SUMMER	2000
Page Two

QUAD: They are here, in the flesh, I can walk over and touch them. Better yet, I can listen to them! Yes, they have been a long time in coming, but they are finally here… the Quads have arrived. Was it worth the wait? Is this the re-birth of classic, or a poor replica with little more than a passing resemblance to the original? You’ll be forced to read on to find out.

Ok, to bring up to date all those who have been on Mars the last year, Quad decided to introduce two new electrostatic loudspeakers based upon the fantastically successful ESL-63. The ESL-63 has been (and still is) revered for its marvelous ability to uncover detail, without sounding forced or analytical. The speaker had a wonderful soundstage and a midrange that many audiophiles (this one included) feel has never been surpassed. With such a strong product to follow, I was, very frankly, afraid of what the new speakers would be like. During the brief time I spent with the pre-production units in Las Vegas early this year, I was more interested in how much the new speakers sounded like the original than how they might be better. I was relieved to find that the sound I knew and loved was clearly evident in the new models. Not until I could get the speakers back here though, would I really be able to delve into their character. They’ve now arrived; so let’s dig in!

Two models comprise the line, the 988 and 989. Physically, the 988s are very, very similar to the ESL-63, albeit a bit sleeker. Internally, the ESL-63 housed an array of four electrostatic panels, two for the bass, two for the midrange/treble. The 988, like the 63, also uses 4 panels. The 989s are 30% taller, thanks to an extra pair of electrostatic panels (for a total of six). The added radiating area means greater dynamics, volume capability and bass. Those will no doubt be welcomed words to all who wished for just a “smidge” more of those qualities from the ESL-63. The 989s were the first to arrive and are the focus of this article.

If you’ve heard Quad’s in past, you’re most likely are a fan. The speaker has a very musical tonal balance and a unique ability to present subtle detail in a relaxed fashion. The Quad’s offer detail, in spades, but the detail never dominates. Some speakers scream detail, grab you by the throat and force you to listen. Though short term listening with that type of speaker may be exciting, the character often proves fatiguing over time. Quad’s have not one aggressive bone in their body. They will never hit you over the head and command your attention, but the music is there, flowing and relaxed. The Quad’s will draw you in, rather than seek you out.

Tonal balance is on the warm side; the midrange is rich and liquid. But don’t take that to mean these speakers are colored, they are not. Listen to a voice recording you know well and see if the Quad’s don’t involve you with their sense of naturalness.

The ability to focus instruments and players on a soundstage is not the forte of most planar speakers. Quads are different. Many years ago, Quad’s Peter Walker decided that a point source was the ideal way for a speaker to radiate sound. Since electrostatics radiate a planar wave front, Mr. Walker designed a series of delay lines into the speakers’ electronics, allowing the speaker to electrically approximate a point source radiation pattern from a planar speaker. Thus, the Quad’s focus a soundstage more like a good point source speaker than a typical planar.

As I mentioned at the outset, an important (maybe critical) character in making these new designs a success, is that they have that familiar Quad “sound.” I am here to tell you, they do. Quad has not thrown out the baby with the bathwater in re-designing this speaker, but have instead built upon the strengths we all knew and loved in the ESL-63. If you liked the sound of the ’63, you’ll be right at home with the 989. The magic is back, boys

Memories of times gone by can be fond. Most audiophiles recall the sound a component or system we’ve owned in the past and seek to restore that magic. Quad ESL-63 loudspeakers are indeed the focus of those memories for many, and you can now happily relive those moments with the 989. Quad

VOLKSAMP: One of the most popular amplifier lines here has been the Aleph Series from Pass Labs. These single-ended, pure class A “sweeties” were loved by all. Then Pass discontinued them!  Go figure. Fortunately, someone was bright enough to take up the charge and resurrected these classic designs. Volksamp to the rescue! This company formed a partnership with Pass to reintroduce the Aleph Series, using the same circuit designs, at a new lower price!

The first model out is the Aleph 30. A design virtually identical to the Pass Aleph 3, but with a larger power supply and housed in more traditional chassis. The Aleph 30 delivers 30 pure class A, deliciously liquid watts per channel into 8 Ohms, a full 60 watts (more than the Aleph 3) into a 4-Ohm speaker. Here is the fun part, the price is only $1990.00. Quite a feat when you recall the Aleph 3 was $2500.00.

The Aleph 30 is a real bargain. You may remember, the Aleph 3 was Class A rated in Stereophile. To get that level of performance for under two kilo bucks, is remarkable! And, since Pass Labs is building the Aleph 30, you can count on quality construction and reliability, both hallmarks of Pass products.

The Volksamp line will be filling out with more introductions later this year. Expect to see a pair of 60-watt monos (under four grand) and a remote controlled line stage preamplifier. Volksamp

SHUNYATA RESEARCH: Those who recall my last notes about the PowerSnakes remember some wildly exuberant praise. I can now say that my early suspicions have been confirmed, and these wonderful AC power cables are a bona fide coup. The response to these cables has been unprecedented. So few have been returned that I’ve begun sending out new cables to everyone that requests and audition. They just don’t come back.

Many among you have marveled at the newfound resolution of your system after installing a few ‘Snakes. The eerie blackness of background (darker and more silent than most line conditioners can manage), the extension and refinement and the huge soundstage are indeed addicting attributes.

Designer Caelin Gabriel has just upped the ante with the  announcement of several fresh models. The all-new, entry-level Sidewinder is a winner. If your experience with other moderately priced AC cables has been less than exciting, I urge you to try a Sidewinder. Like its siblings, the Sidewinder seems to have set new standards for performance at the price range. At only $280.00, you will be amazed at what the new hatchling can do.

Another all-new serpent, the Viper v2 has been announced at $1000.00. Caelin  was awash with enthusiasm for the new cable during a recent conversation. In fact, Shunyata is so delighted with the performance of the Viper v2, they have discontinued the more expensive Cobra, feeling the Viper v2 offers superior performance at lower cost.

The remarkable King Cobra becomes the King Cobra v2, and will sell for $2330.00.  I am particularly interested to see how this phenomenal cable can be improved! Stay tuned for more details.

Both models sport unique proprietary AC plugs at both ends of the cable. The connectors feature a  fine Silver based plating that is approximately 100 times thicker than normally employed in this application. In addition, both cables benefit from an adjustment of the Stardust formulation.

Exciting stuff! The new goodies should be arriving very soon, so stay tuned for the latest word. Shunyata

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