ESL Series

USER MANUAL

ESL 2805
ESL 2905

Quad Electroacoustics Ltd.

IAG House, Sovereign Court,
Ermine Business Park,
Huntingdon PE29 6XU. England.
Tel : 0845 458 0011 / +44 (0) 1480 447700
Fax : +44 (0) 1480 431767
www.quad-hifi.co.uk
User Cautions

This symbol indicates that there are

CAUTION!
important operating and maintenance
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
instructions in the literature
DO NOT OPEN
accompanying this unit.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
This symbol indicates that dangerous
NO USER-REMOVEABLE PARTS INSIDE
voltage constituting a risk of electric
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
shock is present within this unit.
ADVERTISSEMENT: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-
NE PAS OUVRIR

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION the product.

Read these instructions. Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Keep these instructions. the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this
Heed all warnings. device.
Follow all instructions. Warning: The mains power switch for this appliance is located on
Do not use this apparatus near water. the rear panel. To permit free access to this switch, the
Clean only with dry cloth. apparatus must be located in an open area without any
Do not block any ventilation openings. obstructions.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. NOTE: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
produce heat. communications. However, there is no guarantee that
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
grounding prong. The wider blade or the third prong are and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into by one or more of the following measures:
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the ! Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
obsolete outlet. ! Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, ! Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
from that to which the receiver is connected.
where they exit from the apparatus.
! Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
Use only attachments/accessories specified by the
help.
manufacturer.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO UK USERS
Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
The appliance cord is terminated with a UK approved mains plug
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold
fitted with a 3A fuse. If the fuse needs to be replaced, an ASTA or
with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
BSI approved BS1362 fuse rated at 3A must be used. If you need
caution when moving the cart/apparatus
to change the mains plug, remove the fuse and dispose of this
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
plug safely immediately after cutting it from the cord.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time. Connecting a Mains Plug
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, code: Blue: NEUTRAL, Brown: LIVE:
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been As these colours may not correspond to the coloured markings
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not The BLUE wire must be
operate normally, or has been dropped. connected to the terminal GREEN&
FUSE
(3 A)
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not marked with the letter N or YELLOW
expose this product to rain or moisture. The product must not coloured BLUE or BLACK. (EARTH)
be exposed to dripping and splashing and no object filled with The BROWN wire must be
liquids - such as a vase of flowers - should be placed on the connected to the terminal BLUE BROWN
product. marked with the letter L or (NEUTRAL) (LIVE)
No naked flame sources such as candles should be placed on coloured BROWN or RED.

Warnings
The base stabiliser is a safety feature and must be securely attached to the product in accordance with the installation
instructions. Alternatively the speaker may be securely attached to the floor. No other form of operation is permissible.
Quad ESL loudspeakers have very high internal voltages. No attempt should be made to remove the protective grilles or the
baseplate. Amplifiers which are not short circuit protected may be damaged by the protection circuits in this loudspeaker and
should not be used.
ESL Series ESL Series
The Closest Approach Introduction
Quad - The Closest Approach by Ken Kessler Congratulations, you have become the owner of a pair of QUAD ESL
loudspeakers.

For 50 years Quad Electroacoustics has produced the worlds finest

A 240 page hard-back, authoritative history with loudspeakers, considered by many to be the most accurate and
commentaries and contributions from every corner neutral of all loudspeakers.
of the hi-fi industry. Technical chapters from Tim
De Paravicini and Gordon Hill and interviews with The ESL 2805 and 2905 represent the latest evolution of the
Peter Walker, Ross Walker, Stan Curtis and Mike unique Quad electrostatic concept. Radically redesigned using the
Albinson. Along with a series of stunning new most up to date materials and processes, these new evocations of
photographs, fascinating historic documents and our design philosophy achieve levels of detail, clarity and
reproductions of AES and other technical papers, perspective that will be a revelation and source of continuing
this is the definitive guide to the history and delight to all music lovers.
achievements of Quad.
Available through all good book retailers or any of The ESL loudspeaker is a doublet or dipole, which produces a
our Dealers, from the Hi-Fi News Accessory Club, spherical sound field from a point source. All naturally created
the Hi-Fi Collective, or the Quad Service sounds emanate from a point source and the ESL speaker concept
Department more nearly recreates this point source effect than any other
speaker currently available. Another key feature of our unique linear
ISBN number 0-9545742-0-6 motion design is very low distortion - your Quad ESLs are probably
the lowest distortion loudspeakers ever made - and this includes
the bass region where conventional speakers suffer from time
related delays and associated distortions.

