Click images above to enlarge. (Quad / Wharfdale)

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Quad / Wharfdale

It has been some time since I sat in front of a pair of Quad electrostatic speakers. Here we have the new ESL 2912X alongside the legendary QUAD 33/303 amplifiers. The name ‘Quad’ is revered and is always the first name that does come up when having a conversation regarding electrostatic speakers in the UK. However, I was not blown away by what I heard in the room on the day. To me there was harshness in the higher frequencies (though the bass depth and delivery was surprisingly good).

It was a pleasure to physically run my hands over the fine finish of all the Wharfdale speakers in the room (though I did not experience their sonic performance on the day).

Russell K

Though I am not over familiar with Russell K speakers, I was certainly impressed with what I heard and felt from the Red 120Se floor standers on the day. There was an inviting musical synergy in the room that kept music lovers engrossed for some time. I walked in during playback of Marcus Miller’s album “Aphrodeezia” on CD. This is an album I know intimately (on CD & vinyl formats). In fact I believe it is one of Marcus Miller’s best solo efforts (musically) but his worst from a technical recording perspective. I have discovered this album tends to sound good in a reasonable car CD playback system, but can sound flat and non-dynamic overall in a decent home hi-fi system on CD or vinyl format. I have always questioned the production and mixing qualities (to name just two areas of concern) with this recording. However, this CD did sound pretty good in this room for some reason. There was no exaggeration of dynamics or stretching of instrument tonal qualities. It just seemed to have the correct tonal balance here.

Thankfully, it was the music that made great presence in the room and that is all one can ask for from any recording (good bad or ugly). Obviously, credit has to be given to the synergy of all components and cables used in this system!

Innuos (Show winner)

Now this is a system which had me hooked from the time my ears reached the entrance to the room. A clear show winner to my ears and soul!

It has to be noted that the Innuos demonstrators spent time and effort on room treatment in the form of GIK acoustic panels and PSI Audio AVAA active corner bass traps. That effort was clearly rewarded as I could see patrons positive body language as they walked in, sat down, dropped their shoulders with heads back and eyes slightly closed (absorbing the calm). As with most rooms, streaming was the order of the day, so I requested playback of Abdullah Ibrahim’s “Water From An Ancient Well.” I forgot Ibrahim has actually recorded various versions of this track, so I was unfamiliar with the live version chosen, but this did not matter. Ibrahim and his fellow musicians’ subtle ‘yet extremely powerful’ spiritual – musical messages and themes were easy to absorb through this system. Instrumentation, shape and tone was clear. Musician position (imagery) was easy to imagine as this system conveyed stereo separation and soundstage depth beautifully.

We were then treated to the honest and playful live vocals and piano of Sara Bareilles’ “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Again, this system allowed me to feel involved in this recording. Again, this was a recoding I was unfamiliar with; however, I could somehow feel the warmth and appreciation form the audience attending this gig at the time. Absolutely stunning!

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio
February 2025

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