TEST: Quested V3110

 Anyone who deals with the big names in studio sound reinforcement technology will sooner or later come across the name Roger Quested. The very reserved British gentleman has shaped several decades of rock / pop music with his Quested loudspeakers and has been able to get credits in collaboration with names such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Kinks, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Rick Springfield and Led Zeppelin in his note life's work. A man of his caliber therefore also knows the big "recording temples" that a studio of his time resembled and which, depending on the owner, resembled a cockaigne of audio engineering due to the gigantic sales that could still be made with music at that time. Control rooms offered space for more than 3 people, so it was a matter of course to place at least one decent midfield monitor in the acoustically optimized room. Just such a monitor called Quested V3110 is available to us for testing today.

Concept and construction of the Quested V3110

Even before I could see the two studio monitors, I was already aware of the caliber of the Quested V3110. 2 massive boxes, each over 40 kg, wanted to find their way into my Meadow Studios. Due to a lack of friendly cooperation from some colleagues, I was forced to lift the 40 kg boxes onto the speaker stands alone and believe me, I have rarely been so happy to have completed a regular fitness program in recent years. With dimensions of 380 mm x 600 mm x 360 mm, the housing dimensions are still comparatively moderate, but this does not change the massive inner values of the system.

The experienced reader can already imagine where and how these monitors are used, for the interested beginner here are the key points again. With an output of 700 watts from a 10" woofer, 150 watts from a 3" mid soft dome and also 150 watts from a 1.125" soft dome tweeter, it makes no sense to place the monitors in a room that does not have at least one Floor area of approx. 40 - 50 square meters, more is better. Not that you have to drive these monitors, which offer an output of about 1 KW and a sound pressure of max. 120 dB, constantly at 110 dB, but loudspeakers of this size have to “breathe” in order to be able to play out their full sound. If you assume a sitting position of a near-field monitor, the loudspeakers thunder into your ears at medium to high volume levels to such an extent that the "inherent compression" of the hearing sets in and you no longer have a neutral perception of dynamics and frequencies. Good for “showing off your pants” in front of third parties from outside the industry, but completely unsuitable for their actual function.

With a basic price of just under €4,000 per box, the budget planning will probably be done for the majority of interested users anyway, because anyone willing to spend €8,000 for a monitor pair has certainly also built an acoustically optimized room, in which he can exploit the potential of an interception of this magnitude.

The case

Anyone who has not yet noticed which country the Quested V3110 comes from, when you look at the external appearance, you suddenly realize that these boxes can only come from the UK. I don't want to be carried away by an optical assessment of the Quested monitors, but the menagerie of dark blue back and black housing, wrapped in a finish along with a "down-to-earth" appearance, which would be found much more frequently in live sound reinforcement, does have a visual recognition value , but I don't think they look very good, especially when you consider the retail price of the cars. However, this is purely a matter of taste.

In terms of workmanship, no errors can be found, all components are cleanly processed and offer no reason for criticism. In contrast to many other monitors, the Quested V3110 has two bass reflex openings placed to the right and left of the tweeter, which offers slightly different radiation characteristics. Quested explicitly points out in its manual to optimize the seating position of the engineer so that the hearing is in line with the tweeter. This requirement alone cannot really be adequately implemented in a near-field position. What you should have in the back of your mind, especially with regard to the weight of the monitors, is that you get help with the installation or any conversion process that may arise. In particular, the soft dome domes of the tweeter and mid-range driver are constantly in danger of being dented at a careless moment, since there is no protection against external influences for said loudspeakers.

When the system is activated, the front panel Standby button will briefly illuminate red, then turn a 'pumping' blue as the system warms up. When this phase is complete, the LED will be solid blue. Should there be a performance limit due to the volume (which I can't imagine with the best will in the world with the system), the LED lights up red continuously.

The backside

The back of the Quested V3110 is very tidy and self-explanatory, in addition to the fact that it is traditionally kept in the typical Quested blue. A single XLR / TRS combo socket offers the input area, RCA was omitted for understandable reasons. The woofer can be readjusted by -3 dB, -9 dB and +1 dB using a recessed adjusting screw, while the tweeter and mid-range driver can each be raised or lowered by +/- 1 dB using 2 DIP switches. In addition, there is also an input level controller, which is also sunk, the on/off switch and the cold device socket together with a fine-wire fuse. For those who are technically interested, a circuit diagram for the signal flow is also printed. As I said, factual, clear and self-explanatory.

The Quested V3110 in practice

One or the other will have asked in the previous paragraph why the woofer reduction of the Quested V3110 can have an impact of up to -9 dB. This question is immediately answered as soon as the first tones sound from the monitor. The mighty 10 incher really hits the bass so hard that one would never dream of looking for a subwoofer for the purpose of an additional connection. On the contrary, although the very powerful bass sound immediately spreads a lot of physicality and, as a result, at least as much fun, it can quickly become a bit too much of a good thing, depending on the room dimensions or personal preferences, especially if you are listening to classic near-field monitors. So -9 dB is a decent number, but it can actually make sense depending on personal preferences.

