendi takes the T-bird away.

BDT
I plan for the future. - F1Nut
Post edited by TroyD on
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Where's the 9's??? I have first dibs!!!

    Excellent. Lemme know what you think.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2006
    Ant, you might want to read the travels thread posted up by GG.

    BDT--You the man, cant wait to get my ears on them, way to go bro.

    RT1
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    amulford wrote:
    Where's the 9's??? I have first dibs!!!

    In Indy.......have you been paying attention Antny :confused::p .
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Oh stop...
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    reeltrouble1 wrote:
    BDT--You the man, cant wait to get my ears on them, way to go bro.

    RT1

    Maybe he can bring them to Antny's for PF '07 which is just around the corner.....err.....uh......I mean the '07 part.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    Schweeeet!!!
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    Coo.... coo...

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited December 2006
    Troy, give us the lowdown on them... i don't know anything about em. specs, soundstage.. etc.
    very cool. they kind of have a retro look to em.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Hmmm...they do look way cool.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited December 2006
    Nice to see you reach another audio goal broham. Stats in the house.

    I can't wait for you to hear them on the modded Heathkits with the Peerless output trannies.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited December 2006
    Got to hear them when Troy picked them up from Lou's. Man they sound awsome. Troy im jelous. Enjoy them.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    My first impressions so far are all positive.....so far it fits perfectly with my tastes in music and so forth.

    It's seamless and transparent, which you would expect from a full range ESL. Soundstaging is precise, wide (although doesn't extend outward from the edges of the speakers) and deep. These things simply disappear.

    Surprise so far is bass. Not a lease breaker, however, I couldn't imagine needing a sub. I'd say I'm loading into the high 30's which is plenty for me.

    They also will not play at rock concert levels. I don't enjoy music that loud so that's perfect for me.

    More to follow...

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • DAGLJAM6
    DAGLJAM6 Posts: 635
    edited December 2006
    Simply elegant looking speakers in person, the quickie 20 minutes or so checking them out at Lou's confirmed the reasons for the following these speakers have. (BTW, Lou what was that first funky/jazz disc you played)
    Magic on vocals IMO .The celtic influenced vocals disc was a stunner ,i'm sure a well produce/engineered disc in and of itself, but the speakers conveyed every ounce of "life" that was recorded.
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited December 2006
    Very nice. What does the boss think of them?
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    Mike - you still diggin' the Isis'?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    edited December 2006
    I don't think I've ever heard the 63's. They have on the order of 1/2 mile of wire for the delay lines for the concentric panels, I have heard it said.

    I do like my recently acquired ESL-57's :-)
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    BlueMDPicker wrote:
    Very nice. What does the boss think of them?

    She thinks that they sound good, however, she views them as an impediment to her financial goals.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited December 2006
    Halo wrote:
    Mike - you still diggin' the Isis'?
    I haven't listened to them in several weeks. The phono preamp went to the Revel/PS Audio rig, once I got the better table, and I've been pretty much absorbed with that system. Got the Bottlehead phono preamp kit sitting here for a winter build, but toying with the idea of integrating that circuit with the Dodd MLP-- a "DoddleHead". :p
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    Very cool looking Troy! I especially like the way fronts arc.

    You turntable looks familiar. Is it a VPI? IF not what is your TT rig?
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  • DAGLJAM6
    DAGLJAM6 Posts: 635
    edited December 2006
    Addendum...went over to BDT's to get another short demo on after the 'stats
    were powered up for a day. First impression has been reinforced these speakers exude class, played some cuts from Donald Fagen's "Morph the Cat" floored what else can you say. Troy threw on an acoustic seasonal Windham Hill LP and again floored at the imaging and realistic presentation of piano and acoustic guitar. Put on Susan Tedeschi's "Hope and Desire" track 7 is a fave grit and polish on the vocals and bam literally got goosebumps. Ended the demo with "Alone and Acoustic" Buddy Guy and Junior Wells again the speakers dropped away and left only the music....scary good stuff.
    Yep, they're Troy's speakers but I may be more excited than he is .................nah!!!
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    Yes, it's a VPI HW-19 MkIII....

    I'm still collecting my thoughts to do a more comprehensive review....

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    Cool.... congrats on snagging some awesome speaks!

