Напольная акустика — QUAD ESL 2912X

The ESL 2912X is the six-panel floorstanding electrostatic loudspeaker in the current QUAD range, a tall dipole intended for larger rooms. Its expanded panel count gives a bigger radiating area than the four-panel ESL 2812X, and the frame is tilted back at a fixed 3 degrees. Finish is matt black, and an LED halo lighting option with user-adjustable brightness is available.

Key specs that matter

QUAD gives a response of 32 Hz to 21 kHz at the -6 dB points, with usable extension from 28 Hz to 23 kHz. Sensitivity is 1.5 mbar per volt at 1 m, which QUAD equates to 86 dB for 2.83 V. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, with variation between 4 and 20 ohms. Maximum output is 2 N/m2 at 2 m on axis. At 100 dB and 1 m, distortion is below 0.15% above 1 kHz, below 0.5% above 100 Hz and under 1.0% above 50 Hz. The speaker stands 1470 mm high, 690 mm wide and 380 mm deep, weighing 44 kg net.

Engineering and use context

The drive membranes sit in a heavy duty chassis of composite aluminium and steel. QUAD uses progressive concentric rings with a time delay so that the array radiates like a single point source. The treble and midrange panels are the same as those used in the ESL 2812X, with the extra elements adding area, output and extension. Custom audio transformers built in the UK widen bandwidth, especially at the top end. A revised PCB layout isolates the EHT section from the input power supply, the audio circuitry and the protection boards, keeping the roughly 5,250 V extra high tension feed to the panels stable. The electronics are divided into three independent modules - high voltage multiplier, control and protection, and low voltage signal. Each cabinet connects to the mains at 220-240 V or 100-120 V, consumes 8 W and uses a 100 mA or 200 mA anti-surge fuse depending on supply voltage.

Pairing

QUAD specifies a maximum continuous input of 10 V rms, 40 V as the programme peak for clean output and 55 V as the permitted peak input, which sets a ceiling on how hard the panels can be driven regardless of amplifier size. Any amplifier used should remain stable into its wide impedance swing, and the rear wave from the dipole needs clear space behind each speaker. The larger panel area and taller frame make the 2912X a candidate for rooms well above 20 m2.

Alternatives

The QUAD ESL 2812X uses four electrostatic panels in a 1070 mm tall frame weighing 35 kg, with response rated from 37 Hz at -6 dB.