Quad S2 Bookshelf speakers
60 years ago electrostatic ESL-57 loudspeakers brought Quad global fame and created the reputation of the manufacturer capable to go in for prompt actions for true sound. Since then, surely, much has changed, but the slogan "The Closet Approach To The Original Sound" is still relevant.
Quad positioned the S series as Hi-Fi for reasonable money. The level of development can be visually assessed by the form of bodies with sleek edges and brilliant finish and after removing grills with magnetic mount - by set of speakers.
The ribbon tweeter, specially created for this line, has the reinforced magnetic system and radiating element with the area of 12 x 45 mm. The developers did not chase after ultra-high frequencies, being limited to 22 kHz, but managed to connect LF and HF drivers on optimal for two-way construction 3000 Hz mark. Many ribbon tweeters can work up to 40 kHz and higher, but, having high resonant frequency, do not reach mid-bass and in-between midrange is required for accurate compilation of bands. That's why ribbon despite of its all undisputed advantages is not too often used.
A 5-inch driver with a woven Kevlar diffuser plays mid and lower range. Small weight and high rigidity allow it to quickly response to incoming pulse, promoting optimal harmonization of frequency bands in response time. Head works in bass-reflex design.
Bass is fast enough, with details, organized and without unpleasant artifacts in the setting area of bass-reflexes. All of these give the sound naturalness and even a certain solidity, despite of the lack of infra-low elements. Middle is good too - detailed, not intrusive, although from time to time some synthetic arose in high female vocal. In addition to extension of frequency range, during the development of S2 the task was to get high overloading capacity. In accordance with the stated characteristics, the monitor speakers are able to create sound pressure up to 98 dB and withstand input power up to 150 W.
Quad S2 really has no problems with dynamics - by the level of undistorted playback and intelligibility at peak levels thay are able to compete with much bigger system. The monitor speakers confidently sounded the room of ab. 30 square meters and with the distance of more than five meters between them the front plan was densely filled. The advantages of rigid compact body have an impact. Attack also turned out to be sharp in monolithic construction and complex rhythm was conveyed almost perfectly.
Quad S2 has great resolution, but you should get used to it after systems with silk tweeters. And I doubt that you will want to come back - detailing doesn't spoil the musicality of sound and becomes its integral part. You begin to understand that true monitor speakers should sound exactly like this - honestly, hiding nothing and showing off nothing too.
Stage also abounds with details, distant view is well read, especially with two-three meters from the front line. Vertical dispersion is not very wide (this is the feature of all ribbon tweeters), so it's advisable to choose the installation height to your own taste. But this is already fine tuning, Quad S2 will show its main advantages in any conditions.
