MERIDIAN AUDIO Elite QSP Stereo Power Amplifier data

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PRESS RELEASE

February 2012

Press Contacts

Tim Bowern [e-mail]

Murdo Mathewson [e-mail]

Above: Quad Elite QSP stereo power amplifier

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NEW QUAD AMP IS SMALL YET MIGHTY

Elite QSP stereo power amplifier incorporates the latest version of Quadʼs acclaimed
Current Dumping technology to deliver an awesome sound from a compact package

Cambridgeshire, England -- Quad is delighted to announce the launch of the Elite QSP power amplifier, the

latest addition to the companyʼs Elite range of high-performance audio electronics.

The Elite QSP – which stands for Quad Stereo Power – replaces the much acclaimed 909 power amp in

Quadʼs range, building upon its predecessorʼs blueprint with upgraded internal components and innovative

new circuitry to deliver an even higher level of audio performance.

A key part of the design of the Elite QSP, and the 909 before it, is Quadʼs proprietary Current Dumping

technology – originally devised in the 1970s by Quadʼs founder Peter Walker and still one of the few truly

innovative amplifier topologies. It was first introduced in the seminal Quad 405, earning that amp both a

Design Council Award and The Queenʼs Award for Technical Achievement, and has since been refined and

modernised in successive amplifiers culminating in the Elite QSP.

Current Dumping is essentially a combination of two stereo amplifiers to deliver the best possible overall

sound quality in both channels. An extremely high-quality, low-power Class A amplifier provides the signal

quality, and keeps whatʼs going out as close as possible to whatʼs coming in from the preamp, while a high-

power current dumping section delivers the muscle to keep the speakers under control. These two amplifier

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www.quad-hifi.co.uk

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circuits are combined with a precision network to perfectly impose the finesse of the Class A output onto the

power of the current dumper – the result is a truly captivating combination of dynamic power, vice-like grip

and sumptuous sonic detail.

Whilst remaining true to the principals of Peter Walkerʼs ingenious original design, the Elite QSP further

evolves the template by fully utilising contemporary audiophile principals. The use of tight-tolerance parts in

key areas guarantees consistency between channels and also between production units. Audiophile-grade

components have been carefully selected from around the world for their exceptional sonic ability, and the

signal path is kept as simple as possible to ensure optimal signal purity.

In developing the Elite QSP, Quad has undertaken extensive research into internal screening techniques to

ensure optimal control of crosstalk and the flow of magnetic fields. New PCB layouts, screened signal paths,

custom-made transformers and shielding to protect the amplifier boards from mains hum all contribute to an

overall design that delivers a clean, unsullied technical performance and an excellent dynamic range.

The Elite QSPʼs ʻgreenʼ credentials are enhanced by a standby function that consumes less than one watt of

electricity. The amp may be placed into standby via a button on the front panel, or via Amp Bus: Quadʼs

proprietary cable system that carries both balanced audio and control signals to the QSP from other Elite

components, such as the Elite Pre preamplifier and Elite CDP CD player/preamp, enabling the QSP to be

switched to standby via remote control. In addition to the Amp Bus inputs, RCA sockets allow connection to

preamps from other brands if the user so desires.

The new amp enjoys the same compact form factor and solidity of build as the 909, cosmetically updated

with a redesigned aluminium casting to allow more efficient heat flow. A specially developed modular

manufacturing process uses gas-tight high-current terminals to ensure excellent quality control and perfect

consistency between units in mass production.

Despite its relatively compact size, the Elite QSP has plenty of power on tap –

140W per channel into 8

ohms and 250W into a 4ohm load – ensuring any speakers can be driven with ease, including Quadʼs classic

ESL electrostatic designs. With power and current to spare, the net result is the sonic clarity and sweetness

of a superb Class A amplifier, combined with the grip and control of the best Class AB designs. Simple, solid

and classy on the outside and devilishly clever within, the Elite QSP maintains Quadʼs traditional place at the

forefront of modern amplifier design.

The Quad Elite QSP is available from February 2012 with an SRP of £1,199.95.

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Specifications – Quad Elite QSP

Power output

140W into 8 ohms (<0.01% THD at 1kHz)

Total harmonic distortion

<0.004% (100W at 1kHz); <0.025% (100W at 20Hz - 20kHz)

Output impedance

0.05 ohms in paralled with 1.5µH

Frequency response

-1.0dB at 1Hz and 55kHz, ref. 1kHz

Power response

0.25dB at 20Hz and 20kHz, ref. 1kHz

Input sensitivity

760mV (RCA line input)

Input impedance

10kΩ (balanced); 15kΩ (unbalanced)

Crosstalk

-90dB at 1kHz (input loaded with 600Ω)

Signal-to-noise ratio

108dB (20kHz measurement bandwidth)

Stability

Unconditional with any load and input

Supplied Accessories

IEC power cable; Amp Bus cable

Dimensions (WxHxD)

358x149.2x269.6mm

Weight

12.5kg

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 funding ensures that Quadʼs current range boasts many award-winning audio components, including the latest

generation of ESL electrostatic speakers, class-leading valve amplifiers, dynamic ʻboxʼ speakers and the new Elite Series

– a range of solid-state audio electronics that fuses high-end performance with innovative connectivity. With more

exciting launches planned for the year ahead, 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

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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 T: 020 7558 8725 M: 07960 018147 E: [e-mail]