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?

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

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

Many thanks.

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

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

A pair were sold on eBay a couple of months ago for about GBP1200
without shipping charges

Hi,

In message , Dodge
McRodgered writes
"Rob" emitted :

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

A pair were sold on eBay a couple of months ago for about GBP1200
without shipping charges

That's top whack. I've seen them go from as little as £650 for an
early production model, at a retail outlet, giving statutory rights
(stated in good working order) and a 3 month guarantee.

Agreed - I wouldn't pay £1200 for a pair unless they were mint and just
serviced. Audio-T in Wycombe offered me a pair not long ago for £800
with a warranty, and they were in very good condition, and fairly late
production. He'd dropped the price from £1050 because he couldn't shift
them, which is surprising to me. I'd have bought them if I had somewhere
to put them.

--
Regards,
Glenn Booth

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

A pair were sold on eBay a couple of months ago for about GBP1200
without shipping charges

That's top whack. I've seen them go from as little as £650 for an
early production model, at a retail outlet, giving statutory rights
(stated in good working order) and a 3 month guarantee.

Agreed - I wouldn't pay £1200 for a pair unless they were mint and just
serviced. Audio-T in Wycombe offered me a pair not long ago for £800 with
a warranty, and they were in very good condition, and fairly late
production. He'd dropped the price from £1050 .

Well! the eBay auction has come at a most appropriate moment and will
answer the question. After all its what someone is prepared to pay that
counts.
http://snipurl.com/agip

Hi,

In message , Rob writes

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

A pair were sold on eBay a couple of months ago for about GBP1200
without shipping charges

That's top whack. I've seen them go from as little as £650 for an
early production model, at a retail outlet, giving statutory rights
(stated in good working order) and a 3 month guarantee.

Agreed - I wouldn't pay £1200 for a pair unless they were mint and just
serviced. Audio-T in Wycombe offered me a pair not long ago for £800 with
a warranty, and they were in very good condition, and fairly late
production. He'd dropped the price from £1050 .

Well! the eBay auction has come at a most appropriate moment and will
answer the question. After all its what someone is prepared to pay that
counts.
http://snipurl.com/agip

They look like a good example - he's chucking in stands and packing
boxes, and claims they are mint and a late model. For a £995 "buy it
now" I'd say it was a sensible deal. I wouldn't buy them without
listening first, though.

--
Regards,
Glenn Booth