They did, eventually and a few weeks later (you would have thought thy would make it a priority if it wasn't before!) I had a freshly refurbished pair of resprayed 57's.

They were perfect. I went to collect them in a strange trip to Quad as I wouldn't risk another courier where they kind of reluctantly handed them over, not so much as an apology though. They did give me a book on Quad history as a strange kind of gesture though, like I say, it was weird.

I have since sold them, I didn't even want to listen to them to be honest. I got good money from someone in the USA and that was that.

In the mean time I'd fallen for the 63's I had as backup for them. They're a more well rounded speaker in my opinion. Do they have that inner micro detail, not quite but a lot of people think it is still there in the 63's its just the extra response veils it a little. I can see the logic in that.

Anyway, back to your question.

Would I use them again, well if you want full Quad parts (Quad treble panels etc) and are willing to wait until its done and done right then I don't think you have another option. One Thing Audio are good, they do great work but I have heard a direct comparison of their panels that they use and they do sound different from the Quad ones. In my view they didn't have all the magic of the Quads but some people prefer them so there you go, horses for courses etc.

Actually I have to add - my 63's need to go back to OTA as the diaphragm coating is deteriorating having only been done a few months ago so no companies are immune from mis-haps. In case you're wondering I don't have the speakers in a particularly humid/war/cold environment either. I always use tube amps with them and adhere to the recommended wattage's for both 57's and 63's. I literally could not be more careful with them.

I will also say that I can only accept absolute silence from them in my listening environment, I am relatively near field to them so if they are off in the slightest I class it as an issue. When they have been refurbished and service they should be 100% perfect for at least a few years. I didn't used to be so expectant or demanding but I'm paying (more than) good money for these speakers and why should I settle for less!

If it were me I would arrange a firm date with Quad, I think they still offer a drop in service (they certainly do for panel servicing/replacement but maybe no full overhaul refurbishment). Take them there yourself and pick them up yourself.

I'm sure I must be the most unlucky person to ever venture into their HQ (and I'm sure they weren't unhappy to see the back of me) but mistakes were made and made again and again. Avoidable ones too. A failed panel or faulty power supply can happen, miscommunication and failure to acknowledge suggestion and for want of a better word instruction however, are unforgivable.

If there was an alternative I'd use them but I'm not sure there is really.