Posted by Lew on February 13, 2003 at 10:47:38:
In Reply to: QUAD 988 SPEAKERS AND A POWER AMP posted by KEN on February 06, 2003 at 08:17:01:
Historically, the Quad amplifiers were always very well suited to driving Quad speakers. A different low-power ss amplifier, like the 47 Labs product, is likely to be a risky alternative choice, unless it too was specifically built to drive ESLs, like the Quad 909 was. I would definitely NOT go in that direction, unless I could audition the 47 Labs amp with Quad speakers. Usual transistor amps have a hard time delivering power to an ESL, because of the demands on voltage swing. However, there are lots of fine quality tube amplifiers you could consider, depending upon your budget. I hate to say it, but is it possible that the Quad 988s inherently lack the ability to produce the "slam" that you are seeking? While Quad ESLs have many fine qualities, one does not think of them usually in terms of slam.