MERIDIAN AUDIO 9AS data

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PRESS RELEASE

December 2013

Press Contacts

Tim Bowern [e-mail]

Murdo Mathewson [e-mail]

Above: Quad 9AS in high-gloss black finish

!

Distinguished hi-fi brand Quad gets active

As suited to desktops and studios as they are to living rooms, Quadʼs latest speakers
incorporate 100 watts of amplification and a wide range of digital and analogue inputs

Cambridgeshire, England -- Quad, the distinguished British audio brand, is delighted to unveil the 9AS – a

pair of compact active speakers combining top-notch build quality, excellent audio engineering and

exceptional flexibility for a wide range of high-resolution audio applications.

The term ʻactiveʼ refers to the inclusion of power amplification in each speaker, negating the need for a

separate power amp. A DAC is also incorporated, allowing the input of digital signals from desktop and

laptop computers, disc players and other digital devices, in addition to analogue inputs, while preamp

functionality allows users to switch between multiple digital and analogue sources, and also adjust volume

levels on the speaker or via remote control. Simply add music from your chosen source; no other

components are required.

[phone]

www.quad-hifi.co.uk

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First and foremost, the Quad 9AS is a high-performance compact loudspeaker, small enough to sit on a desk

or shelf, yet large enough to deliver a powerful and detailed high-resolution sound. Easily attaining the sonic

accuracy required of a near-field studio monitor, the 9AS displays its heritage with a smooth frequency

response, supplemented by a three-position bass EQ facility that equalises the low-frequency response for

free standing, shelf and close-to-wall mounting. You can be sure that wherever these speakers are used –

whether at home or in a studio environment – they deliver crisp, clear and musically insightful results.

Excellent versatility

The Quad 9AS offers a remarkably wide range of inputs to suit multiple source components, from PCs, Apple

Macs and portable audio devices, to traditional hi-fi components. Digital connections are provided via

asynchronous USB and S/PDIF (optical and coaxial), all capable of receiving audio data up to 24-bit/192kHz,

supplemented by line-level RCA inputs for analogue signals. A side-mounted 3.5mm input is also included

for convenient connection of portable audio devices.

Each 9AS pair comprises a ʻmasterʼ and a ʻslaveʼ, both containing 100 watts of audiophile-grade Class AB

power amplification (much higher quality than the Class D amplification found in many active speakers). The

master speaker accepts all inputs and handles volume and input selection, operated via a neat touch-

sensitive panel on the base of the speaker (a remote control is also supplied), while the slave speaker is fed

via a line-level output from the master speaker. An output for an external subwoofer facilitates ultra-low

frequency extension where required – Quadʼs recently launched, compact yet powerful L-ite Plus Subwoofer

is a perfect match, both aesthetically and sonically.

Technical prowess

Many active speakers simply shoehorn their electronics into the speaker cabinet, but not so the Quad 9AS.

To enable optimum performance, maximum internal volume is given over to the drive units, while the

amplifier is housed in a cast aluminium chassis bonded to the base of the cabinet. This aids low frequency

performance whilst also ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

For digital signals, amplification begins with the same high-precision 24-bit/192kHz DAC found in Quadʼs

Elite CD players. All signals are passed, via a low-noise electronic volume control, to twin Class AB power

amplifiers tailored to the individual drive units in each speaker: a classic Quad mid/bass unit with a 100mm

woven Kevlar cone, plus a newly designed 25mm fabric dome tweeter with a waveguide incorporated into its

front plate. These drivers are coupled via a sophisticated Butterworth crossover network, modelled to provide

the exact acoustic integration demanded by Quadʼs speaker engineers.

The incorporation of multiple digital and analogue inputs, pre-amplification and power amplification in a pair

of compact speakers delivers obvious space-saving convenience and versatility, augmented by the three

bass EQ settings to ensure suitability for a variety of locations. This design approach has benefits in terms of

sound quality, too, ensuring short signal paths and perfectly matched amplification thanks to Quadʼs

integrated engineering approach. Each 9AS speaker can be switched into and out of standby via a standard

12V trigger signal, further increasing versatility in a custom installation environment.

