Quad 21L Review

Watch this item
Quad 21L
4.5 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.5 out of 5

From 0 ratings and 2 reviews

Thumb up 100% of users recommend this product

Rate it Now:

Click on the stars above to rate this product:

Tweet This Item


mozza's Review of Quad 21L Stereo Speakers

14th Jan 2004

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Sound Quality
    4.5 stars
Good Points

- Clear, neutral sound
- Good bass extension
- Great finish


Bad Points

- Bad recordings can sound bad
- They need space to sound their best


General Comments

I tired of my old Tannoy Mercurey M2 speakers and decided to purchase the Quad 11Ls, which had good reviews by WhatHifi and the dealer. Having listened to them I was keen, but wanted more bass. Roll on the 21Ls. These are basically the floorstanding version of the 12Ls, which share the same tweeter as the 11s, but have a bigger bass driver.

Even playing the 21s through my old £200 Technics CD and Denon amp, I was amazed by the difference in the sound quality. Gone was the muddy, boomy sound of the Tannoys, and instead (after a run-in of a week or so) I had delightfully clear treble, smooth vocals and taut, rhythmic bass. Switching from Cable Talk to QED Silver Anniversary cable, and then biwiring, tightened the bass and sweetened the treble further. Even with these humble components the 21s sing. The Denon is only 50W, but managed easily to drive the 21s to much higher volumes than the Tannoys, with much less distortion.

Obviously though, the Quad 21Ls ideally suit better components, so I recently upgraded to the Arcam CD92 and A85. This has now brought the best out of the Quads. The Quad 21Ls are very neutral and laid back, and as such match the Arcam setup well, as they are of a similar nature. I like my music smooth and detailed, but maybe others prefer it with added excitment.

The Quad 11Ls were more detailed, but don't have sufficient weight, and don't go as loud. The 21Ls are excellent, but are possibly too big for my room, as ideally they need more breathing space. The 12Ls may have been a better compromise sonically, but however, I much prefer the look of the floorstanders, and the black finish matches the piano!

Tweet This Review

On average, people found this review helpful

How helpful did you find this review?