Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> 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.
>

IIRC they didn't go down that far at any power at all. ISTR about 100Hz
plus..always needed a subwoofer IMHO, and sensitivity was pretty shocking.

I always felt the quad valves were good, but neither the 303 nor the 405
were in any way special: Certainly I was able to beat them with my own
designs.

No idea what they are like now.