MERIDIAN AUDIO S Series Loudspeakers Overview data

1

PRESS RELEASE

July 2015

Press Contact: Tim Bowern

020 8654 8945

07854 966071

[e-mail]

Above: Quad S-1 loudspeakers in sapele mahogany finish

S Series Speakers Supply Sumptuous Sonics

Quad’s latest loudspeaker range, the S Series, sports a bespoke ribbon tweeter for a
spellbindingly sensuous sound

Cambridgeshire, England -- Quad, the distinguished British audio brand, marks its 79th year with an

all-new loudspeaker range: the S Series. Each model combines advanced Kevlar-coned bass/midrange

drivers with a specially designed ribbon tweeter, supplying effortless sonic expression to capture all the

nuances and passion of the original performance.

The range comprises two standmount models (S-1 and S-2), two floorstanders (S-4 and S-5) and a centre

speaker for home cinema systems (S-C). Just 285mm high, the S-1 incorporates a 100mm bass/mid cone,

while the larger, though still elegantly proportioned, S-2 uses a 125mm bass/mid cone. The two floorstanders

sport three-way configurations, coupling a 100mm midrange driver with two 125mm bass drivers in the S-4,

and a 125mm midrange driver with two 165mm bass drivers in the S-5. The S-C is a two-way design,

incorporating a pair of 100mm bass/mid drivers.

[phone]

www.quad-hifi.co.uk

2

All S Series models sport a bespoke ribbon treble unit, delivering effortlessly extended high frequencies that

are audibly superior to those supplied by typical dome tweeters. The use of a ribbon-based driver is not new

to Quad; in fact, the company’s first loudspeaker was known as the Corner Ribbon, launched in 1949. Back

then, ribbon drivers were delicate affairs, easily prone to burning out if overpowered.

The new ribbon unit developed for the S Series is a thoroughly modern affair, utilising the latest techniques

and materials. The ribbon itself is a sandwich construction, making it robust enough to handle high-powered

amplifiers, and is fully immersed in a powerful magnetic field so that it accomplishes its dual role of being

both the voice coil and the sound radiator.

As well as delivering excellent transient response and superb musical detail, the sound from this ribbon unit

is smooth right up to the highest musical overtones beyond the limits of human hearing. Controlled directivity

maintains this sound quality over a wide horizontal arc to cover all listeners whilst vertical dispersion is

tailored to avoid floor and ceiling reflections, resulting in the purest high frequency performance at the

listening seat.

This ribbon tweeter is aligned with Quad’s Kevlar-coned bass and midrange drivers through sophisticated

crossover networks. While the standmount models use carefully tuned, rear-firing reflex ports to augment the

bass, the floorstanders are unusual in incorporating three ABRs (Auxiliary Bass Radiators) in place of a port.

These passive, rear-firing bass units support the main drivers to extend bass response down to 35Hz whilst

maintaining an accurate and articulate rendition of instrument fundamentals.

Above: Quad S-5 in sapele mahogany, front and back. Note the three 165mm ABRs to the rear

!

Beautifully presented with rounded top edges at the front and rear, each speaker cabinet uses a sandwich

construction of alternate layers of MDF and high-density particleboard to reduce panel resonance to below

the level of audibility. Aesthetically, the look is classically Quad yet subtly updated, available initially in a

choice of black or sapele mahogany wood veneers. These will be joined in the autumn by premium, hand-

lacquered piano white and piano black finish options.

3

Commenting on the design of the S Series, Peter Comeau, Director of Acoustic Design at Quad’s parent

company IAG, said: “S Series speakers are fashioned to reveal all the delightful inner detail of whatever style

of music is played through them, yet exhibit a full and dynamic performance, even from the tiny S-1, that

exemplifies Quad’s dictum of ‘The Closest Approach To The Original Sound’.”

Recommended Retail Prices

S-1: £599.95 per pair

S-2: £799.95 per pair

S-4: £1299.95 per pair

S-5: £1599.95 per pair

S-C: £499.95

All Quad S Series models are available from mid-July.

###

Specifications

S-1

S-2

S-4

Configuration

Two-way standmount

Two-way standmount

Three-way floorstander

Tweeter

12x45mm True Ribbon

12x45mm True Ribbon

12x45mm True Ribbon

Midrange (or bass/mid) driver

100mm woven Kevlar

125mm woven Kevlar

100mm woven Kevlar

Bass drivers

N/A

N/A

125mm woven Kevlar x2

Bass system

Reflex port

Reflex port

125mm ABR x3

Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m)

84dB

87db

88dB

Recommended amp power

25-100W

25-100W

25-100W

Nominal impedance

8 Ohms

8 Ohms

6 Ohms

Frequency response (+/-3dB)

58Hz ~ 20kHz

48Hz ~ 22kHz

44Hz ~ 23kHz

Bass extension (-6dB)

55Hz

37Hz

37Hz

Crossover frequency

3.2kHz

3kHz

520Hz & 3.9kHz

Cabinet volume

8.15L

10.7L

47L

Dimensions (HxWxD)

285x156x240mm

330x180x260mm

870x180x300mm

4

Specifications

S-5

S-C

Configuration

Three-way floorstander

Two-way centre speaker

Tweeter

12x45mm True Ribbon

12x45mm True Ribbon

Midrange (or bass/mid) driver

125mm woven Kevlar

100mm woven Kevlar x2

Bass drivers

165mm woven Kevlar x2

N/A

Bass system

165mm ABR x3

Reflex port

Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m)

90dB

86dB

Recommended amp power

25-100W

25-100W

Nominal impedance

6 Ohms

8 Ohms

Frequency response (+/-3dB)

42Hz ~ 23kHz

65Hz ~ 23kHz

Crossover frequency

570Hz & 3.2kHz

2.8kHz

Bass extension (-6dB)

35Hz

60Hz

Cabinet volume

72.4L

12.8L

Dimensions (HxWxD)

1070x205x330mm

160x400x200mm

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 company’s

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.

IAG’s exceptional resources and unrivalled audio manufacturing facilities ensure that Quad’s current range boasts many

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

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

connectivity. 79 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

5

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.

IAG’s audio business employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. Its factory complex in 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 Group’s 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 or high-resolution images, please contact Tim Bowern
T: 020 8654 8945 M: 07854 966071 E: [e-mail]