‘Quads can deliver a sublime performance. They still take my breath away with their profound revelation’

– Hi-Fi World , Noel Keywood

The closest approach...

There are few things in life as rewarding as a truly invigorating live performance from our favourite artist or orchestra.

Reproducing that experience accurately in the home requires loudspeakers that go beyond the conventional. To really understand the ESL, a listener needs to be familiar with the nature of a live performance. Whilst the performance may be impressive and communicate all kinds of emotions, it is never artificial. It sounds real and natural.

At Quad, we believe this is the job of a loudspeaker. To present the music in the raw, natural form - nothing added, nothing taken away. In this respect, the ESL is an acquired taste. It displays none of the over-empasized bass boom or mid-range projection that plagues moving-coil, box-bound speakers - so in comparison, the ESL can seem rather meek and polite. The characteristics, however, that can make these box speakers so impressive, are also those that cause fatigue and wear down the listener. Spend some time with the ESL and you too will begin to realise that it’s not always the one that shouts the loudest that gets heard.

It is often said of ‘box’ or cabinet mounted loudspeakers that you can hear more of the box than the driver. This is true, even with high-end ‘box’ loudspeakers. The box

-no matter how inert - will always colour the sound. Electrostatic loudspeakers are therefore in a league of their own in terms of ‘transparency’.

But to get really close to the original sound, a standard planar electrostatic speaker, needs more. At a live performance, each sound comes from an identifiable position on the stage. To reproduce this three- dimensional sound ‘image’ accurately, we need to produce an interference pattern upon the listener of waves propagated from a pair of true point sources - in much the same way as a laser produces a hologram. The Quad ESL 988 and 989 speakers are the only electrostatic speakers in the world to effectively mimic a point-source.

Five minutes spent listening to a well set-up pair of Quad ESLs will confirm their ability to project the positions of each and every vocalist in a choir, and instrument in an orchestra - with a naturalness and level of detail that makes the Quad ESL totally unique in every respect.

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QUAD Classic Series ESL manual Closest approach
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Classic Series ESL specifications

The QUAD Classic Series ESL (Electrostatic Loudspeakers) stands as a notable innovation in the world of high-end audio reproduction, blending sophisticated technology with classic design elements. These speakers offer a unique listening experience that captivates audiophiles and casual listeners alike, making them a prized addition to any audio setup.

At the heart of the QUAD Classic Series ESL is its electrostatic driver technology. Unlike traditional dynamic speakers, which rely on moving coils and magnets, electrostatic speakers utilize a thin diaphragm positioned between two conductive panels. When an audio signal is applied, the diaphragm moves in response to the electrostatic field, creating sound waves that are remarkably accurate and immersive. This design results in a fast response time, extended frequency range, and minimal distortion, ensuring that listeners experience music as it was intended.

One of the standout features of the QUAD Classic Series ESL is its wide soundstage. The planar design of the electrostatic panels allows for exceptional spatial imaging, meaning that sounds appear to emanate from locations across the room rather than just from the speakers themselves. This immersive quality enhances the listening experience, allowing users to appreciate nuances in both music and film soundtracks.

The Classic Series ESL also incorporates advanced technologies such as the QUAD's unique transformer which allows for high voltage deployment necessary for optimal electrostatic performance while maintaining impedance compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers. Additionally, the design features an adjustable frequency response, enabling listeners to tailor the bass output to their specific listening environment, ensuring that the sound adapts to the acoustic properties of any room.

Constructed with high-quality materials, the speakers sport a sleek aesthetic reminiscent of traditional QUAD designs, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of modern technology and classic elegance. In terms of connectivity, the Classic Series ESL is versatile, compatible with both tube and solid-state amplifiers, expanding its usability across different audio setups.

Overall, the QUAD Classic Series ESL offers audiophiles a remarkable blend of innovative technology, elegant design, and superior sound quality. It not only brings music to life but also enriches the listening experience, making it a quintessential choice for those seeking the ultimate in audio fidelity.
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