QUAD Elegan: A Fresh Entry-Level Speaker Series with Classic British Sound

Explore the new QUAD Elegan speaker series, designed as an accessible introduction to the brand’s iconic acoustic craftsmanship.

A New Chapter in QUAD’s Acoustic Journey

If you’ve ever fancied stepping into the world of QUAD speakers without breaking the bank, the brand’s latest Elegan series might just be your perfect gateway. This British company has just unveiled a brand-new lineup of loudspeakers crafted to offer that signature QUAD sound at a more approachable price point. At launch, the range includes two models: the bookshelf QUAD Elegan 1 and the floor-standing QUAD Elegan 2.

These two newcomers were developed under the keen eye of Peter Comeau, QUAD’s design director for loudspeaker engineering. What’s particularly exciting is that this Elegan series is a completely fresh platform, not just a tweaked version of any previous models. Think of them as the spiritual successors to the earlier QUAD L Series, but fully rebuilt from the ground up to bring modern audio enthusiasts a taste of classic QUAD quality.

The versatility of these speakers is impressive — they’re made to pair beautifully with contemporary QUAD electronics, but also to hold their own alongside amps from other manufacturers. It’s like welcoming new friends who gel with your existing stereo setup, no awkward introductions needed.

Timeless Looks Meet Thoughtful Design

Want to blend your speakers seamlessly into your living room vibe? QUAD has you covered. Both models come in two tasteful finishes: a deep matte black or a refined walnut veneer. No flashy bling here — the front panels stay matte black, maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist look.

This understated design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making sure these speakers fit effortlessly into any space, whether you’re rocking a modern loft or a cozy den. No screaming for attention, just pure sonic elegance.

The heart of the Elegan series lies in its newly developed drivers, crafted from woven Kevlar cones. QUAD has leaned into over two decades of experience working with Kevlar to engineer drivers that deliver rich, controlled sound. These cones are impregnated with a self-damping resin to reduce unwanted resonances, ensuring the music flows naturally, without any coloration or distortion.

QUAD Elegan 1: Compact Yet Mighty Bookshelf Speaker

Let’s zoom in on the Elegan 1, a two-way bookshelf speaker that packs a surprising punch. It features a 165mm mid/woofer with a Kevlar cone, paired with a 25mm soft fabric dome tweeter. The tweeter isn’t just slapped on — it’s housed inside a carefully profiled waveguide designed to improve high-frequency dispersion. This means the soundstage remains consistent even if you’re not sitting dead center.

With a cabinet volume of 15.5 liters, the Elegan 1 offers a sensitivity of 86 dB and an 8-ohm nominal impedance. It’s ready to work with amplifiers rated from 30 to 150 watts, making it flexible for a range of setups. The frequency response spans from 56 Hz to 24 kHz within ±3 dB variation, while the bass extension reaches down to 44 Hz at the -6 dB mark.

QUAD Elegan 2: The Full-Bodied Floor-Standing Powerhouse

For those who crave more presence and power, the Elegan 2 is a three-way floor-standing marvel. It sports two 165mm bass drivers alongside a dedicated 125mm midrange driver and the same 25mm fabric tweeter as its smaller sibling.

A neat engineering touch: the midrange driver sits in its own isolated internal chamber. This clever design keeps the mid frequencies clear and unaffected by the pressure waves from the bass drivers.

The internal volumes for midrange and bass are separated to optimize performance, and the sensitivity rises to a lively 90 dB. Recommended amplifier power ranges from 30 to 200 watts to fully unlock its sonic capabilities. The frequency response extends from 44 Hz up to 24 kHz within ±3 dB, with bass reaching a remarkable 32 Hz at -6 dB.

Precision Crossovers and Acoustic Engineering

What really ties a speaker together is its crossover — the electronic “traffic cop” directing frequencies to the right drivers. QUAD’s engineers crafted bespoke crossovers for both Elegan 1 and Elegan 2, based on the revered Linkwitz-Riley topology.

They didn’t just rely on computer simulations here; extensive real-world listening sessions shaped these crossovers to sound just right. The circuits use polypropylene capacitors for clarity and durability, and depending on the frequency range, air-core or laminated-core inductors ensure clean signal paths.

Solid Construction for Sonic Purity

Beyond drivers and electronics, the cabinet design plays a massive role in sound quality. QUAD has designed the Elegan series cabinets independently, not just as “scaled” versions of each other. They feature high-density panels, internal bracing, and damping materials to minimize unwanted vibrations.

Each speaker sports a rear-mounted Airflow port, shaped to reduce turbulent airflow noise and enhance bass extension and clarity. This careful attention to airflow dynamics means deeper, cleaner lows that you can feel as much as hear.

Availability and Pricing

Ready to upgrade your sound system? Both QUAD Elegan 1 and Elegan 2 are now available in matte black or walnut veneer finishes.

• QUAD Elegan 1: Priced at £749 per pair in the UK
• QUAD Elegan 2: Priced at £1,499 per pair in the UK

These prices open a fantastic door to experiencing the legendary QUAD sonic character without stepping into the high-end price brackets.

"The Elegan series is a completely new line, not just a modernized version of existing models." — Peter Comeau

Your Next Step Into Classic British Sound?

Whether you’re starting a new stereo setup or upgrading an existing one, QUAD’s Elegan series offers a refined, accessible path into their world of sound. These speakers demonstrate how thoughtful engineering and timeless design come together to deliver music that’s both engaging and authentic.

FAQ

• What makes the QUAD Elegan series different from previous QUAD speakers?
  The Elegan series is a fully new design platform rather than a simple update of older models, bringing fresh acoustic engineering and modern materials.
• Can I use Elegan speakers with amplifiers from other brands?
  Absolutely. They are designed to work well with both QUAD’s electronics and external amplifiers from other manufacturers.
• What materials are used in the drivers?
  The speakers feature woven Kevlar cones impregnated with self-damping resin to reduce resonance and improve sound clarity.
• What finishes are available for these speakers?
  You can choose between a deep matte black or an elegant walnut veneer, both with matte black front panels.
• What is the recommended amplifier power for these speakers?
  Elegan 1 works best with 30–150 watts, while Elegan 2 pairs well with 30–200 watts amplifiers.

Step into the world of iconic sound with a touch of elegance—why not shop your favorite album cover poster to complement your new setup at our store? Explore our collection here.