I listened to a pair of Quad 22L loudspeakers...

[Dan C]

I was in Denver for a few days this week and stumbled upon an audiophile shop that I've never heard of until now, Gold Sound in Denver (actually the burb Englewood).

They made my jaw drop. I can't remember hearing a pair of speakers in this price range that did so much so well. Mids were perfect, highs were detailed but smooth, and the bass was to die for. What a great surprise! They're also very pretty.
http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/model.php?sector_id=2&range_id=11&model_id=37#

Now I'm totally in love with them and must have them. I think I have my wife talked into it, but we're gonna have to plan for it. $1,700 is still a lot of money for us. It's gonna be several months before I can swing it, hope I can hold out! :D

Anyone else have a chance to hear them? I know there are a lot of Quad fans here, but I never really considered the brand for myself.

dan c

[JayB]

The current Quad speakers & electronics lines are very nice, and reasonably priced to boot.

They get great reviews usually.

[No Static]

They sound pretty good, don't they? I bought a pair last year from Underwood HiFi (outside of Atlanta). Walt is a good guy, knows his stuff, and may be able to save you some money. The fit and finish is first rate...designed in Britain and manufactured in China (I haven't noticed any lead paint :) )

And the things image like nobody's bidnezz to boot!

I believe you'd be happy with them.

[Duggeh]

The L range has just recently been replaced with the L2 range, the L range was being sold off from a lot of UK hi-fi places for stupid silly money, like the equivalent of $700 for a new set of 21L at times.

The L2 range has gotten a little criticism for being harsher sounding than the L, they use a new aluminium based tweeter, I also don't care for the aesthetic change. Beyond that I know little about them.

I have a pair of 21L and I wouldn't give them up for the world, I think they're just fabulous. You wont get a speaker which sounds that good, nevermind looks that good too for the same money imo.

[Ronflugelguy]

I've heard the 22L's many times. They have a tonal balance similar to the Quad electrostats. Very good for a dynamic speaker. 22L is a bargain at its price. If I had not had the cash for the 2805's, the 22L's would be a no brainer.

[LeeS]

They sound pretty good, don't they? I bought a pair last year from Underwood HiFi (outside of Atlanta).

Good deal. I have to call Wally and schedule an audition. :righton:

[Dan C]

They sound pretty good, don't they? I bought a pair last year from Underwood HiFi (outside of Atlanta). Walt is a good guy, knows his stuff, and may be able to save you some money. The fit and finish is first rate...designed in Britain and manufactured in China (I haven't noticed any lead paint :) )

And the things image like nobody's bidnezz to boot!

I believe you'd be happy with them.

Oh yeah, the imaging was silly great. :thumbsup: I love my Tannoy Mx3s, they're great sub-$500 speakers. But these Quads are worlds better. The sweet mids are what my Tannoys do best, and the Quads have that as well as about everything else. Of course it's not a fair comparison price wise, but I've been wanting to step up for a while now.

I almost wish I didn't hear them, because I can't stop thinking about 'em! :love:

I promised the guy at Gold Sound I wouldn't buy over the internet. Seems I owe him that since he let me audition them and all. I'm in Denver several times a year anyway.

dan c

[Dan C]

Good deal. I have to call Wally and schedule an audition. :righton:

Let us know what you think when you get to hear them. :righton:

dan c

[Ian Lascell]

I remember the bookshelf version of those was getting rave reviews in the British magazine What? HiFi a couple years ago. They are very sharp looking.

[Baba O'Riley]

Listen through a Quad 909 power amp if you get the chance, very nice :agree:

[Brother_Rael]

I remember the bookshelf version of those was getting rave reviews in the British magazine What? HiFi a couple years ago. They are very sharp looking.

Yes, the 11L's caned the opposition left, right and centre for a couple of years; the 11L2's didn't do so much for them but you could pick up - as an earlier poster said - the originals for silly money. A bonafide bargain. Happy with my Missions for now, but they were VERY tempting!

[No Static]

Listen through a Quad 909 power amp if you get the chance, very nice :agree:

Sometimes I listen to mine through a pair of Heath W-6Ms (70 tube-wpc) and the sound is great. I guess these things match pretty well with any tube amp. :thumbsup:

Kudos, Dan, for sticking with your local dealer on the purchase. Fortunately for Walt at Underwood, he WAS my closest dealer...at 4-and-a-half hours away. :)