"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message
news:50750c013edave@davenoise.co.uk...
> In article <eoidnfkKspGxQdDXnZ2dnUVZ8lWdnZ2d@bt.com>,
> jasee <jasee@btinternet.com> wrote:
>> I can't remember being particularly impressed with the original quad
>> electrostatics particularly with full orchestras and organs, as in
>> certain organ concertos, really almost disappeared. I really couldn't
>> see what the fuss was about. And I remember the quad 405 amplifier I
>> bought becoming so noisy that I sent it back.
>
> You're a few years apart. The original '57 would have been driven with
> Quad II valve amps. Or even just one. The first Quad transistor amp was
> the 303. Early 405s used a poor op amp which was changed for a better one
> shortly after introduction.
>
> The original '57 was very room sensitive. Was your room approaching a
> cube? The bass output seemed to disappear in those. Worked best in a long
> room with the speakers across the narrow wall. Of course it only went down
> to about 40 Hz in the best of circumstances. And the lack of resonances
> made it appear bass light compared to a honky cabinet speaker.

I borrowed the quads for about a couple of weeks in London and they were
with valve amps and yes the room was more of less square and the particular
organ had a low 32cycle (IIRC) note which you simply couldn't hear at all.
The 405 I bought myself later but changed for a Raford transistor amp which
was simply worlds better. Never did like valves anyway.