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Quad Electroacoustics

Quad HiFi is a long established manufacturer of full range Electrostatic Loudspeakers and electronics.

Quad's new Artera Pre brings back Quad's useful tilt and bass contour tone controls now assignable to each input. The up-to-date fully balanced short signal path design (always been a feature of Quad preamplifiers), offers an extremely transparent sound with an inky black noise floor that is fully revealing of the benefits of high end balanced cables and indeed the capabilities of the current dumping Artera Stereo power amp. Even with the recent tariff related price increase, the performance is truly impressive at the $1,495 price point. I always admired what Jan Ertner, who led the design team, had previously achieved with Quad's 67 CD player (one of the first decent sounding CD players that I still own) and there is more than a little bit of the magic back that originally elevated Quad in the HiFi world. Hook up the Artera gear to Quad's Z-2 bookshelf speakers and you will be mesmerized.

Quad Electroacoustics is a world famous brand best known for its iconic electrostatic speakers, dynamic speakers with ribbon tweeters, well-designed modern electronics, and classic tube gear. Products continue to be developed by the Huntingdon UK(Quad's original home) based design team with the same ethos of reproducing music with the closest approach to the original while engineering for longevity rather than short-term marketing advantage. That Quad's legendary ESL 57 electrostatic was manufactured almost unchanged for 28 years seems almost inconceivable today.

Quad started with amplifier design and following on from a history of ground breaking circuit concepts, the current range of corporally named Vena and Artera products offer superb sound in striking physical designs. The new Artera Solus is a strong contender for the heart of a simplified HiFi system particularly for those with large CD collections. It retains the advanced DAC, slot loading CD transport and touch screen control of the Artera Play adding an uncompromised 75 watt-per-channel top performing amplifier.

The 140 watt-per-channel Artera Stereo amplifier is the latest refinement to Quad's current dumping amplifier technology with it's very low cross-over and intermodulation distortion that is normally only associated with class A-type amplifiers. This naturally linear amplification is key to very smooth Quad sound that contrasts with the glare and hardness found in many other solid state amplifiers.

The Vena has been updated to a mark 2 version. To this 45 watt class A/B gem of an integrated amplifier has been added a phonostage to partner the 24/192 asynchronous DAC, Bluetooth, headphone socket for a complete classically styled compact unit which references the appearance of the originalQuad Preamplifiers. An outstanding product at the $1000 price point.

Quad amplifiers have always been highly regarded. The tube monoblocks have been brought upto date while preserving the original circuit concepts. The QC24p tube phono stage is particularly popular having a volume control and variable outputs so it can be directly connected to a power amplifier or monoblocks. The classic integrated tube amp is rather special.

Quad brought full-range electrostatic loudspeakers to the world in the 1950's raising the bar for sound reproduction. The full-range, cross-over free, virtual point source design delivers more of the potential of electrostatic speakers than the compromised hybrid approach used in other systems. Generally any loudspeaker design using second order or above cross-overs, if well designed, can offer a flat amplitude response, or synchronous non-distorted time waveform, but not both at the same time.

The Quad ESL is one of the few loudspeakers capable of reproducing a clean precise 1 kHz square wave. The virtual point source design gives a wide dispersion pattern and is another reason for the extraordinarily integrated coherent sound reproduction. Movement of the ultra-light weight diaphragm within the electrostatic field is far more linear than the conventional drivers using magnets and this results in very low distortion. For these reasons, musicians and music producers continue to use them as a reference monitor for their recordings.

The latest ESL 2812 and ESL 2912 models have better power supplies improving consistency of the EHT supply, and new triple insulating coatings on the stators preserve the EHT when the diaphragm comes into close proximity. These refinements enable the speakers to play louder while a very effective protection system handles overdrive situations.

Quality manufacture is paramount and now far exceeds what was possible in the past. A multistage sophisticated manufacturing process is used to fabricate and assemble the panels used in the Quad ESL. Non Quad substitute panels - which may be used to rebuild older ESLs - may perform at first but do not have the longevity of authentic Quad made panels.

The latest series of dynamic loudspeakers from Quad features ribbon tweeters and low inertia dynamic drivers which reproduce some aspects of ESL sound where there is not enough room to accommodate electrostatic speakers.


