Quad's L-series dynamic loudspeakers offer
high levels of detail, neutrality
and stereo imaging.
Following in the footsteps of their famous ESL brethren, all
L-series models set new standards of performance at their prices. A wide frequency response and
incredibly accurate drivers produce a sound-stage so vivid and
coherent you can visualize each and every sound in three
dimensional space.
Build-quality is superb. Each cabinet is made from reinforced 18mm MDF,
with a choice of four real wood veneers. Each cabinet then has
seven coats of piano lacquer applied, with each coat drying for a
full 24 hours before being cut and polished ready for the next
coat.
High quality gold-plated bi-wire
terminals and oxygen free internal wiring ensure excellent signal
transmission.
The L Series range consists of four
stereo loudspeakers, center channel, and subwoofer for AV
applications - all with the same excellent performance and build.
QUAD 11L Wins Loudspeaker Product of the
Year 2002 from What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision
The ESLs
Only a
handful of manufacturers have ever managed to build a production electrostatic
loudspeaker. The Quad 989 and 988 are the finest of these. We have already alluded to the principle of concentric electrodes to produce a point source sound. Quad ESLs are the only speakers that can perfectly reproduce a square wave, demonstrating their ability to track a music signal exactly and are regarded as one of the best speakers in the world.
The ESL-988s are a direct replacement for the legendary ESL-63. And all the original features have been retained. The rigidity has been improved and 90% of the components have been upgraded. The 989 is identical apart from two additional bass panels which improve dynamic range and give additional low frequency performance. Both have been given a 5 degree backward tilt.
Read an online review from Also review in the December 2000 Issue of and the October 2000 issue of
The ESLs work in a very different way to conventional loudspeakers. For those who don’t know, here’s a brief explanation
of the principle. Whilst most speakers work with a cone type drive unit, the ESLs use a
very thin membrane, one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. This diaphragm has a special
conductive coating and is stretched between two electrode plates. Relative to earth, both
electrode plates have a high positive charge, but there is a slight difference between the
charge on each electrode. It is this difference that causes the negatively charged
membrane to be more attracted to one than another, thus causing the movement of the
diaphragm.
The diaphragm is mounted on an open frame
and is thus free of any colouration from a cabinet. Because the diaphragm acts as a full
range driver, there is no need for a crossover. There are no discontinuities in the
frequency response curve, so you get the full music spectrum, as it was recorded.
The ESLs do much more than reproduce the full
range - and this is where all other electrostatic speakers stop. Acousticians have
recognised for a long time that an ideal loudspeaker should be a point source from which
sounds waves ripple like a pebble in a lake. Ordinarily, an electrostatic would fall at
this hurdle, but not the QUAD ESLs.
By using a series of concentric anodes,
rather than just two plates, the Quads are able to produce a spherical sound pressure
pattern. A series of electrode rings are fed with delay lines, so each ring responds to
the change in current a split second after the previous ring, creating movement in the
diaphragm identical to the ‘ripple in the pond’ that we spoke of earlier. The
988s and 989s both use this principle, with the 989s having additional panels to give a
robust bass performance.
These new ESLs sonically disappear. The
point source is projected from behind the speakers, creating not only a smooth frequency
response, but also an incredible three-dimensional stereo stage. Instruments and vocals
occupy precise, accurately sized spaces all with the aim of giving you the closest approach to the original sound.
The 99 Series
Quad sound systems have always been able to give their owners the utmost pleasure and passion when they listen to music; no matter what the choice of music. But now the new 99 Series brings
more. Conceived as an integrated system, there is an assurance of absolute compatibility
across all system components and the convenience offered by the high levels of
intelligence exhibited in the control system.
The 99 Series can offer all the flexibility
of a high-performance separates system with many adjustable controls and extensive tone
control facilities, yet is delightfully simple to install and set-up. Thereafter,
operation is simply a matter of point and play, using the intuitive yet comprehensive
remote control handset.
This latest Quad system has been conceived for the user who
wants to have all the benefits of owning a hi-fi system - the performance of which is
amongst the best in the world - yet doesn't want to get involved in the technicalities of
the subject. The user has the confidence of knowing that Quad have employed all the
knowledge and technology available today, to deliver a standard of sound reproduction,
almost to the point of perfection. Our aim is to give the customer the best opportunity to
enjoy their music without letting technology get in the way.
With the 99 Series, Quad offers fine performance; convenience of use; quality of construction; enviable long term support, but most of all, the pedigree of a company that has built a long-term reputation on the ability to reproduce recorded music in a manner that is the closest
approach to the original sound.
In September 2000, full production began of possibly their most significant valve pre/power combination since the first QUAD II rolled off the production floor over fifty years ago. The system comprises one valve pre-amplifier and two mono valve power amplifiers.
Now with enough power to drive even the most demanding speakers and a sound depth and emotion many thought they would never hear again, the QUAD II-forty all valve amplification system is astonishing even the critics.
Built at our own facility in the UK, every unit of these amplifiers is precision hand-built and hard wired in the onto the most robust chassis imaginable. to ensure a lifetime of use.
Production is limited to 10 systems per week worldwide, such is the time these fine units take to build. A waiting list system is, therefore, in operation. Order now to avoid disappointment.
Specifications QUAD II-forty mono valve power amplifier
Power Output 40wRMS
THD @ 700Hz 0.3% @ 40w, 0.03% @ 1w
Frequency response 10Hz - 30 KHz (+0dB/-0.5dB)
Damping factor 20 @ 700 Hz (referred to 8 ohm)
Power consumption 180w maximum
Loudspeaker taps 4 ohm and 8 ohm
Valves 2 x 6SH7 Input
2 x KT88 Output
1 x 5U4G Rectifier
Sensitivity 1V RMS
Product features:
Hardwired construction, valve H.T. rectification, choke H.T. smoothing, automatically biased output valves, custom output transformer, high quality componentry and gold plated terminals.
The QUAD II-forty power amplifiers and preamplifier are only available as a package consisting of one preamplifier and two mono power amplifiers.
QC-twentyfour valve preamplifier
Valve complement 1x 6111 twin triode
THD @ 1V RMS <0.2%, 0.02% @ 1w
Frequency response 5Hz - 50 KHz (+0dB/-0.5dB)
Line stage gain 15dB
Recommended minimum load 50k ohms
Inputs 5 x Line level
2 x Buffered tape loops
Please note - Phono input is line level until optional phono stage is added.
Product features:
Relay signal switching, military quality valves, fast recovery power supply rectification, non-microprocessor controlled front panel, high quality componentry, optional phono stage, gold plated terminals.
In September 2000, full production began of possibly their most significant valve pre/power combination since the first QUAD II rolled off the production floor over fifty years ago. The system comprises one valve pre-amplifier and two mono valve power amplifiers.
Full reviews on the Quad II-Forty
QUAD II-forty mono valve power amplifier 
QC-twentyfour valve preamplifier