Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Quad Reference ESL-2805 loudspeaker Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Full-range, floorstanding, electrostatic loudspeaker. Membrane: ultra-low-mass (0.5gm), tensioned, split into 4 elements. Frequency response: 37Hz–21kHz, –6dB. Sensitivity: 86dB/2.83V/m. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms (4–15 ohms variation). Rated input level: 10V; program peak for undistorted output, 40V; permitted peak input, 55V. Distortion at 100dB at 1m: 1.0%, 50–100Hz; 0.5%, 100Hz–1kHz; 0.15%, >1kHz. Operating supply voltages: 110–120V AC; 220–240V AC.
Dimensions: 41" (1040mm) H (plus feet) by 27.4" (695mm) W by 15.2" (385mm) D. Weight: 76.6 lbs (34.8kg) net, 91.5 lbs (41.6kg) shipping.
Finish: Lancaster Grey, uprights and tensioning rod; gloss black, top panel and base; black cloth grilles.
Serial Numbers of Units Reviewed: 001349, 001350.
Price: $10,000/pair. Approximate number of dealers: 34.
Manufacturer: Quad Electroacoustics Ltd., IAG House, Sovereign Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon PE29 6XU, England, UK. Tel: (44) (0)1480-447700. Web: www.quad-hifi.co.uk. US distributor: Taiga LLC, 310 Tosca Drive, Stoughton, MA 02072-1516. Tel: (781) 341-1234. Fax: (781) 341-1228. Web: www.taigallc.com.

COMPANY INFO
Quad Electroacoustics Ltd.
US distributor: Taiga LLC
310 Tosca Drive
Stoughton, MA 02072-1516
(781) 341-1234
www.taigallc.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
mrplankton2u's picture
Submitted by mrplankton2u on May 4, 2012 - 3:40pm

Your review was an absolute pleasure to read - a lot of interesting details and insight into what has made this speaker so special for so many years. Thanks!

remlab's picture
Submitted by remlab on May 4, 2012 - 4:26pm

 AN EFFING GENIUS!

shakey's picture
Submitted by shakey on July 20, 2012 - 7:04am

I recently read a post online that Quad introduced new speakers, the 2812 & 2912, at the last show in Munich. Would you know if the 2805's will be discontinued?

camadeco's picture
Submitted by camadeco on October 15, 2012 - 8:29am

The US importer, Taiga LLC has closed shop. At this time, Liberty Trading, run by May Audios' Canadian counter-part is the sole NA importer. Also, prices have increased.

camadeco's picture
Submitted by camadeco on October 15, 2012 - 11:36am

It would appear that the 2805 are still available

fremontxianren's picture
Submitted by fremontxianren on December 6, 2014 - 11:05am

This may be a moot point since no one seems to be paying attention to these speakers these days. I have had quality problems with the Quad 2805 speakers made in China. I had to return the speakers to the manufacturer three times and the problem is still not resolved, and they want to charge me for repair. I find it incredible that the manufacturer would not take back a clearly defective product.

labarkeer's picture
Submitted by labarkeer on September 5, 2019 - 1:27pm

I am still using the original Quad ESLs, purchased in 1976. I have no intention of "upgrading". I don't have NZ$19,000 for the latest ones anyway!

X