L SERIES

.the closest approach to the original sound
Hi-Fi News Separates System of the Year 2003-2004
Hi-Fi News Separates System of the Year 2004-2005
What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year 2002-2003 Best stereo speaker 250-500 2004-2005
What Hi-Fi? Product of the and 2003-2004. Best stereo speaker 250-500 2004-2005
What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year Full Size Speaker Packages 2004-2005
Quad L Sub is best subwoofer 2004 from What Hi-Fi?
Quad 11L is Best Stereo Speakers of the Year 2004 from What Hi-Fi?

L-Series

The QUAD 11L The 11L is the entry point for the series, with a single five inch KEVLAR bass/mid driver and a 25mm textile dome tweeter. Despite its diminutive size, the 11L boasts some of the finest top to bottom cohesion you will ever find in a stand mount speaker and is accurate and smooth through the mid-range in true Quad style. Careful placement will extend the bass response significantly, giving this speaker a performance well beyond the scale of its dimensions yet throughout the frequency range this speaker is articulate and musical for a thoroughly refined and enjoyable listen. The QUAD 12L The cabinet volume and drive unit size are slightly larger than the 11L to produce a wider frequency response in the bass region. A 6.5" KEVLAR bass/mid driver replaces the 5" unit. In most other respects, they are similar to the 11L. Elegant and simple, the uncluttered design has a remarkable dynamic range for such a small speaker a consequence of the accuracy and speed of the long-throw driver under pressure.

The Quad

The Quad 11L shown is one of our Collectors Editions - limited runs of only 500 pairs in an exotic veneer in this case, Ebony.
These [11L] Quads have that extra touch of monitor-like finesse that brings them out of the midprice bracket and into the upper echelons of audiophilia. Hi-Fi World
Not only do they come in a beautiful real-wood veneer with a piano gloss lacquer, but they sound terrific too. The scale and authority of their performance is breathtaking What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
The QUAD 21L The 21L is a loudspeaker which is simple and elegant in design, yet remarkable in performance. As well as negating the need for stands, the 21L gives an extended bass response over the standmount versions, yet retains all the precision, detail and imaging capabilities of its smaller brethren. The lustrous piano finish is applied to each speaker by hand over a period of seven days, each of which involves applying a coat of lacquer which must then dry at an ambient temperature before being cut and polished. The final coat is polished to a high gloss finish to produce one of the finest finishes seen on any loudspeaker in this class.
The QUAD 22L The 22L is the flagship of the range. This tall, floorstanding model with ultra low distortion twin KEVLAR drivers produces a fast, dynamic bass, extending to around 30Hz at the lower end for real impact and a compelling sense of scale. Bass detail is excellent, tracking precisely every nuance of the deepest double bass while, maintaining an area of open space around instruments.
The QUAD L Centre For the first time ever, Quad is producing a centre channel speaker within the L series. That is not to abandon our hi-fi roots, but to enable those with good multi-channel systems to enjoy the L series in all its glory the L centre is tonally and frequency matched to produce an exceptional surround sound speaker system capable of reproducing not only film sound-tracks with spectacular clarity and precision, but also of reproducing the growing number of multichannel music formats.
The Quad L-series subwoofer is nothing short of sensational. Its precise, taut, invigorating delivery is hugely entertaining, and this subwoofer is also capable of some pretty impressive low-frequency dynamics What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
The Quad L Sub is Best Subwoofer 2004 from What Hi-Fi?
The QUAD L Sub Another first is the Quad L-Sub active subwoofer system. An exceptionally refined unit, the L-sub can be used to great effect within both stereo and multi-channel systems. If your penchant is for standmount speakers but you find the bass response too limited, the addition of the L-sub will provide the necessary sub-sonics to enhance your enjoyment. Although a sub-woofer can be placed anywhere in a room as bass frequencies are essentially non-directional in nature, you may choose to leave the L-sub a little more exposed. The same high-gloss piano finish is applied to the subs making them as attractive as they are sonically adept. Features of the L-sub include an extremely high power 300WRMS amplifier module, a choice of six discrete filter paths, from 35Hz to 85Hz in 10 Hz steps, a full feature remote control, microprocessor controlled volume and four memory settings which can be set and recalled from the remote.

The Technology

Underneath the classically British exterior beats an audiophile heart. The long-throw KEVLAR driver is manufactured from a self-damping resin impregnated fibre form of the material. This is then lattice woven to create the appropriate stiffness, strength and weight properties. The material is formed into a cone and mounted on a butyl rubber surround. A high efficiency, double hand-wound voice coil tracks the signal, with the high-gauss magnet assembly providing an impetus for movement. A strong, die-cast aluminium alloy chassis assembly is an essential part of the design, keeping everything taut and under control, even with large transients and extremes of power. A profiled phase plug provides additional cone axial rigidity and also improves off-axis performance. The dual 25mm voice coil is wound on an aluminium alloy carrier or bobbin. This wicks heat away from the central coil region to maintain peak performance and Many years of experience have manifested themselves in the high-frequency driver. A compact yet powerful neodymium magnet keeps the tightest control on the diaphragm. Phase coherency is particularly important to ensure the bass integrates perfectly with the treble, and of course, to create a truly holographic stereo image the hallmark of a classic Quad sound. This tweeter is so controlled; it measures typically less than 1% distortion from 103dB (equivalent to normally loud playback) output at a distance of 1 metre. The tweeter fascia plate is engineered for a smooth frequency response and excellent dispersion. This is further aided from the flush mountings of this plate and the bass/mid unit into the cabinet front baffle. Both drive units are closely coupled to provide good integration. the optimum excursion of the long-throw driver. The coils are vented to reduce the effect of any pressure build-up in the central cone region.