 
Quad Electroacoustics

QUAD Artera Solus

  • Pre-Amp/DAC/CD Transport with 75 watt power amplifier
  • Signal to Noise ratio: -100dB
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz (-0.5dB)
  • THD: < 0.009% (10 watts 20Hz to 20kHz)
  • ESS Sabre 9018 32-bit DAC chip with selectable digital filter
  • 2 pairs RCA analog inputs
  • Digital Inputs: S/PDIF Coax(x2 to 24/192), TOSLink(x2 to 24/192)
    USB-B PC/MAC(32/348kHz PCM and 256 DSD)
  • Digital Outputs: RCA(1), TOSLink(1)
  • Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs
  • Dimensions(wdh): 12.6" x 12.6" x 4.1" Weight: 26.0 lbs
  • Black or Silver Finishes
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QUAD Artera Pre

  • High quality modern British designed pure analog fully balanced Preamp with high gain class A phono MM/MC inputs and tone control.
  • Inputs: Phono MM/MC, RCA x3, XLR x1 (adjustable sensitivity)
  • Phono MM: Gain 53.5dB / Input sens 4.1 mV max 62mV / 47K/100pF
  • Phono MC: Gain 73.5dB / Input sens 410 uV max 6.2mV / 100/1.7nF
  • Line XLR: Gain 8dB / Input sens 775 mV max 4.1Vrms (RCA) / 10K
  • THD: <0.002% (20Hz to 20kHz)
  • Signal to noise: Line >110dB(A), MM >80dB(A), MC >76dB(A)
  • Max output level (THD <0.1%): RCA 2.3V, Balanced XLR 4.6V
  • Analog Outputs: XLR, RCA(Pre), RCA(fixed), 6.35mm headphone
  • 12v trigger. Remote control. Class A headphone output.
  • Dimensions(wdh): 12.6" x 12.6" x 4.1" Weight: 17.2 lbs
  • Black or Silver Finishes
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QUAD Artera Play+

  • Latest spec high quality DAC/Pre Amp/slot-loading CD Player
  • ESS Sabre 9018 32-bit DAC chip with selectable digital filter
  • THD: <0.001% (20Hz to 20kHz) SNR: >118dB (weighted 1kHz)
  • Analog Inputs: Unbalanced RCA(2 pairs)
  • Digital Inputs: S/PDIF(2), TOSLink(2)
    USB-B pc/mac(32-bit/348kHz PCM and 256 DSD), Bluetooth®
  • Digital Outputs: RCA(1), TOSLink(1)
  • Analog Outputs: Class A balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, 3.5mm headphone
  • 12v trigger
  • Dimensions(wdh): 12.6" x 12.6" x 4.1" Weight: 33.1 lbs
  • Black or Silver Finishes
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QUAD Artera Stereo Power Amplifier

  • Latest version of famous 140 watt "current dumping" stereo amplifier
  • Very low cross-over, intermodulation, and harmonic distortion
  • THD: <0.003% (100 watts 1kHz) SNR: <115dB (A weighted 1kHz)
  • RCA Input sensitivity: 980 mV
  • Amp will drive whole range of speakers including Quad Electrostatics
  • Dimensions(wdh): 12.6" x 13.3" x 6.2" Weight: 18.7 lbs
  • Black or Silver Finishes
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QUAD VA-One Tube Amplifier with DAC

  • Modern tube amp with Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz DAC, aptX® Bluetooth, and headphone socket
  • Sumptuous sound for your modern analog and digital sources
  • 15/12 watt 6Ω/8Ω EL84 Pentode output
  • Inputs: RCA(1), OPT(1), COAX(1), USB B(1), Bluetooth (aptX)
  • Signal to Noise ratio: -90dB
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-50KHz (-3.0dB)
  • THD: <0.003%/0.5%(1 watt/40 watts)
  • Remote Control
  • Weight: 23.8 lbs
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD QC-24 Tube Preamplifier

  • Gorgeous retro styled tube preamp
  • Military grade tubes last 60,000 to 100,000 hours
  • Simple audio circuit and relay switching for low noise
  • THD: <0.2%(1v RMS); Hum & Noise >80dB
  • Frequency response: 5Hz-50KHz (+0dB/-0.5dB);
  • Gain: 15dB
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD QC-24P Tube Phono Stage

  • Connoisseur smooth sounding tube phono stage for the analog purist. A hard to get favorite.
  • Retrives every ounce of detail from analog phono cartridges with great atmosphere and outstanding dynamic headroom
  • Adjustable Moving Magnet and Moving Coil input sensitivities:
    High: 1.3mV(MM)130µV(MC);
    Med: 2.6mV(MM)260µV(MC);
    Low: 5.2mV(MM)520µV(MC)
  • Input Impedance: 47kΩ (MM) 10Ω (MC)
  • THD: <0.08%(A-weighted); Hum & Noise >60dB
  • Military grade 6111 twin triode valves last 60,000 to 100,000 hours
  • Nominal output 1.0V
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD QII-Classic Tube Amplifier

