The 11L Classic is the latest version of the company’s 11L Compact loudspeaker, retaining the same dimensions but adding new veneer options and further enhancing sound quality.
While the 11L Classic is available in the same sumptuous lacquered finish as its predecessors, the new product can also be purchased in classic, non-lacquered wood veneers.
Sound-wise, a review of every critical component has led to a number of improvements, including the addition of an uprated motor system to the mid/bass unit with its 125mm woven Kevlar cone, as well as an upgraded 25mm fabric dome tweeter and an enhanced crossover.
The two-way vented box loudspeaker offers a frequency response of 48Hz to 22kHz (+/- 3dB), nominal impedance of 8 Ohms (minimum 4.2 Ohms), sensitivity of 87 dB (1W/1m) and dimensions of 310mm (H) x 190mm (W) x 243mm (D).
Available in cherry or rosewood classic veneer, or cherry or piano black lacquered veneer, the 11L Classic is priced at £329.95 per pair (classic veneer) or £379.95 per pair (lacquered veneer).
Billed as following in the tradition of small, monitor-class loudspeakers that first came to prominence in the mid 1970s, the 11L Classic was developed by a design team led by Peter Comeau, director of acoustic design for Quad’s parent company, IAG.
Comeau remarked: “In the best Quad tradition, the 11L Classic follows the dictum: ‘The Closest Approach to the Original Sound’. Majoring on timbral accuracy, exceptional detail retrieval and low coloration, the 11L Classic is everything a small monitor-class speaker is meant to be, and more. The ‘more’ stems from the thorough enjoyment of music that the 11L Classic delivers to the listener. It is not critical of musical styles or recordings, but will respond enthusiastically to high-quality input and reward the listener with a rendition that lends insight into both the recording and the musical performance. We are certain the Quad 11L Classic will join the small number of mini-monitors that have become classics in their own right among hi-fi enthusiasts the world over.”
Invited to consider the overall outlook for residential audio, Steve Macintyre – UK sales for manager Quad parent company IAG – told IE Residential: “There’s no disguising the fact that 2010 has been a tough year for the audio industry – notably tougher than 2009, despite the fact that we are supposedly climbing out of recession. For IAG, the ‘budget’ end of the market has remained relatively buoyant, thanks largely to the outstanding success of the Wharfedale Diamond 10 loudspeaker range, while there has been a noticeable decline in sales of higher value products. However, this can partly be attributed to product lifecycles – new Quad product ranges have been in the pipeline for some time, and the launch of the Quad 11L Classic speakers and Quad Elite component range will deliver a welcome boost as 2010 draws to a close.
“As we move into the last quarter of 2010, the effect of the VAT rise in 2011 is something of an unknown quantity for the industry. It could be that its imminent imposition helps to drive a pre-Christmas sales surge, followed by a suppressive effect once the increase has been imposed. This autumn, IAG is in the fortunate position of launching key ranges from three major brands – Audiolab, Mission and Quad – so we are expecting strong final-quarter sales.”
