On Sat, 06 Nov 2004 02:45:53 GMT, AKT wrote:

Inspired by discussions here as well as in other forums, I am thinking
of trying out second-hand Quad ESL-63's. Would appreciate a few
clarifications:

1. What is the difference between "USA Monitor" and regular ESL-63
versions? Is the difference a big deal, in performance or price?

The speaker's structural rigidity was increased for the launch of the
ESL-63 USA Monitor in 1988. This evolved from a special "pro" version
used by Philips' European recording division for location recording.
Quad replaced the '63's aluminum frame with steel, and put handles on
the sides and rubber kick pleats at the base. Philips was delighted,
and soon other studios requested the "pro" version. Quad decided that
the improved structural rigidity made it the best version for export,
even though it increased the speaker's weight by 30%.

Think of it as a 'half way house' bwteen the original '63 and the 988.

2. What is a good price for either in the second-hand market? (I am in
the US.)

Whatever you have to pay!

3. I have an Audiolab 8000S. Will it be ok for the Quads or will I have
to buy a new amp?

It should be fine - you won't find a better quality amp anywhere.
--

Stewart Pinkerton | Music is Art - Audio is Engineering