My New Toys
 

I just acquired some new speakers. They need work, but I've wanted a pair for a long time. Finally, a pair popped up only one half mile from where I live. If I manage not to electrocute myself, I hope to have them restored to their former glory soon.

http://i61.tinypic.com/17fea0.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/osh8p1.jpg

Electrostatics? They look nice.

Pete

What are they?

Yesireee! I'm a long time Magnepan user and wanted to try some electrostats since I first heard Quad ESL/57s years ago. These are Quad ESL-63s USA Monitors that need some work. I figure it will take anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a complete rebuild for $1800.00; however, considering similar new Quads retail at about $10K, I'll be happy even if they do require a complete rebuild. I'll know more once I test them tonight.

Quad ESL-63 USA Monitor Electrostatic Speakers. I debated taking on this restoration project, but I love dipole speakers. I've been on the hunt for a pair of Quads or Accoustats for several years and when these popped up down the street I knew I had to have them. They're actually fairly simple in construction. Fortunately, they have a following with lots of support and information available on the internet.

Yeah some diehard fans. I know I heard a pair of heavily modded ones at an ak fest long ago but for some unknown reason don't remember what they sounded like :)

My wife still talks about the MG1 maggies I had years ago. I'd love to give the Quads a try. BZZZT - OUCH! DAMMIT! :D

Let us know.

Pete

Nice speakers Brent.

Well, I tested them this evening hooked up to my little trusty HK PM645 integrated since I didn't know their condition. All I can say is that even broken these speakers are rather impressive. Now I need to read a lot and see what's the best repair options. I know I need at least a couple of panels rebuilt and a retensioning of the dust covers.

If you're unfamiliar with stats they're a charged mylar film in between two charged stators with appropriate support structure and insulation between the charged parts. IIRC, the mylar has a constant charge and the stator replicates the musical signal. The stators and the mylar have a high voltage charge thats ~6000V. The ESL63s have four rectangular shaped panels that are connected together that comprise the speaker. They are also unique because they replicate a point source through a delay line. The result is that sound appears to emanate about 14 inches behind the speaker.

Anyway, I'm rambling. When I learn more, I'll be posting questions at AK.

I would really like to listen them when they are repaired/restored! Great stuff!

Feel free to share details here as well as on AK.

With lots and lots of pictures!

I had some Janzens back in the 80's they were beautiful speakers once you have heard stas you wont forget the sound,I always thought that they held the sound in place till it had staced itself like a ribbon flowing and then released it giving a sort of dimensional impression.

The Quads are very nice specialy the ones you have,57's and 63's are sought after.Paneels are still pretty abundant just need to find the right deal.when you finsh them if you can do a review ,would be nice. Good Luck!!

Awesome! Keep me posted on the progress. I hope they turn out great!

Here's what I've been busy doing. These things are a whole bunch of fun. There is a total of 16 stators between the two speakers. Unfortunately, all the diaphragms needed to be removed to properly reglue the stators to their support structures. I'm ordering the Mylar diaphragm film, conductive coating and diaphragm glue from Sweden or Austrailia. I'll then need to tension the mylar to a specific tension and glue it to the stator and then apply the conductive coating and reassemble the two stator halves. Then repeat 8 times. I'll probably test each assembled panel/element as I go. Once everything is set, I'll be making about 70 well rounded solder connections on the high voltage lines. None of this is particularly difficult, but it is time consuming and demands cleanliness.

The stator support structure that is glued to the stators to provide rigidity. The old glue must be completely removed. I used a chisel blade on an Xacto #5 to scrape it away and then used solvents to remove any residue.
http://i61.tinypic.com/ae5zmh.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/fyptmd.jpg

A Stator showing the failed glue lines. I removed the glue with a Nylon prybar/chisel tool and laquer thinner on a cotton ball without damaging the substrate. Oops, the glue is on the opposite (green) side. Here your looking through the Nylon covering on the side facing the diaphragm.

http://i62.tinypic.com/npetkl.jpg

A stator being reglued to its support structure with 3M Polyurethane Marine Adhesive. I really like this adhesive because it has a long open time and is easier to work with than epoxy.
http://i60.tinypic.com/fk2kwo.jpg

Looks like fun. Heard some home made electrostats way back in my twenties and the KLH9s at AKFEST 07.. Ther is nothing quite like the airyness of electrostats

I have a set of Magnepan MG1s in need of new mylar and wire grids.

Maybe someday..............

Dave