On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 19:30:45 GMT, Alex wrote:

For those audiophiles who'd like to own a Quad 988 but lack the budget,
or the room, or both, which of the non-ES speakers come closest to that
magical electrostatic sound? [Answers from friends have ranged from
well known current brands (Dynaudio) to discontinued models I didn't
know about (DCM Time Window).]

None, unfortunately. I've had an adulterous relationship with Quads.
Some types of speaker do some things so compellingly I have at times
been temporarily charmed away from Quads. Horns and transmission lines
come to mind. But nothing else sounds like Quad--not even other
electrostatics. If the asking price of Quads is your main concern and
you are able to work around the space requirements, look into second-
hand 63s.

I heard the DCM Time Window speaker many years ago. Aside from looking
a bit like a Quad, that was it really.

I understand Quad have their own box speakers now. You'd expect them to
produce the family sound, but do they?

No--if by 'family sound' you mean do they sound like Quad
electrostats.

How do they do against Proacs, Dynaudios, Spendors?

Much better.

(I don't have a Quad dealer near me to check them
out myself.)

Please nominate your candidates for a poor man's 988, poor in money but
more importantlly poor in square feet.

Make room and get some used 63s. :-)

--
td