{"product_id":"quad-esl-2812x-electrostatic-loudspeakers","title":"QUAD ESL 2812X Electrostatic Loudspeakers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese are a very old friend born again in this most recent iteration of Peter Walker’s original transducer technology. We have an original pair of 1973 Quad ESL57's from 1973 on display alongside these newest versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/quad-hifi.co.uk\/pages\/our-story\" title=\"The History of QUAD\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLink to the story of QUAD\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“a bargain so honest that it's an indictment of its rivals” — \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKen Kessler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe legendary Hi-Fi reviewer Ken Kessler of\u003cstrong\u003e HiFi News \u003c\/strong\u003ereally likes the new Quad ESL speakers, describing the experience as a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“mix of delight and relief.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e He notes that this electrostatic performs \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“one of the best disappearing acts imaginable,”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e offering \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“matchless openness and transparency.” \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBy refining the semi-conducting membrane and EHT section to maintain a stable 5.25kV charge, Quad has realised a speaker that Ken Kessler described as \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“categorically ‘high-end’ by any measure.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe performance is truly exceptional, as Hi-Fi News found the ESL 2912X to be \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“a bargain so honest that it’s an indictment of its rivals.” \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWhether rendering vocal textures or transient speed, these speakers deliver \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“sound quality way beyond its price bracket,”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e says Kessler. Concluding, Quad's ESL 2912X as a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e“mandatory consideration”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e that unconditionally deserves recognition for its performance at any price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ESL-X concept began in 2019 as part of an intensive review of the QUAD Electrostatic manufacturing facility - a suite dedicated solely to the production of QUAD ESL loudspeakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the expert leadership of Paul McConville, (a gentleman recognised as the world’s foremost authority in QUAD ESL engineering, with 40 years of experience), every aspect of the original design underwent a comprehensive evaluation and meticulous refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis approach encompassed a thorough analysis of every process, step, technique, material, tool, and jig employed in the construction of a QUAD ESL, with the aim of improving the quality and precision of the electrostatic loudspeaker assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeveraging techniques such as advanced laser-precision metrology, QUAD undertook an exhaustive review of the foundation of the ESL design. Systematic enhancements were implemented in the processes of spraying, etching, tensioning, and assembly to ensure peak performance. Rigorous upgrades were applied to implement both passive and active components, enhancing the overall system integrity of the then-current ESL2912 and 2812 models. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe team of QUAD engineers considered the results of this lengthy and time-consuming self-appointed audit so significant that they deemed it worthy of a new model in the lineage of the ESL program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is widely accepted that enhancing an ESL is fundamentally an exercise in building upon existing frameworks through incremental improvements rather than pursuing radical innovations. Consequently, QUAD did not require a complete overhaul of established methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNonetheless, these incremental advancements have now culminated in a significant transformation of the 2912 and 2812 models into what is now known as ESL X.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMain Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: Floor standing dipole with 3° fixed tilt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Multiple electrostatic drive membranes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoint Source Time Delay: Progressive concentric rings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChassis Structure: Heavy duty composite aluminium \/ steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePanel Elements: 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum Output: 2 N\/m2 at 2m on axis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 1.5 mbar per volt referred to 1m (86dB \/ 2.83V RMS equivalent)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNominal Impedance: 8 Ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpedance Variation: 4 – 15 Ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMax Continuous Input Voltage: 10V (RMS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProgram Peak for Undistorted Output: 40V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePermitted Peak Input: 55V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency Response\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e37Hz – 21kHz (–6dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e33Hz – 23kHz (useable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirectivity Index: See Polar Diagrams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistortion (100dB @ 1m)\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbove 1000Hz: \u0026lt; 0.15%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbove 100Hz: \u0026lt; 0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbove 50Hz: \u0026lt; 1.0%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAC Input: 220 – 240V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower Fuse: 100mA anti-surge (200 – 240V)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower Consumption: 8 Watts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions (WxHxD): 690 x 1,070 x 380 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 35 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufacturer’s Warranty: 1 Year, plus an additional 2 years if the product is \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.avrevolution.com.au\/pages\/register-your-warranty\" title=\"Register Your Warranty\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eregistered\u003c\/a\u003e within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Quad","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46399920504982,"sku":null,"price":24995.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0438\/2307\/1382\/files\/Quad-2812X-_lifestyle-01_1800x1000_8b3687ff-f9f3-44cf-8195-0e0ae7e5c678.jpg?v=1780027090","url":"https:\/\/www.carltonaudiovisual.com.au\/products\/quad-esl-2812x-electrostatic-loudspeakers","provider":"Carlton Audio Visual","version":"1.0","type":"link"}