GRADIENT SW-63

The collaboration with the British Quad brought the first product to market in 1991. Mr. Peter Walker, the founder of Quad and one of the most significant figures in the audio industry, appreciated the ideas of Mr. Jorma Salmi, the founder of Gradient, regarding the addition of a bass unit to the esteemed and globally sold Quad ESL-63 speaker. When the Gradient SW-63 bass unit entered the market, it was the first Quad product that was neither designed nor manufactured by Quad.

The resulting combination is still considered one of the best speakers of all time. The Gradient SW-63 complemented the legendary Quad ESL-63 speaker in several ways: it extended the system's reproduction of low frequencies to the lower limit of the audible range, allowed for higher sound pressure levels without detrimental distortion, and elevated the speaker to a more favorable listening height. The included active crossover also brought other useful features such as bass level and midrange tone adjustments.

HI-FI NEWS & RECORD REVIEW, March 1992

Martin Colloms

The Gradient woofer has not transformed the ESL 63 - rather it has released it from restrictions determined by a need to make the standard speaker a full-range device. With the SW63 the electrostatic blossoms into a true high end speaker of such integrity and ability that no sensible criticism are worth voicing. This is a most graceful performer which again shows the fundamental quality of Peter Walker's marvellous creation. It comes strongly recommended. I can think of no better upgrade path for a '63 owner with ambitions, while as an all-in-one purchase the high review rating equally applies.

The Audiophile Voice, Vol.1, Issue 4, 1992

Joel Shumer

I have used the SW-63s for more than four months, but I knew within the first few weeks I wanted them to be a permanent part of my system. To anyone who owns Quad ESL-63s or has seriously considered getting a pair, you owe it to yourself to investigate the ESL/SW combination first-hand. The addition of the SW-63 makes and already excellent speaker siginificantly better.

The Absolute Sound, Issue 73, Sept/Oct 1991

Robert E. Greene

The Gradients leave the virtues intact, including the seamless coherence. And they fix the bass. More than just fix it, in fact; the bass is now itself a great virtue. The resulting system is one of the most satisfiying speakers, for virtually every kind of music, that I have encountered.