The result is a loudspeaker of unsurpassed accuracy and one which has stood the test of time. Major
recording studios have ESLs amongst their reference monitoring loudspeakers and our loudspeakers
are consistently in demand by audiophiles who value the clear natural sound that is uniquely the
hallmark of all QUAD products.

Contents

CAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
WHATS IN THE BOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
UNPACKING THE EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
POSITIONING THE LOUDSPEAKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CONNECTING THE LOUDSPEAKERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
QUALITY ASSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ABOUT YOUR LOUDSPEAKER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
MAKING AN ELECTROSTATIC LOUDSPEAKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
THE CLOSEST APPROACH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

16 1
ESL Series ESL Series
The Making of a Quad Electrostatic Loudspeaker Unpacking and Assembly
At Quad we pride ourselves on our long tradition of impeccable craftsmanship. These loudspeakers are heavy! It needs two people to lift and manoeuvre the loudspeakers into position.
DO NOT USE THE TENSIONING BRACE TO LIFT OR MANOEUVRE THE ESL OR YOU WILL DAMAGE THE LOUDSPEAKER!
Here are just some of the stages an ESL goes through on its long journey into your home. At every WHEN MOVING THE LOUDSPEAKER HOLD IT BY THE SIDES OR THE SIDES AND BASE.
stage the most rigid standards of construction and inspection are applied, in clinically dust free Always use the supplied cotton gloves when handling exposed surfaces.
conditions, to ensure that every loudspeaker maintains its performance over time.
Before you unpack the loudspeakers, ensure that you have a large and completely clear area of floor on which to work.
This rigorous attention to minutiae is what makes Quad unique. In a world of near-instant Remove or protect any fragile carpets, etc to avoid any damage.
obsolescence there is no junk-pile of Quad products - anywhere. Almost every product we have ever
made is still in daily use - somewhere; some are now well over fifty years old, and still giving Each ESL loudspeaker is packed in a cardboard outer carton and then packed on a pallet for safe transportation. The carton
pleasure to their proud owners. has a lidded top and a tabbed seam down one long edge which is taped over.

Place the speaker upright, standing on its wooden pallet. Open the top first, and then open the tabbed seam all the way
down. Remove the top packing insert, and then remove the box containing the accessories. Remove the side packing pieces.
The loudspeaker may now be lifted out of the base packing.
The stabiliser block is strapped to one of the side packing pieces. Cut the
ties and remove the block. Spikes and feet
Stage 1 Steel Chassis Caution The block is heavy - exercise care.
Stage 2
The ESLs are provided with both spiked and standard feet which screw
Piano Lacquered into the threaded holes in the baseplate. The heights of individual feet can
Front Trim be adjusted to ensure that the loudspeaker sits secure and level on the
Extruded floor. Determine whether you will be using the spiked or the standard feet.
Aluminium Remember that spiked feet are only suitable for use with carpets as they
Lower Vertical Rails
will damage wood and stone floors. When using spikes take care to avoid
Fixing Plate
the tips which are quite sharp.

