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Sold as is. With some work, this is a great opportunity to own some of the best speakers ever made at a great price (IMHO).Price is fully negotiable. Prefer a local buyer due to size of speakers but I do have options for delivery if needed (send me a message to discuss).One speaker is functioning...
Fair ask: A$2,500 sits above the A$1,994 median and above the A$2,247 75th percentile, so this is a touch ambitious rather than a bargain. It’s not wildly out of line, but you’d want something extra to justify the premium, such as exceptional cosmetic condition, recent servicing, or a stronger-than-usual provenance.
The appeal here is the usual Quad ESL case: open, ultra-transparent midrange, excellent imaging, and that big electrostatic “disappearing speaker” presentation that still makes them special. If the panels are healthy and the bias/transformer side is quiet, they can be superb long-listen speakers; just make sure both channels are even, the panels aren’t tired, and any stands/grilles/accessories are included because repairs can be costly.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Quad, the venerable British hi-fi brand, traces its origins to 1936 in London, when engineer Peter J. Walker founded S.P. Fidelity Sound Systems, soon renamed the Acoustical Manufacturing Company. Relocating to Huntingdon in 1941 after wartime bombing, the firm shifted from public address gear to domestic audio amid post-war demand for superior sound reproduction. Walker's pioneering ethos—prioritizing "the closest approach to the original sound"—defined Quad from its early QA12 amplifiers, adopted by the BBC, to the iconic Quad I of 1953.
The brand excels in amplifiers and electrostatic loudspeakers, revolutionizing both categories. The Quad II power amplifier of 1953 introduced cathode coupling for vanishingly low distortion, while the 1956 ESL 57 delivered the world's first full-range electrostatic speaker, employing a massless film diaphragm for unparalleled transparency and transient speed. Quad advanced into solid-state with the 1967 303 and transistor designs featuring innovative "Triples" output stages, later expanding to integrated amps like the 99 series, moving-coil speakers, and modern electrostatic models such as the ESL 988 and 989.
Today, under the International Audio Group since 1997, Quad holds a prestigious position in the high-end market, revered by audiophiles for its unyielding pursuit of accuracy over trends. Its heritage components command vintage collector status, yet contemporary offerings maintain a niche boutique appeal among discerning buyers seeking refined, distortion-free reproduction that honors Walker's legacy.
See all Quad listings on RADAR.
