Quad Rebuild Recommendations
RGO -- Thu, 02/25/2010 - 01:38
Help!!!! I have a pair of Crosby modified ESL 63s. The speakers are 22 years old, and in dire need of a rebuild. Quads Unlimited and Electrostatic Solutions rebuild the speakers using remanufactured panels. It appears that QS and D rebuilds the speakers using new panels, (although I am not sure.) They list the cost of a rebuild of ESL 63s at $4,000, (ouch!!!) Rebuilds from Electrostatic Solutions and Quads Unlimited appear to be at about $2,400. What is the best route for me to take re: fixing my speakers. I desperately need to get them up and running. I read a post by Jim Hannon, who said one of the biggest mistakes he ever made was to get rid of his Crosby modified Quads. Would it be a mistake for me to get rid of my Crosby Quads and go to a 2805 or 2905. Thanking you in advance for your help with my question.
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This is an excellent question. I solved my problem (if you have the $$$) in going multi-channel and keeping all my Quads, so now I have 2 63s, 2 988 and 2 2905. This summer I had problem with my 2 63s and I had exactly the same question than you are they worth repairing or is is simpler to buy new ones. But in my case emotion won and I decided to keep them. I am a Canadian so for me it is even more complicated due to the stupid custom papers.
I had the first one repaired by QS&D. I dealt with them before, this was the safest thing to do, but yes they are expensive. So for the other one I decided to go with electrostatic solution and for about the same price went for a full upgrade. I am very happy with the result. So both QS&D and electrostatic solution know their ESL very well. I do hope to have no problem with my 63s for several years (if it is not the case then obviously it was not worth it).
Now having said that I do think that 2905 and 2805 do sound better than their predecessor. I listen mainly to classical music and now mostly through SACD and Blu-ray (opera in multi-channel is bliss).
So in the end you decision is not an easy one.