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Quad S-5
Floor Standing Speaker
QUAD has always prided itself as providing the complete solution to music lovers. Each QUAD component marries perfectly to other parts of the hi-fi system and is designed with one target – to be ‘The Closest Approach To The Original Sound’.QUAD S Series loudspeakers fulfil that objective admirably. Sporting a new ribbon treble unit aligned, through sophisticated crossover networks, to QUAD ’s advanced bass-midrange drivers, each and every loudspeaker in the range delivers all the nuances and passion of the original performance.
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The Quad S-5 delivers a coherent, three-way presentation with a notably refined ribbon treble and a taut, tuneful midband that lets vocals breathe. Its bass is controlled and integrates cleanly with subwoofers, expanding the soundstage without strain. Reviewer John Zurek found the S-5 paired with an SVS sub to create a more authoritative low end while preserving detail.
Pros
- Controlled, musical low end that integrates smoothly with subwoofers to extend bass impact without muddiness.
- Clear, forward midrange that preserves vocal presence and lets instruments breathe.
- Detailed, extended high frequencies from the true ribbon tweeter for refined treble detail and air.
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Cons
- Not a source of deep sub-bass on its own—best paired with a dedicated subwoofer for the lowest octave.
Sound Quality
92/100
Bass
92/100
Quad's spec lists -3dB at 42Hz and -6dB at 35Hz and the speaker uses dual 165mm woven-Kevlar woofers with ABRs, which supports solid low extension for a mid-sized tower. The reviewer used an SB-3000 sub with a 50Hz XO and noted the sub relieved the mains without exposing a crossover anomaly, implying the S-5 has controlled, useable bass but not reference sub-bass authority.
Mid
93/100
Reviewer observed that adding the sub allowed the mains to "sing with less stress" and that the sub never got in the way of vocals, indicating clean, well-placed midrange and vocal presence. The 100mm Kevlar mid driver and 3-way crossover design support coherent mid performance through the critical band.
Treble
92/100
The S-5 uses a 45 x 12mm true ribbon tweeter which typically yields extended, refined treble; the review noted the SB-3000 kept up with the Quad's ribbon tweeters and no anomalies were heard around the crossover. Evidence points to detailed, smooth high-frequency performance without harshness.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
The reviewer credited the sub with anchoring the foundation of a "huge soundstage," and specifically mentioned that the sub integrated cleanly with the Quads, suggesting stable imaging and good layering. No phase/crossover issues were reported, supporting confident stereo focus and depth.
Dynamics
91/100
Quad's 90dB sensitivity and 40–200W recommended power indicate strong dynamic capability; the review described dynamic contrasts as held with an "iron grip" once the sub handled the lowest octaves. While much of the dynamic praise referenced the SVS sub, the mains were described as responsive and not strained.
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Build Quality
90/100
Physical specs (72.4L cabinet, 25.32kg each) and Kevlar drivers imply robust engineering and substantial cabinetry. No direct build criticisms were raised in the provided review; the system integration with a high-output subwoofer without anomalies also implies competent crossover and driver implementation.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive baseline applied.
Value for Money
82/100
No price for the S-5 was provided in the materials; the reviewer praised the SB-3000 sub as a bargain but did not comment on the S-5 price. Given the observed performance and build, the S-5 appears good value relative to its capabilities, but lack of explicit pricing/peer comparisons tempers the score.
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