Upcoming Quad speakers promise an electrifying showcase of precise detail and electrodynamic sound performance.
Quad Unveils New Electrostatic Speakers: The ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X
Quad, a renowned name in the audio industry, has announced the launch of two new models in its acclaimed ESL series - the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X electrostatic speakers. These high-end speakers, set to be available from mid-August, promise significant improvements and features that aim to elevate the electrostatic speaker performance to new heights.
According to Peter Comeau, Quad's Director of Acoustic Design, both new models maximise the sonic advantages of the time-honoured ESL design while successfully eradicating the perceived downsides. The speakers feature a 'stealth' design with an all-black, low-reflection matte finish and borderless design, aiming to give the towers a dark, shadowy look that blends seamlessly into their surroundings.
One of the key improvements in these new speakers is the refined electrostatic panels. Enhanced production processes have been employed to help the panels achieve their full performance potential and deliver sonic accuracy. The panels, made from ultra-thin Mylar film (ten times thinner than a human hair) coated with conductive material, are suspended between perforated metal stators for precise stereo imaging and fast response.
The ESL 2912X, the flagship model, boasts a six-panel design compared to the four in the ESL 2812X. This expansion in the number of panels increases the radiating area and sound pressure levels, resulting in a more powerful and immersive listening experience.
The speakers' electronics now use three fully independent modules for optimal performance and reliability. This new electronics architecture splits the previous single PCB into a high-voltage multiplier, a control and protection module, and a low-voltage signal module. Custom-designed, UK-built audio transformers have also been integrated, enhancing the sound quality.
The ESL 2912X has a slightly higher maximum frequency response, delivering a more extended and detailed high-end. Both models offer a flat frequency response extending beyond 18kHz, ensuring enhanced detail, clarity, airiness, and extension.
The Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X electrostatic speakers are set to continue the ESL line's legacy of using a concentric ring electrode design, renowned for its speed, precision, and imaging. These improvements build on Quad’s historic ESL series lineage, dating back to 1957, and aim to take its electrostatic speaker performance to a new level.
The Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X are not just about technical prowess. They also offer a visually striking aesthetic, with the 'stealth' design featuring optional LED halo lighting that illuminates the speakers from below for a floating visual effect.
These new speakers were previewed at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show earlier this year and have already been hailed for their detail levels, stereo imaging, and cohesion, as evident in a previous review from 2013.
The prices for the Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X are: £10,999 / $14,995 / €13,999 / AU$25,000 for the 2812X and £12,999 / $17,995 / €16,999 / AU$27,500 for the 2912X.
Fyne Audio's Dr. Paul Mills, a well-known figure in the audio industry, believes that speakers should be accurate but also entertaining. The BBC's 50-year-old LS3/5A mini monitor demonstrates the uneven progress of modern speaker design, highlighting the need for speakers that deliver both technical excellence and an enjoyable listening experience. With the Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X, it seems Quad has managed to strike this balance, offering a high-end audio solution that is both technically superior and musically engaging.
- If you're in the market for high-fidelity audio equipment, Quad's new ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X electrostatic speakers are worth considering, given their anticipated performance improvements.
- Tech enthusiasts and audiophiles looking forward to the latest gadgets and gizmos in the technology and news sectors should keep an eye out for reviews on the new Quad ESL speakers, as they are set to hit the market soon.
- Even if you're not an audio expert, the Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X offer a striking design with optional LED halo lighting, providing an aesthetic appeal that can serve as a statement piece for your home.
- If you're looking to upgrade your existing speakers, these new Quad models could be the perfect addition to your audio system, given their refined electrostatic panels and enhanced production processes, aiming for sonic accuracy.
- The Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X are set to follow in the footsteps of the legendary ESL series, dating back to 1957, with a concentric ring electrode design renowned for speed, precision, and imaging.
- If you're a serious audiophile eager to hear these new speakers in person before making a purchase, be on the lookout for upcoming shows or events where the Quad ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X might be showcased to the public.
