Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Quad 11L Speakers by LowPhreak

Model:	11L
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$700./pr.
Description:	2-way small stand-mount speaker.
Manufacturer URL:	Quad
Model Picture:	View

Review by LowPhreak ( A ) on December 23, 2003 at 18:30:54
IP Address: 65.110.134.154

Add Your Review
for the 11L

A few quick paragraphs about some great speakers:
These are very capable 2-way mini-moniotors, but I guess that by now, with all of the different speakers I've had over the years, I've become somewhat "spoiled" for higher output and greater bass extension. Thought I could get away with it, but you can't circumvent the laws of physics!
But having said that, the Quad 11L's have come as close to cheating Mr. Newton as any "mini" I've yet heard - especially if you consider the box size, the 5" driver, and the price. For instance, IMO the 11L handily whips the ProAc Response 1SC in many areas, at what - a third of the price? No easy feat that!
Just don't drive the 11L harder than say- a good high-current 60-80 w.p.c. continuous, or else they'll get a bit harsh. I think that's in part due to the way they're "voiced", which is to say: stronger output in the mid/upper bass range, which then doesn't leave much room for the mids to remain linear when driven to higher output levels. But by the time you're at that point, they'll be cruising along in pretty loud and satisfying fashion anyways, so...
I've heard the Quad 12L also, and even with their stronger bass output and slightly higher power handling, I prefer the 11L's because of their speed. The 11L's have almost an e-stat realism to them that I've not heard yet in a 2-way mini-monitor.
As far as the highs, I was very happy with what I heard. No harshness or etch at all, with plenty of detail and space. Whatever Quad did to make these tweeters, they did very well. Hail YASS! In many ways they remind me of a/d/s tweets, which I've always seen as one of the best soft domes ever made.
Too bad Quad has discontinued the Yew wood finish: it's superb if you like the orange-brown color. However, when I got these, I was expecting the somewhat more pronounced grain pattern that I've seen on other Yew finishes. But hey, anything's better than *YAWN* black or oak!
But I suppose all that's picking nits. If you want a very well done mini - by all means get these!! Really. I can only imagine what they could do high-passed at about 70 Hz with the proper slope, and mated with an excellent sub like a REL or Entec. ~;^)

Product Weakness:
~ Somewhat hardened lower midrange when pushed. But not a "weakness" when their size is considered.
Product Strengths: ~ Excellent speed, dynamics, bass range, and resolving ability. Absolutely the finest smaller 2-way I've heard to date.
~ Images/soundstages very well.
~ Finish is outstanding. Can easily compete with other finely-veneered brands such as Avalon, B&W, JM Labs, ProAc, Sonus Faber, Thiel, Vienna Acoustics, etc.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Marantz 2250B, modified
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	~
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Mitsubishi HS-U770 SVHS VCR w. Class A putputs. Audio recordings made from VPI/Well Tempered/ VandenHul analog and C.E.C./Pass Labs digital sources.
Speakers:	Quad 11L
Cables/Interconnects:	XLO 1200B
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Everything but rap & country
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 15 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Fairly reflective L.R., needs wall treatments.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 1/2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	~
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	~ Somewhat hardened lower midrange when pushed. But not a "weakness" when their size is considered.
Product Strengths:	~ Excellent speed, dynamics, bass range, and resolving ability. Absolutely the finest smaller 2-way I've heard to date. ~ Images/soundstages very well. ~ Finish is outstanding. Can easily compete with other finely-veneered brands such as Avalon, B&W, JM Labs, ProAc, Sonus Faber, Thiel, Vienna Acoustics, etc.