Gently lay the loudspeaker down on its front. If the floor surface is hard place a soft cloth such as a towel under the speaker
Base with first. Spin one collar onto each foot all the way down but do not tighten.
Electronics
Piano Lacquered Attaching the front feet: Insert the two front feet in the threaded inserts on the base and thread them fully in but only hand-
Side Trim tighten them at this stage. Refer to Illustration A below

Attaching the stabiliser and rear feet: It is essential that you attach the stabiliser as this is both a safety and operational
feature. (As an alternative the speaker may be attached to the floor - see Page 7)
First, attach the two clamps to the block using the provided screws and shakeproof washers. Line up the assembly with the
Stage 3 mounting holes in the base. Insert the feet through the support brackets and thread them into the base. Ensure that the feet
Moulded protrude below the clamps by an equal distance. When the speaker is operational the weight/clamp assembly should be
Grille Top clear of the floor surface. Tighten both rear feet. Insert the collar locking bar into a hole in the clamping ring and tighten.
Progressively move the bar from hole to hole until the feet are fully locked in place. Refer to Illustration B below

Aluminium Extruded
Side Rails B Attaching the stabiliser and rear feet

Insert bar
and tighten
clamping ring
Steel Perforated clockwise
Fabricated Grille A

Moulded
Lower Plate

14 3
ESL Series ESL Series
Q is for Quality Choosing and Preparing Loudspeaker Cable
Quads attention to detail and standards of quality management are Specialist audio cable will usually offer better performance than general purpose 'bell' or 'zip' wire. Audio
a byword in the hi-fi industry. cable is polarised, with two cores of different colours, or often, in the case of twin cable, a coloured tracer
or ridge along one wire to indicate polarity. Choose a cable of suitable diameter - cable that is too thin will
limit the dynamics of the sound and may impair the bass response. Split the twin cores to a depth of about
25mm. Carefully strip the insulation from each end, leaving about 7mm of bare wire. If the cable is
stranded, lightly twist to gather any loose strands.

The finest C-core transformers are

used in the audio path providing
excellent linearity, wide bandwith
and very low phase shift.

Inspecting a panel
Connecting Your Loudspeakers

Lift the cover off the connections panel box and store it safely until you have
finished connecting the speakers. The cover is magnetic for easy removal and
replacement.

Choose an equal length of twin core speaker cable for each channel, and prepare
the ends as described above. Unscrew each speaker terminal. Thread the bared
end of each cable through the hole in the bottom of the terminal post. Ensure that
there are no loose strands which may touch adjacent terminals. Retighten the
terminal securely.

Connect the positive(+) terminal of the Left loudspeaker to the corresponding positive(+) amplifier terminal.
Connect the negative(-) terminals similarly. Repeat this procedure for the Right Channel. Note that the
positive(+) terminals are located on the right.

RIGHT LEFT

R
The delay line - the ingenious
INPUT INPUT
solution that gives the ESL its
Section of a panel - note the
legendary point-source capability.
concentric rings.

12 Phase

If there is any doubt about the way the loudspeakers are connected, their phasing can easily be checked by
playing a mono source - the sound should appear to emanate from a point midway between the two
loudspeakers. If this is indefinite, then the connections to one of the loudspeakers should be reversed. When
correctly connected, the loudspeakers will give a definite centre sound source with more full bodied tenor and
bass registers.

12 5
ESL Series ESL Series
Horizontal Directivity Final Adjustments
Quad ESL-2905 After you have finalised the position of the loudspeakers you should level the speaker by adjusting the feet.
Horizontal Directivity
100Hz 1000Hz
33 0
0

-1 0
30 33 0
0

-1 0
30
6000Hz
33 0
0

30
Tensioning the Speaker
-1 0

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0
30 0 60 30 0 60 30 0 60
-3 0 -3 0 -3 0
This is the final adjustment. Tighten the tensioner clockwise. This pulls the
-4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0 -5 0
tensioning bar tight and makes the assembly rigid. As this significantly improves
27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90
performance at high power levels, do not omit this stage. The tensioner should
be periodically checked to ensure the speaker is fully rigid as temperature and
12 0 12 0
24 0 24 0 24 0 12 0
humidity variations may cause the tension to slacken slightly.
21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
18 0 18 0 18 0 After all the adjustments have been completed, gently drop the connection panel
250Hz 0
2000Hz 0 8000Hz cover into place.
0
33 0 30 33 0 30 33 0
-1 0
30
-1 0 -1 0

