Quad Audio

Quad Electroacoustics is a legendary British hi-fi manufacturer founded by Peter J. Walker in 1936 as S.P. Fidelity Sound Systems, later renamed Acoustical Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Originally based in London and relocating to Huntingdon after World War II bombing, Quad pioneered high-quality domestic audio reproduction, transitioning from public address equipment to home audio systems. The company gained worldwide recognition with the groundbreaking Quad Electrostatic Loudspeaker (ESL) launched in 1957, the first production full-frequency electrostatic speaker that sold 54,000 pairs during its production run (1957-1985) and was adopted by the BBC for broadcast monitoring. Founded on Peter Walker's philosophy that audio systems should extract everything valuable from recordings while minimizing irritations, Quad established the acronym meaning 'Quality Unit Amplifier Domestic.' Following Walker's death in 2003, Quad was acquired by the International Audio Group (IAG) in China, maintaining its UK headquarters in Huntingdon with over 50 employees while benefiting from IAG's global manufacturing capabilities. Today, Quad continues its legacy of innovative electrostatic speakers, amplifiers, and hi-fi components, serving audio enthusiasts across over 100 countries with products that honor Peter Walker's original vision of transparent, low-distortion sound reproduction.