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I have a flashbulb memory of my first audition of the "ESL-57" :)

Soundscape in Baltimore, ca 1977. Soundscape was (probably still is) the unofficial ;) supplier of hifi to the students of the (relatively) nearby Johns Hopkins University.
We spent a lot of time there in those halcyon days. Beer was often involved (sometimes other recreational products that were relatively well tolerated by local authorities -- it was the 'seventies, after all).

One day, owner John Dorsey said something to the effect of "c'mere and listen to these" and took us into the back room (where their good stuff was). Knowing his audience, John played Wish You Were Here . I don't remember the turntable/arm/cartridge (likely Thorens, but maybe something like a Linn Sondek LP-12 with a Grace arm) but the electronics were Quad and the loudspeakers, of course, the ESL-57s.

I'd never heard anything like it.

I finally acquired my own pair in the early 21st Century, from the (then-ex) head of the installation group at the by then-nearly defunct Tweeter). I don't listen to them all that often, but they're a valuable & cherished reference. :)

quadsnvinyl0609 (1)

PS Don't get on my case about the lack of feet! I don't have the original feet (OK... I do have one to use as a template), but they did come with a set of aftermarket stands, which I do sometimes use. The biggest "problem" with the ESL-57 is the really limited treble dispersion -- so stands/listening position are important . But I digress...



all the best,
mrh

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