  • 15 watts of the highest quality class A amplification
  • Original was an icon in the audio industry produced 1953-1970
  • Breakthrough cathode coupled circuit reduces distortion
  • Input Sensitivity: 775 mV RMS
  • Frequency response: 10Hz-20KHz (±0.2dB)
  • THD: <0.8%(12 watts); Hum & Noise >-90dB
  • Damping factor: 11.75 (700Hz)
  • Loudspeaker Taps: 8Ω only
  • Glorious sweet and refined sound
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD QII-Forty Tube Amplifier

  • Higher 40 watt version of the Quad II classic tube amp
  • Military spec valves and superb finish
  • Very much rich sweet tube sound
  • Input Sensitivity: 1.0 V RMS
  • Frequency response: 10Hz-30KHz (+0dB/-0.5dB)
  • THD: <0.003%/0.3%(1 watt/40 watts); Hum & Noise >-80dB
  • Damping factor: 20 (700Hz)
  • Loudspeaker Taps: 4Ω and 8Ω
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD QII-Eighty Tube Amplifier

  • Modern design reference 80 watt monoblock tube amp
  • Low noise and distortion
  • Up-to-date sound combining benefits of tubes with solid state resolution and agility
  • Input Sensitivity: 1.0 V RMS
  • Frequency response: 10Hz-30KHz (+0dB/-0.5dB), 3Hz-50KHz (-3dB)
  • THD: <0.5%(80 watts); Hum & Noise >-94dB
  • Damping factor: 16 (1kHz)
  • Loudspeaker Taps: 4Ω and 8Ω
  • Outstanding bass power and control
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD QII-Integrated Tube Amplifier

  • A delighful appealing 32 watt integrated tube amp
  • Remarkable sound stage imaging
  • Built-in high performance MM/MC phono stage
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz (+0dB/-1dB)
  • THD: <0.06%(15 watts); Hum & Noise >-98dB
  • Distinctive styling
  • Lancaster Grey Finish
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QUAD S-1 Loudspeakers

  • Two-way vented box design bookshelf speaker
  • 4" woven Kevlar® cone bass/midrange driver
    12mm x 45mm (0.5" x 1.75" approx) true ribbon tweeter
  • Impedance: 8Ω (min 4.2Ω); Sensitivity: 84 dB
  • Frequency response: 58Hz-20KHz (±3dB), 55Hz(-6dB);
  • Amplifier requirement: 25-100W; Peak SPL output: 96dB
  • 11.2" x 6.1" x 9.4" (not inc terminals), weight: 11.5 lbs
  • Sapele Mahogany real wood veneers
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QUAD S-2 Loudspeakers

  • Two-way vented box design large bookshelf speaker
  • 5" woven Kevlar® cone bass/midrange driver
    12mm x 45mm (0.5" x 1.75" approx) true ribbon tweeter
  • Impedance: 8Ω (min 4.5Ω); Sensitivity: 87 dB
  • Frequency response: 48Hz-22KHz (±3dB), 37Hz(-6dB);
  • Amplifier requirement: 25-100W; Peak SPL output: 98dB
  • 13.0" x 6.1" x 10.2" (not inc terminals), weight: 13.4 lbs
  • Sapele Mahogany real wood veneers
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QUAD S-4 Loudspeakers

  • Three-way ABR design floorstanding speaker
  • 5" Woven Carbon Fiber cone bass driver & 2 x 5" ABR
    4" Woven Carbon Fiber cone midrange driver
    12mm x 45mm (0.5" x 1.75" approx) true ribbon tweeter
  • Impedance: 6Ω (min 3.5Ω); Sensitivity: 88 dB
  • Frequency response: 44Hz-23KHz (±3dB), 37Hz(-6dB);
  • Amplifier requirement: 25-100W; Peak SPL output: 100dB
  • 34.3" x 6.1" x 11.8" (not inc terminals or plinth), weight: 35.2 lbs
  • Sapele Mahogany real wood veneers
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QUAD S-5 Loudspeakers