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0
30 0 60 30 0 60 30 0 60
-3 0 -3 0

Mounting Alternatives
-3 0

-4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0 -5 0
27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90

After finalising the position of the loudspeakers, for added safety and to improve the coupling with the floor
24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0
24 0 12 0
still further, the loudspeakers may be screwed to the floor.
21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
18 0 18 0 18 0 Disconnect each loudspeaker from the mains supply and the amplifier. Mark the position of all four feet
315Hz 0
3000Hz 0 10000Hz with tape or chalk. Place a soft towel or similar item on the floor and lay the loudspeaker carefully on its
0
33 0 30 33 0 30 33 0 30
-1 0 -1 0 -1 0
front. Remove the stabilising block. Undo the collars on the rear feet half a turn to loosen the bracket and
-2 0 -2 0

30 0 60 30 0
-3 0
60 30 0
-2 0

60
rotate each bracket so that it is facing the rear of the loudspeaker. Retighten the collars.
-3 0 -3 0

-4 0 -4 0 -4 0

27 0
-5 0
Clio 90 27 0
-5 0
Clio 90 27 0
-5 0
Clio 90
Floor Spikes on Carpet: The pointed foot should only be used with carpets. Adjust the rear feet so that the
tapered section of the spike protrudes below the bottom of the bracket. When you screw the bracket into
the floor through the carpet, the bracket will rest on the carpet thus avoiding damage to the carpet surface.
24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0 12 0
24 0

21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
18 0 18 0 18 0

500Hz 0
4000Hz 0 15000Hz 0
33 0 30 33 0 30 33 0
-1 0
30
-1 0 -1 0

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0
30 0 60 30 0 60 30 0 60
-3 0 -3 0 -3 0

-4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0

CARPET
-5 0
27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90

FLOOR
24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0 12 0
24 0

21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
18 0 18 0 18 0

800Hz 0
5000Hz 0

33 0 30 33 0 30
Standard Feet: The bottom of the floor clamp should be
-1 0 -1 0

-2 0 -2 0
marginally above the bottom of the foot. Make sure the
30 0 30 0
-3 0
60
-3 0
60
feet rest firmly on the floor and that the bracket is not
-4 0 -4 0
supporting the weight of the loudspeaker.
-5 0 -5 0

90 27 0 90
FLOOR
27 0 Clio Clio

24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0

Stand the speaker upright. Carefully manoeuver the loudspeaker so that the feet are standing on their
21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0

18 0 18 0
marked locations. Now screw the clamps to the floor using suitable screws and fixings.

Check that both front feet support the speaker. Reconnect both loudspeakers to the amplifier and the
mains supply.

10 7
ESL Series ESL Series
Specifications Horizontal Directivity
These are actual measurements taken from our reference samples. The directivity pattern is exceptionally well maintained
from very low frequencies to well beyond audibility. This consistent pattern ensures smooth spatial response with no
peaks and troughs. In addition, the virtually massless diaphragms of the ESL ensure near-instantaneous starting and
SPECIFICATION ESL 2805 ESL 2905
stopping with an almost total absence of hysteresis, providing lightning fast transients and phenomenal bass response.
CONSTRUCTION
Format: Floor Standing Dipole With 3 Fixed Tilt Back
Type: Multiple Electrostatic Drive Membranes
Quad ESL 2805
Membrane: Ultra Low Mass ( 0.5gm ) Tensioned Film Horizontal Directivity
Panel Elements: 4 6 100Hz 0
1000Hzz 0 6000Hz 0
33 0 30 33 0 30 33 0
-1 0
30
Time Delay: Progressive Concentric Rings -1 0 -1 0

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0

Chassis Structure: Heavy Duty Composite Aluminium / Steel 30 0

-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60

-4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0 -5 0
90 27 0 90
ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE 27 0 Clio Clio
27 0 Clio 90

Maximum output: 2 N/m2 at 2m on axis

24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0 12 0
24 0

Sensitivity: 1.5 mbar per volt referred to 1m.