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Price, finish and availability

A compact active speaker delivering excellent sound, build quality and versatility, the Quad 9AS is available

from this month with an SRP of £599.95 per pair. Each speaker is beautifully finished in a choice of

high-gloss black, high-gloss white or ruby red – yet another superb example of “the closest approach to the

original sound” from Britainʼs oldest and most distinguished high-end audio brand.

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Specifications

Quad 9AS

Configuration

Active; two-way; bass reflex

Tweeter

1 x 25mm fabric dome with waveguide

Mid/bass drivers

1 x 100mm woven Kevlar cone

Digital inputs

1 x asychronous USB; 1x optical; 1x coaxial

Analogue inputs

1 x pair line-level RCA; 1 x 3.5mm auxiliary

DAC

24-bit/192kHz

Input sensitivity

400mV

Amplifier power output

Rated: 100W per speaker (peak: 200W per speaker)

Peak SPL

110dB

Frequency response (±3dB)

100Hz – 23kHz

Bass extension (±6dB)

47Hz

Crossover frequency

2.5kHz

Standby power consumption

0.5W

Cabinet volume

4.3L

Dimensions (HxWxD)

302x152x215mm

Net weight

9.4kg

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Of all the British high-end hi-fi brands, Quad boasts the longest and most distinguished history. The company has been

at the cutting edge of audio since 1936, continually pushing back the boundaries of performance with technologies both

new and established. In 1953, the Quad II valve amplifier was launched, setting new standards for audio amplification,

and three years later Quad invented the first full-range electrostatic speaker – later known as the legendary ESL 57.

Throughout the ensuing years, Quad products have continued to win worldwide acclaim, building a reputation for

excellence that bears comparison with the most distinguished brands in any field. Quad has been part of the International

Audio Group (IAG) since 1998, following its acquisition from the Verity Group (alongside Wharfedale). The companyʼs

design and technical support teams and much-admired servicing department continue to be based in Cambridgeshire,

England, supported by key personnel who have worked with Quad for decades.

IAGʼs exceptional resources and unrivalled audio manufacturing facilities ensure that Quadʼs current range boasts many

award-winning products, including the latest generation of ESL electrostatic speakers, class-leading valve amplifiers,

dynamic ʻboxʼ speakers and a range of solid-state audio electronics that fuse high-end performance with innovative

connectivity. 77 years after its formation, Quad continues to be driven by the philosophy of its founder, Peter Walker, to

produce “the closest approach to the original sound”.

www.quad-hifi.co.uk

IAG (International Audio Group) is a manufacturer of audio equipment for domestic and professional use, plus

professional lighting systems and luxury yachts. With its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices

(including R&D) in the UK and North America, IAG is a manufacturer with a truly global reach.

IAGʼs audio business employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. Its factory complex in Shenzhen, China, is one of the

largest custom-designed consumer electronics manufacturing facilities in the world and benefits from an exceptional level

of vertical integration, with all component parts – even the tooling – made in-house. The Groupʼs domestic audio brands

– Audiolab, Castle Acoustics, Luxman, Mission, Quad and Wharfedale – all enjoy a worldwide reputation for excellence,

with illustrious histories that stretch back decades. Top-class British audio engineering remains critical to these brands,

with world-renowned designer Peter Comeau leading an acoustic design team brimming with international talent.

The combination of rich brand heritage, purpose-built production facilities in China and experienced audio engineers from

around the globe makes IAG a unique proposition in the world of consumer electronics.

www.iaguk.com

For more information, product samples and high-resolution images, please contact Tim Bowern or Murdo Mathewson

Tim Bowern T: 020 8654 8945 M: 07854 966071 E: [e-mail]

Murdo Mathewson M: 07960 018147 E: [e-mail]