Quad 11L Classic

[Brian]

QUAD like many British speaker designs tend to be laid back, not too disimilar to the classic New England sound of years ago, more interested in achieving a flat frequency response at a cost of say the West Coast sound where the aim is to favor the high and bass to give a more lively presentation. Just a different sound, not better or worse except to the individual listeners, tastes. I prefer the more laid back sound to the west Coast voicing.

 

[Art K.]

Most important to relative to audio with music is timbre/tonality and timing (PRaT as the British say and as many AKer's hate). If a speaker (substitute any audio component) can do those things and not be fatigueing then it's a winner to me. Again, the previous iteration is said to not be anywhere near as coherent as this latest Quad 11L. Harbeth and Spendor are said to be laid back as well and I love both of those brands.

 

[Art K.]

One mans "laid back" may be another's just right.

Just out curiosity, Baldo, maybe you could provide some information as to what speakers and electronics you are currently running that provide the sparkle, detail and transparency you are seeking?

It may provide some helpful context for Art and others to evaluate your opinion of the 11L

RC

Alco's setup.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=435863&page=2

 

[JohnVF]

Most important to relative to audio with music is timbre/tonality and timing (PRaT as the British say and as many AKer's hate). If a speaker (substitute any audio component) can do those things and not be fatigueing then it's a winner to me. Again, the previous iteration is said to not be anywhere near as coherent as this latest Quad 11L. Harbeth and Spendor are said to be laid back as well and I love both of those brands.

I heard "laid back" a number of times in reference to Harbeth and I just don't get it. I just hear "right", instead of a false accent in some particular area or detail. I hope the Quads have that same rightness/PRaT for you.

 

[doucanoe]

Alco's setup.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=435863&page=2

Well there you go, context provided.
Very nice Alco :yes:

I'm not sure what version I heard but would assume it was the earlier. I was excited to see them there because I had interest in hearing a pair after reading about them a year prior to that. If they had some glaring driver integration issues I wasn't picking up on it but the Consignment Room audition did leave a little to be desired.

I was definitely intrigued by them but not enough to bring them home with me when it was all said and done. They were pretty as heck and the price was very right . I'm a sucker for the look of a small stand mount in a light real wood veneer with contrasting black drivers and almost bought them just for that reason alone

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts after you get some time with them, Art.

RC

 

[Baldo]

Thanks doucanoe, and thanks Art for providing Doucanoe the asked information regarding my system.
(my Diapason's are the mkIII versions btw, which have slightly different shaped sidepanels, compared to the mkII)

I'm also curious if/how much the 11L Classics will be an improvement over the original. I do like the looks and finish. (and the price,...afterall, I'm Dutch, ...wellknown to be kinda cheapskates)

 

[TimF]

Art, those are some fine looking little boxes there! Amazing finish for sure, shame they don't make a pair in mahogony, I might be tempted!

Alco, I still love the looks of your Diapason's too, would love to hear a pair. Just something about these well made, great sounding little monitors.

Another sleeper small stand-mount is the Soundsmith Dragonfly and Monarch, very nice sounding speakers, at a much higher price-tag though. If you get a chance to ever listen to them, take it. Tim

 

[doucanoe]

Thanks doucanoe, and thanks Art for providing Doucanoe the asked information regarding my system.
(my Diapason's are the mkIII versions btw, which have slightly different shaped sidepanels, compared to the mkII)

I'm also curious if/how much the 11L Classics will be an improvement over the original. I do like the looks and finish. (and the price,...afterall, I'm Dutch, ...wellknown to be kinda cheapskates)

Ha! And and this time, I thought that was a trait only found in us Norwegians Glad to hear that we are in good company.

RC

 

[Art K.]

The press release introducing the Quad 11L Classic. Interesting read and outlines the changes nicely.

http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/images/news/Quad_11L_Classic.pdf

 

[Spektre]

I'd be particularly interested to hear how they compare against the P3ESR strength and weaknesses, What Hi Fi didn't really warm to them which I generally take as a good sign.

 

[Art K.]

I'd be particularly interested to hear how they compare against the P3ESR strength and weaknesses, What Hi Fi didn't really warm to them which I generally take as a good sign.

LOL! Good point, Gavin.

I wasn't sure what to think of that review. Seemed to like everything right up to the end...then again they didn't like the Rega Apollo-R either and that says a lot about them because the Apollo-R is a fantastic sounding player.

 

[11rufus11]

I cannot speak for the 11L Quads, but I have the 12L2 Quads and I am very happy with them. The only difference between the two is the 12L2's have a larger woofer. I drive them with a Creek 5350SE integrated amp and it sounds fantastic. I am very impressed with the sound/quality/cost ratio. The Quads are very detailed and true to the source. I think you will be happy with the Quads. They look great, too.

 

[Art K.]

Thank you for adding your experience here.

 

[JohnVF]

I cannot speak for the 11L Quads, but I have the 12L2 Quads and I am very happy with them. The only difference between the two is the 12L2's have a larger woofer. I drive them with a Creek 5350SE integrated amp and it sounds fantastic. I am very impressed with the sound/quality/cost ratio. The Quads are very detailed and true to the source. I think you will be happy with the Quads. They look great, too.

I just read a very good review of those in Hi Fi News. They liked them. Very nice looking speakers- not sure if anybody local to me carries them for an audition.

 

[Art K.]

I'd like to find that review online. Is there a link that I'm missing, John...

 

[JohnVF]

I'd like to find that review online. Is there a link that I'm missing, John...

I'll look when I get home tonight to find what issue it was in. It might have been a back issue from awhile ago, I have a lot of them laying around. I'm not sure if all of their reviews are online or not. It doesn't look like they are unless its for subscribers only. I just buy on the newstand.

 

[Spektre]

I don't want to hijack your thread Art but I've just snapped up a pair of P3ESR SE, now looking forward to their arrival.

Back on track I think the John Darko review of the Quads would be pretty reliable. I own both the Wharfedales and Usher's he's reviewed and his opinions are similarly aligned to my own with these two pairs of speakers.

 

[Art K.]

I'll look when I get home tonight to find what issue it was in. It might have been a back issue from awhile ago, I have a lot of them laying around. I'm not sure if all of their reviews are online or not. It doesn't look like they are unless its for subscribers only. I just buy on the newstand.

I don't have a newstand to buy on...small town U.S.A.!

 

[Art K.]

I don't want to hijack your thread Art but I've just snapped up a pair of P3ESR SE, now looking forward to their arrival.

Back on track I think the John Darko review of the Quads would be pretty reliable. I own both the Wharfedales and Usher's he's reviewed and his opinions are similarly aligned to my own with these two pairs of speakers.

Lucky dog! You have too many good little speakers!

Like there is such a thing as too many...

 

[JohnVF]

I don't have a newstand to buy on...small town U.S.A.!

Well, "Barnes and Noble" is my newsstand, if that counts Though I occasionally buy it at an actual newsstand in Santa Monica when I'm out there.