P3ESR and Quad Amplification

[Labarum]

My first post. I am just dipping my toe in the water!

My big box system is on its way to Cyprus to use in a large detached bungalow in Nicosia

Squeezebox Classic, Beresford Caiman DAC, Quad 405-2 refurbished by 405man - Quart 980s German Tower Loudspeakers.

These Quarts were in the same price bracket as Quad Electrostatics when I bought them 20 odd years ago.
http://www.hifi-wiki.de/index.php/MB_Quart_980_S

The Quad 405 I added after I stopped spinning CDs and took to streaming via the Squeezebox - the "Preamp" function of the Caiman DAC was sufficient, so my Quad 77 Integrated amp was moved to the study after finally retiring a 30 year old Sudden A48 where it had powered the study system for many a year.

Now I have retired we have a flat in UK and will spend a lot of time in Cyprus, so I need a system for a UK flat with a fairly large lounge.

I am considering:

Squeezebox Classic, Beresford Caiman DAC, Quad 77 Integrated Amp, P3ESR and Sony MDR-F1 Headphones

My question: Will the pre-amp section and remote volume control of the Quad 77 compromise the system?

I could sell the Quad 77 Stack and invest in another refurbished 405 or buy a modern power amp.

I never thought the 77 strained to drive the big Quarts, but when I got the Quad 405 I thought it more weighty and more detailed than the 77.

Any Harbeth, however, will be far easier to drive than the Quarts - and, I guess, more revealing.

Any ideas? Any suggestions.

[garmtz]

I think you will be fine with the Quad 77!

[s.a.b.]

I own both the Quad 99 and 909 power amps. I actually prefer the smaller 99 with my Harbeth C7s as it's a bit leaner/crisper sounding (though I'm sure many audiophiles would prefer the 909).

My guess is that you'll be fine with the 77.

[John Geisen]

I agree with both of the forum members above. While the P3ESR will let you hear the differences in amps, they are not fussy nor difficult to drive. Start with the 77 and if for some reason you feel you want to change later you can always explore alternatives.

John

[Ferdinand777]

the P3esr are easier to drive than the predecessor.
I drove them successfully with a 60watt LFD amp and it was great.
Much to my surprise they sounded fabulous with the 14watter leben CS300x int amp.
Great little speakers !!

[DSRANCE]

Brian, you know my views already..... :)

DO IT!!!!!