In terms of sound quality, an intensive review of every critical component has resulted in substantial
improvements. An uprated motor system has been fitted to the mid/bass unit with its 125mm woven Kevlar
cone, resulting in improved linearity and a substantial reduction in midband and bass distortion levels. As a
result, the 11L Classic can play at higher volume levels than before, filling rooms far larger than its size
would suggest with crisp, detailed, fully scaled sound.
The 25mm fabric dome tweeter has also been upgraded, its housing forming a shallow ʻhornʼ or ʻwaveguideʼ
affixed to the front baffle. This controls the dispersion of the dome to mimic that of the midrange cone
through the crossover region. As a result, the crossover becomes almost inaudible in the overlap between
the drive units, yielding a coherent, detailed and remarkably lifelike midrange performance in a similar
manner to the coherence heard from electrostatic panels.
The crossover has itself been significantly enhanced. A sophisticated yet electrically simple network, it is
integrated for both phase and frequency through several octaves either side of the crossover point. The
handover of frequencies between the tweeter and mid/bass drive unit is seamless, whilst the maintenance of
phase allows a deep and broad soundstage to be created between and around the speakers.
In order to reduce interaction between the physical components of the crossover, each section is placed on
its own PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted separately within the speaker cabinet. This also enhances the
benefits of bi-wiring by allowing star-grounding back to the amplifier. Top-quality components are used
throughout, including precision-wound inductors, laminated silicon-iron cores for the bass coils and
polypropylene capacitors in the signal path.
The 11L Classicʼs cabinet construction is critical to its high level of performance. A combination of two
different wood materials is used for the carcass of the cabinet to reduce the audibility of resonance and to
make the cabinet more opaque to sound. High density chipboard and fibre board are laminated together in a
structure that breaks up the resonant modes into multiple mini-modal frequency bands that lack the strong
sonic signature experienced by more coherent panels such as MDF.
Interior sound from the mid/bass drive unit is partially absorbed by specially selected long-hair acoustic
absorbent lining applied to the cabinet walls. In addition, the random particle structure of the chipboard
provides a long and diffuse path for internal sound that tries to escape from the cabinet. The net result is that
cabinet coloration is reduced in all its forms, so the listener hears only the drive units, unsullied by the box in
which they are mounted.
Twin reflex ports are located at the back of the cabinet, augmenting the speakerʼs bass response and
enabling a physical crossover to the bass unit at 68Hz. The ports are placed on the rear panel to baffle any
effects of airflow distortion and midrange leakage. The use of two ports reduces the velocity of the airflow,
enabling the speakers to be placed close to a rear wall without acoustic problems arising.
The Quad 11L Classic follows in the tradition of small, monitor-class loudspeakers originally pioneered by the
legendary BBC LS3/5a in the mid-1970s. This precedent set new standards for accuracy and midband
definition when it was first introduced and is still held in high regard by audiophiles today.
Though clearly benefitting from the latest manufacturing techniques and component technologies, the 11L
Classic might be considered the LS3/5aʼs natural heir. A small monitor loudspeaker has distinct advantages,