    Let's get some more impressions when ya get a chance.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited December 2006
    amulford wrote:
    Where's the 9's??? I have first dibs!!!

    Excellent. Lemme know what you think.


    hmmmmmm. now where can they be? muhahahahahaha!!!!!!!! :p

    I had those quads in my house for a week. it took fortitude and self discipline not to mess with them while they were here :D

    When I picked these up and demoed the at the sellers house, I didnt know what to expect. I was surprised at the sound these things put out for there size. I remember thinking these would be perfect for Troys relativly small 2 channel room.

    I'll say I was surprised by the bass output too. what drew my attention the most is how well they articulated sound at low to moderate sound levels, avoiding that urge to crank it up to get dynamic sound you can feel. Troy hit the nail on the head by saying these things are seemless in there presentation.

    Troy will be enjoying these for a while I'm sure.
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited December 2006
    DAGLJAM6 wrote:
    (BTW, Lou what was that first funky/jazz disc you played)
    Magic on vocals IMO .The celtic influenced vocals disc was a stunner ,i'm sure a well produce/engineered disc in and of itself, but the speakers conveyed every ounce of "life" that was recorded.


    the funky jazz disk was Marcus Miller's M squared (M2). When a funky Bass line is what you need, that is the guy you call (album sounds effing AWESOME on the 9's by the way). he also a great producer in his own right, producing many of David Sanborn's CD's. He has a heavy Jaco Pastorius influence. Dave and I had his Silver Rain CD at Polkfest that got some playtime.


    the female vocals was Hayle Westenra. Allways a true test of how well a speaker handles the female vocals. a speaker that cant handle it will let you know very fast at high volume. and yes, the Quads handled it with relative ease.
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Yo Lou!! You sly SOB!!!;)

    How are my 9's soundin in the man cave??? Good on ya brotha! Two history making design IN DA HOUSE!!!

    Whaddaya tryin' to do, become a George Grand, Jr.???:D
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited December 2006
    amulford wrote:
    Yo Lou!! You sly SOB!!!;)

    How are my 9's soundin in the man cave??? Good on ya brotha! Two history making design IN DA HOUSE!!!

    Whaddaya tryin' to do, become a George Grand, Jr.???:D


    I believe it says in the bible, "He who driveth to Mamaroneck to obtain the Holy Quads for Troy, shall be first in line for the blessing of his AR9's." I'm just keeping with religious doctrine brotha :D

    One fatefule day I went to George's house, where heard 2 pairs of speakers I liked (along with your coffee preferences....LOL), and the rest is history. was a forgone conclusion I would own these badboys seperatly or together before I died. ;)
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • univera
    univera Posts: 848
    edited December 2006
    Lou, now you can re-position the AR's anytime you like without BDT giving you a hard time. Sweet speakers of which some incarnation of AR's will be mine after hearing them at PF. Enjoy!
    UNIVERA
    Historic Charleston SC

    2 Channel:
    SDA-SRS's RDO tweets
    Biamped Anthem 2 SE's w/1970's NOS Siemens CCA's
    Anthem Pre 2L w/E.harmonix platinum matched 6H23's
    CDP- NAD C 542


    HT setup:
    AVR: NAD T 773
    Rears: Polk LC80i
    DVD: Toshiba 3109 dual tray
    Subs: Velodyne and M&K
    T.V.: Sony KDL-52XBR4 w/Vans Evers Clean Line Jr.
    Conditioner: Panamax M5100EX

    Master Bedroom Sony 40KDL-XBR3

    "I love it when a plan comes together." Hannibal Smith, The A-Team
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited December 2006
    I'm going to invite Noel out here just to move these things around :D
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited December 2006
    ohskigod wrote:
    I'm going to invite Noel out here just to move these things around :D
    I'll be more than glad to come get em set up for ya:cool: :p
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • DAGLJAM6
    DAGLJAM6 Posts: 635
    edited December 2006
    ohskigod wrote:
    the funky jazz disk was Marcus Miller's M squared (M2). When a funky Bass line is what you need, that is the guy you call (album sounds effing AWESOME on the 9's by the way). Dave and I had his Silver Rain CD at Polkfest that got some playtime.

    Cool, i picked up "Silver Rain" after PFest didn't realize the other cd was his also thanks.
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