Quad - ESL-2912 Speaker

In this listing you’ll find a pair of QUAD ESL-2912, a refined evolution of Peter Walker’s “Full Range” electrostatic technology. This model, introduced around 2012-2013, represents the pinnacle of the ESL series, improving the already legendary predecessors with a stiffer chassis and higher-quality electronic components.

List price currently: 17,000 euros.

Why choose the 2912:

Unequaled Transparency: Thanks to the almost-zero mass electrostatic panels, they offer a speed of transients and naturalness in the midrange that traditional loudspeakers cannot match.

High-End Construction: Premium metal and piano black lacquered wood finishes, with a reinforced chassis to minimize parasitic resonances.

6-Panel Configuration: Compared to the 28xx series, the 2912 uses two additional panels to ensure a more authoritative bass response and higher power handling.

Conditions and History:

Condition: Fully functional and kept in a non-smoking environment. The panels are efficient and free of any hum or electrical defect.

Accessories: Original feet, spikes, and manuals included.

Sale and Pickup Terms
Given the extremely delicate nature and the bulk of the speakers (height about 150 cm, weight 44 kg each), shipping is not offered.

Pickup Only in Area: Pickup is at the buyer’s expense. A suitable vehicle (large SUV or van) is required.

Listening Test: Given the item’s value, a listening test before pickup is recommended and offered. This guarantees the buyer the perfect operation of the speakers and protects the seller by confirming the condition of the goods at the time of delivery, with the “seen and liked” clause of private sales (Art. 1490 of the Civil Code).

This is a pair of splendid Quad top-of-the-line speakers, in excellent condition, as you can see in the photos included in the description: if desired I also have their original, enormous packaging.

They are quite difficult to find on the used market, unlike the earlier 2905 series (released in 2005); compared to which this series (launched in 2012) has brought numerous improvements, including greater long-term reliability. I believe they are the only ones currently for sale in Italy; those who have them rarely sell. I’m trading them only to get the new ESL-2912X version that will come out soon (it will have a list price in Italy of €18,000), because as a devoted audiophile I want to own the very latest top-of-the-line Quad model as soon as it’s released, since each new version introduces small incremental improvements.

Current list price in Italy for ESL-2912 is 17,000 euros.

They are among the best loudspeakers you can buy today, regardless of price: unlike other Quad models, these are suitable for any genre of music and also offer excellent bass extension: 32 Hz – 21 kHz (-6 dB) frequency response!

You can find numerous reviews online; I don’t think there’s anything else to say—those in the know are very familiar with them and know they are unbeatable on several important parameters (soundstage, micro-detail, resolution, speed). Those who own Quad rarely move to other speakers, which simply aren’t as true, transparent, and musical.

This is Quad’s official site where you can read the brochure: esl_2812_&_esl_2912_brochure[4337].pdf

They function perfectly, as stated it is possible, and highly recommended, to listen to them before buying to verify. The clause “Seen and liked” applies - Art. 1490 of the Civil Code for private sales.

The IsoAcoustics Gaia II feet you see in the photos are not included, as are the two marble bases underneath.

Due to their size, delivery is only by hand; note that if you want them delivered packed, you’ll need a van to transport them, as they won’t fit in a normal SUV. Without the packing they can be transported in a large enough SUV, dimensions are: (H x W x D) 1470 x 690 x 380 mm – weight 44 kg.

DIFFERENCES WITH THE ESL-2905:
The Quad ESL-2912 represents the refined evolution of the already excellent ESL-2905 (introduced in 2005). Although the basic architecture remains the same (6 electrostatic panels), the improvements introduced with the “12” series focus on long-term reliability, sonic transparency, and aesthetics.

Here are the main technical and performance changes:

1. Electronics and Power (EHT)
The most significant improvement concerns the high-voltage power supply section (EHT).

New Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs): A new two-layer PCB with 2 oz copper was adopted. This design increases the distance between contacts and improves insulation, drastically reducing the “creepage” phenomenon (charge leakage between components).

Humidity resistance: Thanks to the new component layout and improved internal cabling, the 2912 are much more stable in high-humidity environments than the 2905, which could sometimes suffer from discharges or parasitic noise in difficult climatic conditions.

Premium components: Vishay capacitors and higher-grade audio resistors were introduced to ensure greater signal purity.

2. Structure and Materials
Reinforced Stator: The stators (the grids enclosing the diaphragm) have been reinforced and given better insulation, allowing the speakers to handle slightly higher powers and play at higher volumes with less distortion.

Acoustic Grid: The fabric covering (the “sock”) has been replaced with a more acoustically transparent material, enabling better high-frequency dispersion and a more defined micro-dynamics.

3. Aesthetic Refinements
The ESL-2912 introduces more luxurious finishes than the more “industrial” look of the 2905:

Real wood inlays: The top of the speaker and the sides of the base are finished in piano black lacquer wood, giving a more elegant appearance.