  • Three-way ABR design floorstanding speaker
  • 6.5" Woven Carbon Fiber cone bass driver & 3 x 6.5" ABR
    5" Woven Carbon Fiber cone midrange driver
    12mm x 45mm (0.5" x 1.75" approx) true ribbon tweeter
  • Impedance: 6Ω (min 3.2Ω); Sensitivity: 90 dB
  • Frequency response: 42Hz-23KHz (±3dB), 35Hz(-6dB);
  • Amplifier requirement: 25-100W; Peak SPL output: 105dB
  • 42.1" x 8.1" x 13.0" (not inc terminals or plinth), weight: 48.2 lbs
  • Sapele Mahogany real wood veneers
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QUAD S-C Center Channel Loudspeaker

  • Two-way vented box design center speaker
  • 2 x 4" woven Kevlar® cone bass/midrange driver
    12mm x 45mm (0.5" x 1.75" approx) true ribbon tweeter
  • Impedance: 8Ω (min 4.4Ω); Sensitivity: 86 dB
  • Frequency response: 65Hz-20KHz (±3dB), 60Hz(-6dB);
  • Amplifier requirement: 25-100W; Peak SPL output: 97dB
  • 6.3" x 15.7" x 7.1" (not inc terminals), weight: 13.9 lbs
  • Sapele Mahogany real wood veneers
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QUAD ESL 2812 Electrostatic Loudspeaker

  • Successor to the 2805 full range electrostatic speaker with concentric ring point source imaging
  • A legacy of design and receiver of many awards
  • Triple driver protection and high reliablity track record
  • Sublime performance and unsurpassed cost/performance ratio
  • Now available
  • More information on Quad ESL 2812
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QUAD ESL 2912 Electrostatic Loudspeaker

  • Successor to the 2905 reference full range electrostatic speaker
  • Extra headroom for larger rooms
  • Triple driver protection and high reliablity track record
  • The reference speaker other speakers are compared to more than any other
  • Now available
  • More information on Quad ESL 2912
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QUAD PA-One Tube Headphone amp

  • Organic sounding headphone sound with built-in DAC
  • Outut Power: 500mwatt at 32Ω
  • Ouput Impedance: 32-300Ω
  • Frequency response: 15Hz-30KHz (±0.5dB)
  • THD+N: 0.5%
  • Asynchronous USB, optical, Coax digital inputs resolving 24bit/192kHz
  • Analog RCA and XLR balanced inputs
  • 7.1" x 11.2" x 6.4" (WxDxH), weight: 16.5 lbs
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QUAD Elite Pre Amplifier

  • Adjustable moving coil & moving magnet phono inputs
  • Unique tilt and filter tone controls
  • Quadlink balanced mode interconnectivity
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QUAD Elite CDX CD Player

  • CD player and digital hub with selectable digital inputs including USB
  • Fixed and variable outputs - may be connected directly to power amp
  • Special servo minimizes servo activity and reduces digital noise
  • Recreates large sense of scale, ambience, and fast dynamics
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QUAD Elite QSP Power Amplifier

  • High quality 140 watt "current dumping" stereo amplifier
  • Clarity and sweetness of class A combined with grip of Class A/B
  • THD: <0.004% (100 watts 1kHz)
  • Signal to Noise: >108dB (20Hz to 20kHz ref 140 watts)
  • Input Impedance: 15kΩ
  • Input Sensitivity: 760 mV for full output
  • Gain: 33dB;  Damping factor: 230;
  • Very low cross-over for open midrange non-fatiguing sound
  • Large 600VA toroidal power supply
  • Good solid state amp for Quad Electrostatic speakers
  • Dimensions(wdh): 12.9" x 10.6" x 5.9" Weight: 27.5 lbs
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QUAD 11L Classic Loudspeakers

  • New cross over and driver design
  • Natural non high gloss finish
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QUAD 12L2 Loudspeakers

  • Large bookshelf 2-way dual rear port
  • Surprising scale of sound for it's size
  • Luxurious high gloss fininsh
  • Rare, last few pairs - call for prices
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QUAD 22L2 Loudspeakers

  • Most popular speaker in the L2 series range
  • Authoritative bass and good power handling
  • Luxurious high gloss fininsh
  • Rare, last few pairs - call for prices
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Select products in drop down above

Artera Series





Electronics that are always engaging and musical







Updated versions based on classic Quad circuit designs





Very informative and dynamic speakers


The best electrostatic speakers Quad has ever produced

A wonderful amp for serious headphone users






Our lightly used ex-demo items offer excellent value for money