Haute Fidelity 12/2006

FINISH * * * * * No negative points here: A rigid, optimally damped cabinet with real-wood finish available in various wood types, own-brand loudspeakers, superb and high-end, biwiring. It’s hard to find so many plus points bundled together elsewhere, especially at this price. TECHNOLOGY * * * * * Whether it’s the ribbon tweeters or the midrange/bass speaker units with quadral’s exclusive Altima diaphragm – technology enthusiasts are sure to be impressed. The filter has been very carefully configured, but that doesn’t prevent us from thinking that an English or French manufacturer’s calculations would not have been exactly the same. .... SOUND * * * * (*) How can I put this? ... We think that both the components used are of excellent quality, but we also think that the engineers at quadral had the “optical” aspect in mind as well. That is possibly (or certainly) to the disadvantage of a greater degree of homogeneity and stronger midranges which should be less pushed into the background. But be careful: even if this is not to our taste, others will be totally impressed by this “physiological” listening experience, which, by the way, proves excellent at low volumes. VALUE FOR MONEY * * * * * Considering their loudspeaker units and quality of finish, these speakers could quite certainly have cost twice what many a competitor would have charged and we would not have been in the least bit surprised. The surprise in this category is therefore positive, and to such a degree that the RONDO’s actual competitors will have to start worrying.


The quadral Rondo is no run-of-the-mill speaker. It doesn’t hide its Teutonic origin, in that it clearly emphasizes the reproduction of the two extremes of the sound spectrum whilst, on the other hand, doing so with indisputable qualities, pleasant dynamics and with evident charm across the board. We recommend these speakers in particular for those looking for sound reproduction that links resolution of the finest details with general, unmistakeable class and those who don’t want “lifeless” or excessively “civilized” sound reproduction.