21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
(86 dB/2.83V rms equivalent) 18 0 18 0
21 0

18 0
15 0

Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal 250Hz 0

2000Hz 0 8000Hz 0
33 0 30 33 0 30 33 0 30
Impedance Variation: 4 - 15 Ohms 4 - 20 Ohms -1 0 -1 0 -1 0

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0

Maximum Input: Continuous input voltage (rms): 10V 30 0

-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60

Programme peak for undistorted output: 40V -4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0
Permitted peak input: 55V 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90 27 0
-5 0
Clio 90

Frequency Response: 37Hz - 21KHz (-6dB) 32Hz - 21KHz (-6dB)

33Hz - 23KHz (useable) 28Hz - 21KHz (useable) 24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0
24 0 12 0

Directivity Index: See Polar Diagrams

21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0

Distortion: (100dB at 1 metre) 18 0 18 0 18 0

315Hz 3000Hz
Above 1000Hz 0.15% Above 1000Hz 0.15% 0 0 10000Hz 0
33 0 30 33 0 30 33 0
-1 0
30
-1 0
Above 100Hz 0.5% Above 100Hz 0.5% -1 0

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0

Above 50Hz 1.0% Above 50Hz 1.0% 30 0

-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60

-4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0 -5 0

ELECTRICAL 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90

AC Input: 220-240V or 110-120V

24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0 12 0
24 0

Power fuse: 63 mA anti-surge, 200-240V

100 mA anti-surge, 100-120V 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
18 0 18 0 18 0

500Hz 0
4000Hz 0 15000Hz 0

GENERAL 33 0
-1 0
30 33 0
-1 0
30 33 0
-1 0
30

-2 0 -2 0 -2 0
Power consumption: 6W 30 0
-3 0
60 30 0
-3 0
60 30 0 60
-3 0

Dimensions: (HxWxD) 1040mm x 695mm x 385mm 1430mm x 695mm x 385mm -4 0 -4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0 -5 0

(add 25 - 55mm for feet) (add 25 - 55mm for feet) 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90

Weight: Net 34.8 kg Net 41.6 kg

24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0 12 0
24 0

All measurements made with a 230V AC supply

21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0
The right is reserved to alter performance and specification as required 18 0 18 0 18 0

This equipment complies with the radio interference requirements as laid down in EU regulations 800Hz 0
5000Hz 0

33 0 30 33 0 30
-1 0 -1 0

-2 0 -2 0

30 0 60 30 0 60
-3 0 -3 0

-4 0 -4 0

-5 0 -5 0

27 0 Clio 90 27 0 Clio 90

24 0 12 0 24 0 12 0

21 0 15 0 21 0 15 0

18 0
18 0

8 9
ESL Series ESL Series
Operation Care and Cleaning
The ESL loudspeaker requires an energising voltage for operation and needs to be connected to an AC power supply. SWITCH THE LOUDSPEAKERS OFF AND DISCONNECT THEM FROM THE MAINS BEFORE CLEANING.
Before connecting to the AC power supply check that the voltage range marked on the base corresponds with that of the
The surfaces of the speaker should be wiped occasionally with a barely damp soft cloth. The grille cloth may be cleaned
supply.
with a soft brush or a hand held vacuum cleaner. The loudspeakers are protected against the ingress of dust etc. Regular
cleaning is recommended to keep your speakers in pristine condition. Great care has gone into the selection of materials
The on/off switch has a rocker action; press the bottom to switch the ESL on and the top to switch it off. An LED next to
to ensure long term stability under a wide range of temperatures and humidity. In countries where the relative humidity
the on/off switch indicates that the speaker is on. As supplied, the Quad logo on the speaker bezel is switched off. To
regularly exceeds 90% it is recommended that the listening room be air conditioned for optimum performance.
switch it on, turn the Front Light Control clockwise so that it clicks. The intensity of illumination may also be altered via
this control.

