Quad Z-Series Z1 Speakers (Pair)
Quad Z-1 is the bookshelf model in Quad's Z-series, their flagship range of ribbon speakers, and are the step above the S1 bookshelf speaker from Quad's S-series range.
Where It All Started
Way back in the mono days of 1949, Quad launched the Corner Ribbon as its first loudspeaker. This was, indeed, a "prestige" product, but it offered something special, a particularly clear and detailed upper mid-range to treble performance from a large and delicate ribbon driver.
The naturalness and fidelity of sound reproduction of the original corner ribbon was championed by the hi-fi press. So, the question is, can Quad engineers replicate this performance today, or even surpass it? the answer, not surprisingly, is yes.
Then And Now
The Quad corner ribbon was a speaker incomparable to competitors at it’s time, all with thanks to the Quad ethos, which is still adhered to in all product development and to deliver; “The Closest Approach To The Original Sound”.
Being Quad's first ever commercially available loudspeaker, the Corner Ribbon was not completely perfect - it generated a relatively low power and the ribbon unit was very fragile. As we know founder Peter Walker moved on to develop the world’s first full range, push-pull Electrostatic speaker, if not the most iconic loudspeaker of our time.
So, to make a ribbon unit that handled today’s high power amplifiers and to do the original Corner Ribbon justice was no mean task. The Z Series ribbon accomplishes this by utilising a composite ribbon sandwich substrate that is far more robust than earlier designs and immerses this ribbon in an exceptionally strong magnetic field to yield ultra-high sensitivity.
Design
Available in piano lacquered black, white, or rosewood, the skillfully veneered, one-piece curved structures make the focal point of any living room.