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Quad ESL-57 Electrostatic Loudspeakers. Not only a British classic, but an industry defining, legendary product. Often said to be the single most famous and important product in audio history. Available here are two pairs of Quad ESL-57 speakers. Both pairs were bought from an older gent who had some time ago had them fully rebuilt in the hope of recreating and realising the marvelled Mark Levinson masterstroke, the HQD (Harley, Quad, Decca) system. As for all ESL-57's, they sound simply beguiling. They harness a quality of sound that many, many modern speakers could only dream to emulate. Hav
Against your recent comparable AUD listings, A$2,000 sits above the 75th percentile of A$1,730, so this is an ambitious ask rather than a fair-market bargain. It’s not wildly off for the model, but I’d want either exceptional condition, fresh servicing, or valuable extras to feel good about paying that premium.
That said, these are cult-status speakers for good reason: spooky imaging, a very natural midrange, and a presentation that can be magical with the right amp and room. The real upside is a well-preserved pair with intact panels and no restoration backlog. Because they’re vintage electrostats, panel condition and service history matter more than cosmetics, so I’d only move quickly if the listing can document those clearly.
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.