Servicing
AC220-240v/50Hz If your Quad equipment requires servicing you should return it to the dealer from whom the equipment was purchased. If
FUSE 63mA
you are abroad and there is no suitable dealer in your area, please contact the distributor for the country in which it was
6VA OFF Front Light purchased or Quad Electroacoustics Ltd. Equipment returned for service should use the original packing. You should
On/Off Switch Control enclose a brief note with your name and address and the reason for returning the equipment

Mains
Mains Input Indicator Warranty
ON
Your Quad equipment is guaranteed against any defect in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase
INPUT (proof of purchase required). We ask you to complete and return the enclosed Warranty Registration Form (UK). This will also
enable us to keep you informed of future Quad products. Within the guarantee period, Quad will undertake replacement of
defective parts free of charge provided that the failure was not caused by misuse, accident or negligence. Your statutory
rights within the territory in which you purchased the equipment are not affected by this guarantee. Quad carries out a
regular review of its products and reserves the right to adjust the specifications and performance from time to time.

There are no user replaceable or serviceable parts inside this equipment. Unauthorised attempts to service or modify
this product will invalidate the warranty.
Amplifier Requirements

The ESL loudspeaker should be used with an amplifier of output capability of 20V - 30V rms (40-100W into 8 Ohms). Service Agents Worldwide
The impedance characteristic presents no problems to the amplifier. Protection circuits limit the maximum input voltage
to 40V and there is no benefit from using an amplifier with an output greater than 30V rms (100W into 8 Ohms).
Amplifiers with an output capability in excess of 35V rms (150W into 8 Ohms approx) may be used but with caution U.K.
see Loudspeaker Protection. QUAD Electroacoustics Ltd., IAG House, Sovereign Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon, Cambs PE29 6XU, England
Tel:+44 (0)1480 447700 Fax:+44 (0)1480 431767 www.quad-hifi.co.uk
If the Quad 405/2 power amplifier is used, the amplifier voltage limiters should not be fitted.
USA
IAG America, Inc., 15 Walpole Park South, Walpole, MA 02081
Loudspeaker Protection Tel: +1 508 850 3950 Fax: +1 508 850 3905 www.iagamerica.com

AUSTRALIA
The ESL loudspeaker is fitted with a protection circuit, incorporating a special device called a multifuse, which prevents IAG Australia Pty. Ltd., 30/398 The Boulevarde, Kirrawee, NSW 2234, Australia.
damage from excessive programme input signals. Should the loudspeaker be severely overdriven for any length of time, Tel: +612 9540 2469 Fax: +612 9540 2855 Email: iagaus@bigpond.com.
the circuit will operate and effectively reduce the drive to the loudspeaker, causing a reduction in the volume level with
CANADA
some loss of quality. If this occurs, then the volume control of the amplifier should be turned down. After a delay of a few
seconds to allow the circuit to reset, the volume can be increased, but only to a point below which the protection circuit Korbon Trading Ltd., 6800 Kitimat Road, Units 19-20, Mississauga, Ontario
initially functioned, otherwise the circuit may operate again. Tel: +1 905 567 1920 Fax: +1 905-567-1929 www.korbon.com

