Power and Punch, Accuracy and Transparency, Detail and Control: Quad S-5 Floor-Standing Loudspeakers Feature True Ribbon Tweeters and Two 6.5-Inch Woofers

Glance at the Quad S-5 and you'll notice the elegant spiked outriggers that bolt onto a metal base and give the floor-standing loudspeaker optimal stability. Indeed, something about the S-5s suggests that they require the pro-grade support or they'd start walking toward you. Such is the degree of power, punch, and impact with which these 55.8-pound floorstanders play music. You should also know how gorgeous they look. Graced with Italian-inspired rounded top edges at the front and rear, each tall, slim cabinet is comprised of alternate layers of MDF and high-density particleboard with circumferential internal bracing that reduces panel resonance below the threshold of human hearing.

That's just the beginning of a unit that Ken Kessler of Hi-Fi News says "delivers so much bang for the buck that I had to double-check the price." Designed in England and claiming a heritage that stretches back to the company's iconic Corner Ribbon loudspeaker, S-5 features a 1.75 x 0.5-inch true ribbon tweeter that ably handles modern high-power amplifiers while also retaining Quad's trademark detail, accuracy, and smoothness. And since the composite ribbon sandwich substrate tweeter functions as both the diaphragm and motor system – completely unlike conventional dome units – you'll benefit from engaging levels of efficiency, control, and transparency.

Whether you want to experience the crescendo of an orchestral piece, the interplay of a jazz trio, or attack of a rock band, S-5 remains composed, finessed, and clean with all types of music. A sophisticated crossover network handles the virtually seamless handoff between the tweeter, four-inch woven Kevlar midrange driver, and pair of 6.5-inch woven Kevlar woofers. To ensure superb low-end scale, stability, clarity, and depth, the drivers pair with large auxiliary bass radiators (ABRs). All you need to do is position S-5 at least a foot from the wall and you'll hear what they have to offer – fatigue-free performance, beguiling coherency, and pinpoint imaging included.

High-end audio values don't come any better. Try a pair-risk free and find out for yourself with the security of our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

"What may be the biggest bargain in floorstanders harks back to the roots of Quad... [The S-5] delivers so much bang for the buck that I had to double-check the price... lf the bang-for-the-buck only meant the performance, these would still be worth the money, but Quad has ensured that they look good, too."
–Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News

"The S-5 delivers so much speaker for [the price] that – were we living in different times – they would have caused a revolution... [These] are bargains of which too few will know. And what everyone will be missing is an astounding performer with scale, attack, and fatigue-free performance that recalls not only a be-ribboned forebear: there's a touch of the ESL magic, too."
–Hi-Fi News, Editor's Choice review