QUAD ESL 2812X And ESL 2912X Electrostatic Loudspeakers
All Image Credit: QUAD
QUAD has released the QUAD ESL 2912X and its smaller sibling, the QUAD ESL 2812X, the sixth generation in its ESL electrostatic loudspeaker range. The original ESL was released in 1957 and these latest versions follow in all the earlier models venerable footsteps incorporating refinements across key technical areas, while still maintaining the fundamental design principles. Both models come in an all-black low-reflection matt finish.
Rear and Side Views
The QUAD ESL 2812X and QUAD ESL 2912X are full-range electrostatic loudspeakers, the same as all the previous models. Instead of using cone or dome drivers, they employ a thin conductive Mylar film diaphragm suspended in an electrostatic field between two stators. These designs continue the use of the ESL line’s legacy of using a concentric ring electrode design. This configuration creates a point-source radiation pattern intended to improve stereo imaging. A delay line sends the audio signal in time-delayed stages to the rings of the panel, contributing to the speaker’s spatial presentation creating more precise stereo imaging.
Conductive Mylar diaphragm membrane between two stators.
The diaphragm’s low mass allows it to respond quickly and accurately to audio signal waveforms, helping to reduce distortion and enhancing detail. At 1KHz 100dB SPL, the distortion is <0.15%.
Improvements for both models include; refinements to the electrostatic panels to include; adjustments to diaphragm spraying, etching, and tensioning, an improved audio transformer design and the electronics is now split across independent modules; a high-voltage multiplier module, a control module and a low-voltage signal module, ensuring minimum interference, noise reduction and improved reliability.
Discrete high voltage, protection and audio processing boards.
Both the QUAD ESL 2812X and QUAD ESL 2912X share the same composite aluminum and steel construction and a dipole configuration with a fixed 3° tilt. The only differences between these two models is in their physical size with the 2912X using four electrostatic panels and the 2812X using six panels.
Both models reach an upper frequency response of 23KHz, but the larger 2912X extends its low frequency response down to 28Hz.
Specifications:
ESL 2812X
- Type: Multiple electrostatic drive membranes
- Format: Floor standing dipole with 3° fixed tilt
- Point Source Time Delay: Multiple electrostatic drive membranes
- Chassis Structure: Heavy duty composite aluminum / steel
- Panel Elements: 4
- Maximum Output: 2 N / m2 at 2m on axis
- Sensitivity: 1.5 mbar per volt referred to 1m (86dB/2.83V rms equivalent)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Impedance Variation: 4-15 Ohms
- Continuous input voltage (rms)
- 10V program peak for undistorted output: 40V
- Permitted peak input: 55V
- Frequency Response: 37Hz – 21kHz (-6dB), 33Hz – 23kHz (useable)
- Directivity Index: See polar diagrams
- Distortion (100dB @ 1m):
- Above 1000Hz <0.15%
- Above 100Hz <0.5%
- Above 50Hz <1.0%
- AC Input: 220 – 240V, 100-120V
- Power Consumption: 8 watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1070 x 690 x 380 (mm)
- Net Weight: 35Kg
ESL 2912X
- Type: Multiple electrostatic drive membranes
- Format: Floor standing dipole with 3° fixed tilt
- Point Source Time Delay: Multiple electrostatic drive membranes
- Chassis Structure: Heavy duty composite aluminum / steel
- Panel Elements: 6
- Maximum Output: 2 N / m2 at 2m on axis
- Sensitivity: 1.5 mbar per volt referred to 1m (86dB/2.83V rms equivalent)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Impedance Variation: 4-20 Ohms
- Continuous input voltage (rms):
- 10V program peak for undistorted output: 40V
- Permitted peak input: 55V
- Frequency Response: 32Hz – 21kHz (-6dB), 28Hz – 23kHz (useable)
- Directivity Index: See polar diagrams
- Distortion (100dB @ 1m):
- Above 1000Hz <0.15%
- Above 100Hz <0.5%
- Above 50Hz <1.0%
- AC Input: 220 – 240V, 100-120V
- Power Consumption: 8 watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1470 x 690 x 380 (mm)
- Net Weight: 44Kg
MSRP (pair – 2812X/2912X):
- US: $14,995/$17,995
- UK: £10,999/£12,999
- EU: €13,999/€16,999
For more information visit the QUAD website.
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