L Series

We develop every tweeter to be effective beyond 37kHz, way past the threshold of audibility, and they have a useful response to around 40kHz. The three dimensional soundstage produced is a testament to their detail and accuracy.
A revolutionary drive unit material is only the start of the technological innovations that make this new Quad subwoofer a fine addition to any surround or stereo system. The new tri-lam cone is a composite construction comprising of a hydralically moulded and thermoset lamination of three materials. The inner layer is bidirectional weave carbon fibre, the two outer layers are bi-directional weave glass fibre. The outer rim of the cone incorporates rim-edge stiffening within the design. The resulting cone is extremely rigid and lightweight, ensuring very low energy losses, even at extremes of volume, and without the delays associated with highmass paper pulp or plastic cones commonly used in subwoofer drivers. Finished in the same choice of high quality piano lacquered veneers as the existing L-series models, the Lsubwoofer is as attractive a piece of furniture as it is accomplished as a reference subwoofer. A full function remote control allows the user to calibrate the subwoofer (crossover, volume and phase) from the listening position and store up to four settings in the memory, which can be recalled at the touch of a button. Further innovations include a powerful 300WRMS amplifier module coupled with a brand new filter stage. A microprocessor controlled filter section has been developed adjustable between 35 and 85Hz in 10Hz steps each having a discrete path for the cleanest signal possible.

L Subwoofer

specifications
Drivers Bass Mid Tweeter Recommended Amp Power (RMS) Nominal Imp. Sensitivity (1W@1m) Frequency Range @ -6dB HF Limit Crossover Frequency Size mm ( H x W x D ) 5" 125mm 25mm Tex 30 150W 6 Ohms* 86dB 45Hz to 24k 43kHz 2.2kHz 325 x 190 x 243 6.5" 170mm 25mm Tex 30 200W 6 Ohms* 88dB 45Hz to 24k 43kHz 2.2kHz 355 x 205 x 253 6.5" 170mm 25mm Tex 30 200W 6 Ohms* 88dB 35Hz to 24k 43kHz 2.2kHz 795 x 205 x 263 6.5" 170mm 6.5" 170mm 25mm Tex 30 300W 6 Ohms* 89dB 30Hz to 24k 43kHz 150Hz, 3kHz 865 x 205 x 278
Drivers Bass Mid Tweeter Recommended Amp Power (RMS) Nominal Imp. Sensitivity (1W@1m) Frequency Range @ -6dB HF Limit Crossover Frequency Size mm ( H x W x D )

L-Centre

5" 125mm 25mm Tex 30 150W 6 Ohms* 88dB 70Hz to 24k 43kHz 2kHz 428 x 162 x 206 Amplifier power output: Frequency Range (Boundry position): Max power output: Low pass filter range: Input impedance Facilities: Gross weight / Net weight Size mm ( H x W x D )
12" 300mm tri-lam 300W (RMS) 25Hz 90Hz,(-6dB) 113dB measured at 1m 35Hz 85Hz (plus by-pass) in 10Hz increments 10k 180 switchable Phase select, Auto power, Hi & Lo inputs 31.6kg / 29kg 525 x 340 x 465
*Impedance: All models are suitable for use with 8 Ohm amplifier outputs. Finishes: Please contact your local Quad dealer.
Quad Electroacoustics Ltd, IAG House, Sovereign Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6XU Tel :- 0845 4580011, Fax :- www.quad-hifi.co.uk
The information in this brochure is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved 2004 Quad Quad is a member of the International Audio Group

Qu.L15.10.2004

Quad12L reprint

9/24/04

10:49 AM

Page 9

Quad 12L

| 500 |

FOR Rock-hard bass; dynamics; detailed delivery; awesome depth of field; build and finish AGAINST Unforgiving, whatyou play is whatyou hear VERDICT Like the 11L, this Quad offers stunning value for money. Massively transparent but a joy with the right kit and recordings YOURE HAVING AN impromptu footie match in the park and it turns out one of the oppositions related to a famous player and hes a bit handy, too. Nothing worse. This is how the other speakers in this test must feel about the majestic-looking Quad 12L. For those unfamiliar with the Quads sibling, the 379 11L is our 2003 speaker Product of theYear. Its a stunner but if we are being hypercritical we could ask for a touch more bass weight.Well, a larger cabinet tends to mean greater bass weight and the 12L offers extra volume. so bring on the test. The 12Ls mid/bass driver features a resin-impregnated Kevlar diaphragm. The idea is the resin stiffens the cone, while the inherent self-damping properties of woven Kevlar keeps cone resonance to a minimum. This unit is 1.5in larger than the 11Ls mid/bass driver, and the tweeter used is found in both versions. But, as we know (see Monitor Audios Bronze B6) one successful speaker doesnt guarantee a winning range. Not always, but in action, the 12L is awesome. Move the speakers away from the wall this gives the twin rear port room to breathe and the depth of field is such you can almost believe you are listening in surround sound. Excellent. And remember our minor moan concerning the 11Ls bass weight?Well, big bruv solves that one the 12L dives deeper and carries extra force. It falls just short of the depth of its standmounter rival, the Dynaudio Audience 52, but delivery is rock hard. Hakan Lidbos Morricone remix belts out with precision timing and the monitors handle even the devilishly tricky beats from Devdass soundtrack with skill. Dynamics are wonderful and detail resolution is best in class definitely a case of uncovering nuances other rivals miss. The midrange is rich and informative, though falls just short of the 11Ls abilities.We reckon thats the trade off for the extra bass weight. Our only word of warning concerns possible partners.The Quads are hugely transparent, unforgiving speakers in other words a bad recording sounds bad so try to avoid lean or similarly characterised electronics. Another Quad, another L of a speaker.
Dynamics are wonderful and detail resolution is best in class these uncover nuances other rivals miss
Reprinted from November 2003