Rock 'n' roll pioneers Quad's iconic speakers revived for a new era
New Quad ESL Speakers Unveiled with Significant Upgrades
The British audio company Quad has introduced its latest generation of electrostatic speakers, the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X. These high-end speakers, priced at £10,999 and £12,999 per pair in the UK respectively, offer a significant leap in performance and design.
The new Quad ESL models introduce upgrades to the electrostatic panels, operational electronics, audio transformers, and have a new 'stealth' aesthetic. The electrostatic panels, made from fine Mylar film and coated with a high resistance conductive material, have undergone a more meticulous manufacturing process, allowing them to reach their full performance potential. This refinement results in more precise and detailed sound reproduction.
The new operational electronics replace the older single PCB system with three fully independent modules—a high-voltage multiplier module, a control and protection module, and a low-voltage signal module. This modular approach significantly enhances performance stability, reliability, clarity, and detail. Upgraded transformers contribute to better sonic accuracy and dynamic performance.
The speakers sport a new "stealth" matte black finish with removed wooden trims and optional LED halo lighting that visually complements the performance enhancements. The new design marks a departure from the single PCB, with the latest Quad ESL speakers now featuring three fully independent modules.
The diaphragms in Quad's ESL speakers are ten times thinner than a human hair, and the speakers use thin panel-shaped diaphragms suspended in an electrostatic field. This design allows for a more natural and extended frequency response, producing an effortless sense of airiness, clarity, and dynamic range.
Quad unveiled the Quad 3 pre-amp last month, which shares a similar approach to modern technology and traditional hi-fi heritage with the ESL speakers. The new generation of Quad ESL speakers has been delighting audiophiles since the birth of rock and roll in the late 1950s.
The latest Quad ESL speakers come in two models: the ESL 2812X and the larger ESL 2912X. The pricing for these models is not specified in the article. Over the years, the Quad ESL speakers have undergone significant internal and external changes, with refreshes in 1981, 1989, 1999, 2006, and 2012.
These technical advancements collectively enable the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X to offer more detailed, stable, and natural sound with extended frequency response beyond 18kHz. The refined panels, improved electronics, and transformers work together to elevate speed, stereo imaging precision, and overall sonic accuracy compared to earlier ESL models. The optional LED halo lighting feature, which lights the speakers from below and gives the illusion that they're floating, adds a touch of modern elegance to these classic speakers.
The new Quad ESL speakers, with their 'stealth' aesthetic, seamlessly blend technology and design, making them a perfect addition to both a high-end home-and-garden setup and a lifestyle centered around audio perfection. The refinement in the electrostatic panels, operational electronics, and audio transformers of the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X models elevates their sound quality, offering a detailed, stable, and natural sound with extended frequency response beyond 18kHz, showcasing Quad's ongoing commitment to innovation in the realm of technology and audio.
