This is the first time I've set up, in any lasting configuration, my full Quad/Gradient speaker system. The whole setup is a hodge-podge of modern and vintage gear that I've decided on based on how well it works together more than the strengths of any one piece.
The Gradient subwoofers are dipole, and were designed for the Quad ESL-63. My ESL-63s are pro monitor "PRO-63" versions, originally made for Philips, I believe, as location monitors- hence the handles, for easy transport, and some other changes to the standard 63. Its nice to get them out of my bedroom system (Harbeths are there now).
Source right now is my EMM Labs CDSA cd/SACD player. If I keep this setup like this, I'll bring my VPI over here. The preamp is a Sony TA-e86, from what has become known as their 'pre-Esprit' line. Amps are a slightly modified Dynaco ST-70 and a Robert Grodinsky Research Model 5. Cabling is a mixture of whatever was easiest to get to out of the closet, Audioquest and some well-shielded un-marked something or other, and Kimber 4TC speaker cable on both the subs and ESLs.
So a line goes from the preamp, to the Gradient crossover, which crosses over the Quads pretty high, and onto the amps. With the Quads crossed over around 100hz, I can power them with the Dynaco. Full range I run the Levinson 432 on them.
So onto the important part:
The room really isn't big enough for them, but this was setup just for kicks. It sounds MUCH better than I anticipated. Room treatment would certainly help, and I need to pull the speakers out a bit more.
The Quads bolt onto the Gradient subs. They then form a giant monolith that you must give daily offerings to. Kind of like Easter Island.
Sony can do amazing things when they want to.
I need to dust the Dynaco. The Grodinsky amp was my main amp for a very long time- very under the radar unit. Here its just on the subs, and doing a nice job.
Lulled into drooling by the sweet sounds of the Quad/Gradient speaker system...
The Gradient subwoofers are dipole, and were designed for the Quad ESL-63. My ESL-63s are pro monitor "PRO-63" versions, originally made for Philips, I believe, as location monitors- hence the handles, for easy transport, and some other changes to the standard 63. Its nice to get them out of my bedroom system (Harbeths are there now).
Source right now is my EMM Labs CDSA cd/SACD player. If I keep this setup like this, I'll bring my VPI over here. The preamp is a Sony TA-e86, from what has become known as their 'pre-Esprit' line. Amps are a slightly modified Dynaco ST-70 and a Robert Grodinsky Research Model 5. Cabling is a mixture of whatever was easiest to get to out of the closet, Audioquest and some well-shielded un-marked something or other, and Kimber 4TC speaker cable on both the subs and ESLs.
So a line goes from the preamp, to the Gradient crossover, which crosses over the Quads pretty high, and onto the amps. With the Quads crossed over around 100hz, I can power them with the Dynaco. Full range I run the Levinson 432 on them.
So onto the important part:
The room really isn't big enough for them, but this was setup just for kicks. It sounds MUCH better than I anticipated. Room treatment would certainly help, and I need to pull the speakers out a bit more.
The Quads bolt onto the Gradient subs. They then form a giant monolith that you must give daily offerings to. Kind of like Easter Island.
Sony can do amazing things when they want to.
I need to dust the Dynaco. The Grodinsky amp was my main amp for a very long time- very under the radar unit. Here its just on the subs, and doing a nice job.
Lulled into drooling by the sweet sounds of the Quad/Gradient speaker system...
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