ESL57s and other vintage speakers with NVA

[savvypaul]

I remember reading that Richard had designed the NVA circuit using the Quad ESL57. Anyone here using or previously used that combination?

Anyone using any other vintage speakers with their NVA amps?

I'm using Klipsch Heresy 3 - the latest edition of a 1950s speaker.

[TheMarlin]

I used to use 57’s with Leak Stereo 20’s and Radford STA25’s (never liked Quad Monoblocks).
I went from 57’s to Tannoy Studio monitors, Monitor Reds, Little Gold Monitors (not little at all!), and various others.
I love 57’s, but they’re too weak in the bass for modern music. I talked to Richard about pairing 57’s with a Rel Subwoofer (a fab combinations back in the day), but the NVA’s are not compatible with subwoofers- so ruled that out. Shame, got two great subs gathering dust in the garage.

On the lookout for a decent set of Martin Logan Electrostatics, as the built in sub is ok with NVA (according to Richard) and the smaller footprint fits my listening room. Couldn’t get 57’s in if I wanted to.

Currently making do with Tannoy Reveal passive Monitors that I paid £35 for on eBay. They honestly sound great, really great. They seem to perfectly fit my listening room. Very dynamic and detailed, with fantastic full range response. Fantastic fast bass They’ll do until I can find something more exotic at the right price

[savvypaul]

Now that I've heard the ease and swing of large woofers, I think I would struggle to go back to small speakers (in my main room, at least). I count the Cube 1s as a large speaker, though, based on their scale of sound even though they are 'only' an 8" driver.

Simon at HiFi Sound had some nice 57s and said to bring my NVAs over for a listen...but they were sold and collected before I could find the time. Simon reckoned would be a fine combination with chamber music...

[Daniel Quinn]

I used to lust after Martin logans. Zebbo put paid to that, with his love of the cubes after having logans

[_D_S_J_R_]

Zebbo and I both heard some lovely sounding Cube 1's at a particular owner's house in West Kent (he'll correct me, but I believe Zebbo bought these Cube 1's when they were replaced by Cubix in this system). This chap had also previously upgraded from Martin Logans admittedly the smaller ones I believe.

[boxswapper]

I used Ls3/5a with the AP30 a few years back. Well the Stirling V2 version. I know the Doc hated them and advised against their use with his kit but I thought they sounded lovely. The combination of NVA and ls3/5a vocal talents was excellent IMO.

[Daniel Quinn]

The doc never minded people reaching their own mind, it's sheep he couldn't stand.

He would have said your speakers were shite mind you