GERMANY
Persistently overdriving the loudspeaker will cause the multifuse to completely fail, necessitating its replacement by a IAG Germany Ltd., IAG(Deutschland) GmbH Johann-Georg-Halske-Str. 11-41352 Korschenbroich.
qualified engineer. The above conditions are unlikely to occur in normal use or with amplifiers with a power output rating Tel: +49(0)2161-61783-0 Fax: +49(0)2161-61783-50 Email: info@wharfedale.de
of less then 100W. Steady state signals such as pure sine waves in excess of 10V rms should not be fed to the
loudspeaker.
HONG KONG
Sanecore Limited., Room 2607, 26/F., ING Tower, 308 Des Voeux Road, C., Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
When the AC power to the loudspeaker is switched off or disconnected, the signal input protection circuit operates to Tel: +852 2581 9178 Fax: +852 2581 9717 Email: info@sanecore.com
prevent excessive signals being fed to the loudspeaker elements. Even so, care should be taken to ensure that the R.O.C.
loudspeakers are not driven for long periods (minutes) with no AC power applied. Sea Power Co. Ltd., 4/F, No.5 Wu Chung 2th Road, WuKu Industrial Area, Taipei County, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: +886-2-2298-2688 Fax: +886-2-2298-2396 Email: haikuo@ms23.hinet.net

6 11
ESL Series ESL Series
Positioning the Loudspeakers About your ESL loudspeaker
However good the loudspeaker, the final results will depend on the acoustic characteristics of the Your ESL loudspeaker consists of a vertical multiple element or membrane
listening room and the position of the loudspeakers in it. Do not be afraid to experiment with both line array mounted on top of an electronic matching circuit contained within
position and orientation and make a point of trying some of the less obvious as well as the more the base structure.
obvious positions. The benefits obtained from the time spent doing this can be very rewarding. The
subject of room acoustics is complex and beyond the scope of this manual. It is assumed that the In order to achieve the efficiency needed for full range audio operation a
loudspeakers will be used in a room with moderate reverberation, neither too bright nor over large moving diaphragm is required. This is achieved using several
damped. Furnishings can alter the acoustic characteristics of the listening room, and here individual elements connected within a rigid frame. The smaller ESL 2805
common sense is the best guide. features 4 elements, whilst the ESL 2905 features 6 elements.

The loudspeakers have constant directivity over a wide angle in both horizontal and vertical 1: A perfect point source produces
The membrane (diaphragm) in each element is a highly charged ultra thin, a spherical wave pattern
planes, so the response does not vary with the height of the listeners ears from the floor. immensely strong plastic film, pre- stretched and fixed to an open frame. To
achieve constant-charge conditions this membrane is coated with a
When experimenting, it is preferable to use good recordings or works with which you are familiar in specially formulated high-resistivity coating. This membrane is one tenth of
the concert hall or good quality speech. the thickness of a human hair and virtually massless compared to other
types of loudspeaker. Again, unlike a conventional loudspeaker, the
The ESL loudspeaker, being a dipole source, has considerable advantages over conventional membrane when energised is driven simultaneously over its entire surface.
loudspeakers in terms of room placement. No energy is radiated in the plane of the diaphragm and This combination results in an extremely fast transient response - the
as a consequence, the respective axial room modes are discriminated against. Normally the diaphragm responds to alternating motion without introducing any time lag -
loudspeaker is placed at an angle to both horizontal room axes. This will excite both sets of completely unlike the sluggish, high-mass conventional loudspeaker.
horizontal axial modes although this excitation will be 3 dB less than with a conventional source
2: Air particle movement at a
and discriminate entirely against the vertical axial modes. The ESL is a dipole - the sound radiates equally from both sides of the plane some distance from the
diaphragm. source
The loudspeakers should be placed at least 60cm (2 ft) from the rear wall of the listening room
and angled towards the listener. Placing the ESLs too close to rear walls will adversely affect their The centre two panels in each loudspeaker incorporate divisions in the
dispersion characteristics. It is not advisable to operate the loudspeakers across corners, in diaphragm. These can be seen as concentric rings on the outer grid plates
alcoves or behind furniture. Because ESLs are a homogeneous sound source it will be found that surrounding the diaphragm. Each ring is subjected to a minuscule time
they can be placed considerably further apart than normal, broadening the stereo sound stage. delay and attenuated by its own individual circuit, the sound spreading
Close proximity to the side walls is not detrimental to performance. Simple geometry will show that gradually from the centre outwards through each successive ring. This
if the ESL is placed at an angle to the side wall, there will be no audible reflection at the listening carefully structured delay line creates a near-perfect spherical wave front
position. originating from an apparent point 400mm behind the loudspeaker. In the
vertical plane the elements are line arrayed, the mid and high frequency
elements being centrally sited to preserve the spherical shape. 3: An identical movement in the
ESL membrane produces an
identical wave front
5-20 In order to eliminate even the slightest cancellation effect caused by
diaphragm motion interacting with the speaker frame, the base is weighted
at the rear with a steel mass spaced away from the cabinet base. An Electrodes High Resistivity
Membrane
adjustable strut further increases rigidity and improves cabinet coupling.
The result is a structure of immense stability and rigidity.
Polarising
>50mm Voltage
The ultimate design goal of any high-fidelity loudspeaker is faithfully to
preserve the illusion of a naturally occurring sonic event. That this is fully Input
Transformer
realised by the Quad ESL in practice can be seen from the loudspeakers Input

