Quad 22L2-Series 5.1-Channel Surround Speaker System (TPV 90)

An Exquisite Study in Contrasts

But the L2 system is just as much at home when playing high-resolution, multichannel music recordings, such as Marriner/Academy of St. Martin In The Fields performance of Gordon Getty’s “Overture ‘Plump Jack’ Ancestor Suite” from Orchestral Works by Gordon Getty [PentaTone, multichannel SACD]. The ‘Plump Jack’ Overture test the Quad system in interesting ways, in that it offers multiple passages that seem tailor-made for the purpose of showcasing individual sections if the orchestra. The piece opens, for example, with a powerful low percussion and brass statement, which the Quad system reproduced with terrific incisiveness, weight and sonority. Later, at a little past two minutes into the track, a brief, lilting string theme develops, which the Quad system rendered with the sort of gentle, clear, sweet string tone for which Quad’s electrostrats are justly famous. Further on, at about the three and a half minute point, a lovely descending motif is introduced by the strings, next echoed by percussion, then taken by the strings again, and finally handed off to a harp. The entire passage is very brief (not even a full minute long) but it makes for a beautiful side-by-side comparison in instrumental timbres and textures—a comparison test that the Quad system passed with flying colors. The point is that Quad’s L2 system is versatile and accurate enough to do justice to each and all the orchestral sections in turn—never favoring one section at the expense of another.

Like all really good loudspeaker systems, the L2 system is for the most part a transparent conduit for the material you choose to play—letting the sound of the recording speak for itself without any editorial embellishment on the system’s part.

BOTTOM LINE:

Quad’s 22L2 5.1-channel speaker system is a very strong contender in the hotly contested near-$5000 price bracket, and it is a personal favorite of mine. The system will appeal to those who appreciate well-executed studies in contrast because it offers tonal accuracy married with vibrant tonal colors, definition and detail coupled with smoothness, and delicacy and finesse backed up by power and sheer “grunt.”

One aspect of the system not to be missed is its self-evident build quality and overall fit and finish, which together meant the L2 system earned more than its fair share of favorable comments from quest listeners. While many manufacturers claim their products offer “piano grade” finishes, Quad’s L2 system actually delivers on that promise.

SPECS & PRICING

Quad 22L2 2 ½-way, bass reflex floorstanding speaker
Driver complement: One 6.5” Kevlar woofer, one 6.5” Kevlar mid-bass driver, one 1” fabric dome tweeter with waveguide flange
Frequency response: 30Hz – 28 kHz
Sensitivity: 89dB
Impedance: 6 Ohms
Dimensions (HxWxD): 33.46” x 8.07” x 10.94”
Weight: 84 lbs. /pair
Warranty: All L2-series passive speakers, five years parts and labor
Price: $1899/pair

Quad L2 Centre 2-way three-driver, bass reflex center-channel speaker
Driver complement: Two 5” Kevlar mid-bass drivers, one 1” fabric dome tweeter with waveguide flange
Frequency response: 70Hz – 35 kHz
Sensitivity: 88dB
Impedance: 6 Ohms
Dimensions (HxWxD): 6.42” x 16.85” x 8.11”
Weight: 19.4 lbs.
Warranty: All L2-series passive speakers, five years parts and labor
Price: $599/each

Quad 11L2 2-way bass reflex bookshelf monitor
Driver complement: One 5” Kevlar mid-bass driver, one 1” fabric dome tweeter with waveguide flange
Frequency response: 45Hz – 28 kHz
Sensitivity: 86dB
Impedance: 6 Ohms
Dimensions (HxWxD): 12.2” x 7.48” x 9.57”
Weight: 27.8 lbs. /pair
Warranty: All L2-series passive speakers, five years parts and labor
Price: $799/pair

Quad L2 Subwoofer powered subwoofer
Driver complement: One 12”tri-lam woofer
Integrated amplifier power: 300 watts
Dimensions (HxWxD): 21.06” x 13.58” x 18.31”
Weight: 75 lbs.
Warranty: Driver and enclosure, five years parts and labor; amplifier, one year, parts and labor
Price: $1599/each