In article ,
Jim Lesurf wrote:
But I certainly wouldn't have used them on a project where one might
PFL a bass drum:-)

The 63s and their children might survive the over driving. Depends on the
sheer amount of abuse, and the determination with which it is applied. :-)

None of the Quad designs are suitable for pro monitoring use. Only place
I know that tried was the ABC studios at Teddington, many many years ago.
Under the control of a 'musician' rather than professional. But the
requirements for a pro monitor are very different from domestic use. If it
gets knackered by plugging in a mic etc with the channel faded up that
could be the end of the day. You don't do that at home.

I could say I'm amazed Iain doesn't seem to know this. But then again,
not.

They do have various inbuilt arrangements like switching the
transformer windings and dropping a crowbar triac across the input to
help protect them against minor abuses. However as I once pointed out to
PJW, the early 63s only used a 5Amp triac and the amp I used could
cheerfully drive 30 amps for prolonged periods. So my own amp would
have toasted the triac then attacked the speaker if I'd been unwise
enough to shove up the power.

Iain seems only to have experience of the '57.

I do have form in this as I did once set fire to a 57. 8-]

Above said, I'd certainly avoid overdriving as the result sounds poor
even if the speakers are undamaged. So not for bass drum at
'enthusiastic' levels.

I do wonder just how many can use 'concert' levels at home. Very few I'd
guess.

TBH I've long come to regard the Quads as "the world's largest pair
of headphones" because of the critical sweetspot, placing, etc.
Fortunately, the results when right are excellent, and the sound can
be enjoyed by others sitting elsewhere - if they are less fussy
about imaging.

How often do two people sit down to listen to music where they both are so
critical? Unless you're talking about Kitty and his milkman, obviously.

We found when using the ESLs in Decca III that it was necessary for
the producer to sit directly beind the engineer, with the assistant
producer making a third row. Even reaching across the console was
enough to take your head outside the sweet spot.

I sometimes struggle to make sure both of my ears fit inside it! But the
effort is worthwhile in my view. :-)

Fortunately, 'Drum and Bass' 'pop music' isn't one of my interests...

Well, unless you want your ears wrecked, even the '57 will make a very
respectable job of those in the right room.

--
*Prepositions are not words to end sentences with *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.