polar plots reproduced on Pages 9 and 10. These loudspeakers give a truly 4: The membrane carries a
three dimensional sound stage like no other. constant charge. The charge on
the electrodes fluctuates
according to the music signal

2.5-5m

>600mm

5: The music signal is fed first to

the centre section, then to each
ring in turn via delay coils
4 13
ESL Series ESL Series
Whats in the Box?

The packaging contains the following items:

Stage 4 Piano Lacquered
Top Trim
# The Quad ESL loudspeaker
# AC power lead 3m with a mains connector suitable for your area
Stage 5
# This Instruction Manual 2 Side Trims:
# Warranty Registration Form veneered, lacquered
and steel braced
# A set of four spiked feet
# A set of four standard feet
# Four clamping collars
# One collar locking bar Anti-Dust
# Base Stabiliser Weight Cover
# Two securing brackets, screws and shakeproof washers.
# Two pairs of cotton gloves

Consult the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment if any of these items is not Anti-Dust
present. Cover

Please retain the packing materials for future use or return them to your dealer. If you
decide not to keep the packing, please dispose of it sensibly. The timber, paper and plastics
components are recoverable and may be taken to an appropriate recovery service.

Please retain the user manual and the information concerning the date and place of
purchase of this equipment for future reference. In the unlikely event that you pass this
product on to a third party, please include all the accessories and this instruction manual.

Stage 6
Stage 7

Acoustically
Rigid Transparent
Tensioning Cloth: front and rear
Brace

Steel
Plinth Cover

Terminal
Panel

Tensioner

Drive
Circuitry
2 15
READING ORDER PRINTING ORDER
COVER
COVER
CAUTIONS IFC 1 INTRO/CONTENTS
INSIDE
CAUTIONS
COVER
WHATS IN THE BOX 2 3 UNPACKING
QUAD BOOK 16 1 INTRO/CONTENTS

POSITIONING 4 5 CONNECTING
MAKING AN ELS-1 14 3 UNPACKING

OPERATION 6 7 FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

ABOUT YOUR ELS 12 5 CONNECTING

SPECS 8 9 POLAR -1
POLAR -2 10 7 FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

POLAR -2 SERVICE AND WARRANTY

10 11 ADDRESSES
SPECS 8 9 POLAR -1

ABOUT YOUR ELS 12 13 HOW IT WORKS

OPERATION 6 11 SERVICE AND WARRANTY
ADDRESSES

MAKING AN ELS-1 14 15 MAKING AN ELS-2

POSITIONING 4 13 HOW IT WORKS

QUAD BOOK 16 IBC

WHATS IN THE BOX 2 15 MAKING AN ELS-2