QUAD ESL-2812
€9,999.00
The latest version of highly acclaimed ESL series, the ESL-2812 and 2912 are a celebration of a classic. Using the signature mylar diaphraghm, yet while re-evaluating all circuitry and components, the result is an authentic ESL experience – incredible full range accuracy and startling realism.
Upsell products
Description
The ESL was the world’s first full range, ultra low distortion electrostatic loudspeaker and set standards for accuracy and fidelity in loudspeakers that remains unsurpassed to this day. A labour of love for founder Peter Walker, the ESL-57, as it came later to be known, is still revered by audiophiles all over the world.
The ESL is the complete embodiment of our company ethos “The Closest Approach To The Original Sound” and the ESL series reproduces a sound which is indistinguishable between hearing a pair of loudspeakers and having the performers right there in front of you. We are equally proud of our latest models, the ESL-2912 and ESL-2812 which have built on the original concept with improved efficiency.
The ESL-57 was also recently voted into Stuff Magazines chart of “The Top 100 Best Gadgets Ever”, being the best gadget for 1957.
Pictured is an image from the late ’50s of the final hand-finished assembly process after mylar stretching and cabinet construction.
Although manufacturing is achieved today on a much larger scale, the same approach to quality has never faltered. Many processes from circuit board assembly to piano gloss finishing use hand-finished techniques, with quality control procedures each step of the way.
Matching wood-veneered panels now adorn the top of the speakers and the sides of their substantial bases, formed from high-density plywood to further damp frame resonances and smothered in layers of piano lacquer. The shielding cover on the base is embossed with the Quad logo and all typography is now in gold laquer paint; the gold-plated cable terminals, corresponding PCBs and wiring have also been enhanced.
Quad’s engineers have evaluated the power supply for the EHT voltage. Creepage, the possibility of charge flowing across the PCB between components, was eliminated by a new PCB layout which ensured optimum insulation and distance between contacts and a symmetrical layout for the components. This new layout also provides a means to superior cable dressing and again reducing the effects of creepage, particularly in high humidity environments.
Component changes have also been introduced, including such audiophile components as Vishay resistors and Murata capacitors. Although not in the signal path, as such, these components have a direct effect on the consistency of the EHT supply and signal purity is created in the reproduction of music as a result.
Finally, to match the improved dynamics of the ESL elements, the mechanical aspects of the speakers have been enhanced. A new net cloth has been chosen to cover the elements which allows superior audio transparency as well as improving the appearance of the speakers. The underlying grille support has revised strengthening ribs to reduce the possibility of resonance as well as to ensure the grille cloth remains under tension without stretch marks.
To distinguish the 2812 and 2912 from their predecessors, there are cosmetic changes too. These changes improve the look of the speakers in domestic surroundings. As well as the new grille cloth, there are matching piano lacquered veneered panels on the top of the speakers and the sides of the base formed from high density plywood to further damp frame resonances.
The shielding cover on the base is embossed with the Quad logo and all typography is now gold lacquer paint.
Specifications
Format | Floor standing dipole with 3 degree fixed tilt |
Type | Multiple Electrostatic Drive Membranes |
Time Delay | Progressive Concentric Rings |
Chassis Structure | Heavy Duty Composite Aluminium / Steel |
Panel Elements | 4 |
Maximum Output | 2 N/m² at 2m On Axis |
Sensitivity | 1.5mbar Per Volt Referred To 1m (86 dB/2.83 V RMS Equivalent) |
Impedance | 8 Ohms Nominal |
Impedance Variation | 4-15 Ohms |
Maximum Input | Continuous Input Voltage (RMS): 10V Programme Peak For undistorted Output: 40V Permitted Peak Input: 55V |
Frequency Response | 37Hz – 21kHz (-6dB) 33Hz – 23kHz (useable) |
Distortion (100dB at 1m) | Above 1000Hz 0.15% Above 100Hz 0.5% Above 50Hz 1.0% |
Power Consumption | 6W |
Dimensions | 1006 x 690 x 380mm |
Net Weight | 35kg |