Rock 'n' roll's pioneering audio equipment manufacturer Quad resurrects its iconic speakers
In the world of high-end audio, Quad has always been a name synonymous with quality and innovation. The British company, founded in 1936, has been a pioneer in the field, and its Electrostatic Loudspeaker (ESL) series, first introduced in the late 1950s, has been a favourite among audiophiles since the birth of rock and roll.
Fast forward to 2023, Quad has unveiled its sixth generation of ESL speakers: the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X. These new models represent methodical and carefully engineered upgrades to a mature design lineage, honoring Quad’s legacy since 1957, rather than radical new designs.
The key improvements in these new speakers include refined electrostatic panel production techniques, a complete redesign of the electronics, newly developed UK-built audio transformers, a matte-black ‘stealth’ finish, and an optional LED Halo light effect.
The refined electrostatic panels use improved Mylar film construction and a concentric ring electrode design for precise stereo imaging. The new design of the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X features three fully independent modules: a high-voltage multiplier, a control and protection module, and a low-voltage signal module. These changes optimize performance, reliability, and stability.
The speakers maintain the same dimensions and core architecture as their predecessors, with the ESL 2812X featuring four electrostatic panels and the larger ESL 2912X six panels. The new audio transformers improve detail, clarity, and long-term durability of the speakers.
The ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X also boast a sleek, modern aesthetic. The matte-black ‘stealth’ finish replaces the traditional wood trim, and an optional LED Halo light effect adds visual flair without distraction, lighting the speakers from below and giving the illusion that they're floating.
Quad's ESL speakers, known for their diaphragms made from Mylar film ten times thinner than a human hair, coated with a high resistance conductive material and suspended between two perforated metal plates called stators, have undergone significant internal and external changes over the years. These changes have markedly enhanced stability, performance, detail, and clarity, providing a flat frequency response extending beyond 18kHz and delivering airiness and extension characteristic of high-end electrostatic speaker design.
The ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X are claimed to be the finest Quad ESLs yet. They will be available from mid-August, with their UK prices being £10,999 and £12,999 per pair respectively. The prices for these new models in other currencies are roughly $14,800 / €12,600 / AU$25,444 and $17,499 / €14,896 / AU$26,644 respectively.
In addition to these new speakers, Quad recently unveiled the Quad 3 pre-amp, which takes advantage of modern technology and manufacturing but draws from a long hi-fi heritage. With these latest products, Quad continues to push the boundaries of audio technology while staying true to its roots.
The latest products from Quad, the British audio pioneer founded in 1936, not only demonstrate the progression of technology but also maintain a steadfast connection to one's roots. The unveiling of the Quad 3 pre-amp, along with the sixth generation Quad ESL speakers, can be considered a blend of contemporary technology and timeless craftsmanship, thus appealing to diverse lifestyles and home-and-garden settings.
