Steve Guttenberg was a reviewer and wrote the Audiophiliac blog for CNET.com for many years. He also wrote for the Absolute Sound, Stereophile, Listener, Audio, Home Theater, Sound & Vision, Fi, Home Entertainment, and many others. Steve also worked for Chesky Records as an Associate Producer on dozens of sessions.
Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac
Check out the Mrs Audiophiliac review!
9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 179
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Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac
Mrs Audiophiliac's First Review, the Quad ESL 57
As a newcomer to the world of high-fidelity audio, delving into the realm of vintage speakers felt like stepping into a time capsule of sonic history. Among the classics, the Quad ESL 57 Electrostatic Speaker stood out as an intriguing relic, beckoning me with its timeless design and storied reputation.
Upon first encountering the ESL 57, I was struck by its elegant simplicity. Unlike the bulky floor standers Steve reviews, the ESL 57's slender profile and minimalist aesthetic exuded a sense of understated sophistication that piqued my curiosity I eagerly prepared to immerse myself in a sonic journey unlike any other.
As I played my favorite music through the ESL 57, I was immediately struck by the clarity and precision of its sound reproduction. Each note rang out with a crystalline clarity, revealing nuances and subtleties that I had previously only dreamed of hearing. Despite their vintage origins, the ESL 57 speakers effortlessly held their own against their modern counterparts. The electrostatic technology at their core seemed to defy the passage of time, delivering a soundstage that was both expansive and immersive.Yet, it was not just their sonic prowess that captured my imagination. There was a sense of nostalgia inherent in the ESL 57, a reminder of an era when craftsmanship and attention to detail reigned supreme. In an age of Bluetooth and DSP, encountering a piece of audio equipment that had stood the test of time was refreshing. As I continued to explore the capabilities of the Quad ESL 57, I found myself drawn deeper into its spell. Each listening session felt like a journey of discovery, as I uncovered new layers and textures in my favorite music. I guess I am an audiophile after all.
In conclusion, my first experience with the Quad ESL 57 Electrostatic Speaker was nothing short of transformative. It opened my eyes – and ears – to the beauty and intricacy of high-fidelity audio, while also instilling in me a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship of generations past. While I may still be a novice in the world of audiophiles, my journey with the ESL 57 has left me eager to explore further and uncover the treasures that await in the realm of vintage audio.
9 months ago | [YT] | 316
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Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac
Headed to Axpona today, my first big show since 2019!! I will be doing an Audiophiliac seminar Friday 11:45, really excited about that! Hope to make a video or two, we'll see how that goes.
1 year ago | [YT] | 561
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