The general sound of the Quested V3110 could hardly be more British, that is to say, the box colors the sound material a little, but in the best sense. Similar to other British products such as Neve, which is attested to have a very “own” sound in the best sense of the word, the Quested V3110 also has an extremely characteristic sound coloration, which, however, significantly increases the feel-good character depending on the signal fed in. If you pay attention to the seating position suggested in the manual, the system convinces with a very fine mid-range reproduction, which is particularly beneficial for guitar-heavy productions. The 3-way system can score here with a much more even reproduction than a 2-way system. The tweeter is also pleasing, but the reproduction is very "flattering" and less analytical than is known from comparable systems, just very "British" in the best sense of the word.

What clearly sets the Quested V3110 apart from many of its competitors is the extremely high headroom that the system offers the user when required. The behavior reminds me a little of my Tesla, with which you normally cruise comfortably at about 120 km/h on the Autobahn, knowing that in a tricky situation you can easily outperform any other vehicle in terms of acceleration. The Quested V3110 also leaves a very relaxed impression at normal listening volumes between moderate and slightly ambitious, knowing that with this system you can also briefly listen to the sound of your production in the open air area or in the trendy scene club at 2 a.m. in the morning, if that's all are filled, can be checked for practicality.

All in all, the Quested V3110 convinces in terms of sound across the board and also offers adequate sound reinforcement for larger control rooms, which knows how to convince with an outstanding bass and a fine mid-range resolution!

Conclusion

With the Quested V3110, sound reinforcement legend Roger Quested once again has a worthy representative in his portfolio. The midfield monitors offer a classic British sound with finely resolved mids, a powerful bass component and a very large headroom, allowing you to work in a relaxed manner at almost any volume.

If you have a professional recording studio with the right ambience and are looking for the right A monitor, you should definitely try the Quested V3110.


Additional Informations:

Quested Audio: Precision Engineering for Audiophile Delight

Introduction:

Quested Audio, a prominent name in the professional audio industry, has been synonymous with precision engineering and exceptional sound quality since its inception. Established in 1985 by Roger Quested, the company has remained committed to delivering high-end studio monitors and audio solutions that cater to the discerning needs of recording studios, post-production facilities, and audiophiles worldwide. With a focus on accuracy, transparency, and reliability, Quested Audio has earned a reputation as a leading manufacturer of reference-grade studio monitoring systems.

    Founding and Vision:

Roger Quested, a renowned audio engineer, founded Quested Audio with a vision to create studio monitors that would reproduce sound with utmost accuracy and honesty. Drawing on his extensive experience in the industry, Quested aimed to bridge the gap between the audio engineer's intention and the end listener's experience. This led to the development of the company's core philosophy: "Hear the truth."

    Innovative Technology and Design:

Quested Audio's commitment to innovation and engineering excellence is evident in its product line. The company's engineers use cutting-edge technology and premium materials to craft precision monitors that provide unparalleled sonic transparency. Each monitor is meticulously designed to minimize coloration and distortion, offering audio professionals an unadulterated listening experience.

a. Active Monitor Systems: Quested Audio specializes in active monitor systems, where each speaker is powered by built-in amplifiers. This design ensures optimal synergy between components, precise power distribution, and eliminates the need for external amplifiers.

b. Coaxial Driver Technology: Many Quested monitors utilize coaxial driver technology, where the high-frequency driver is mounted concentrically within the low-frequency driver's voice coil. This design results in a point-source sound dispersion, reducing phase cancellation and offering improved imaging and accuracy.

c. Advanced Crossover Designs: Quested Audio employs sophisticated crossover designs to seamlessly blend frequencies between drivers, ensuring a smooth and natural transition across the frequency spectrum.

    Product Range:

Quested Audio offers a diverse range of studio monitors tailored to meet various audio production needs. Some notable product lines include:

a. V-Series: The V-Series monitors are acclaimed for their accuracy and transparency, making them popular choices for music production, broadcast, and post-production facilities.

b. S-Series: Designed for near-field monitoring, the S-Series combines compact form factors with uncompromising sound quality, making them ideal for smaller studios and editing suites.

c. HM-Series: The HM-Series includes precision reference monitors, widely used in mastering studios and high-end audiophile setups, where absolute sonic precision is paramount.

    High-profile Clientele:

Quested Audio's commitment to delivering uncompromising audio quality has attracted a roster of high-profile clientele. Renowned recording studios, music producers, sound engineers, and post-production facilities worldwide rely on Quested monitors to ensure their work is accurately represented. The brand's monitors have been utilized in the creation of countless hit records, blockbuster films, and television productions.

    Customization and Bespoke Solutions:

In addition to its standard product offerings, Quested Audio also provides custom solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients. The company collaborates with audio professionals to develop bespoke studio monitor systems that cater to unique studio environments and acoustic requirements.

Conclusion:

Quested Audio stands as a testament to the pursuit of perfection in audio engineering. Since its founding, the company has remained dedicated to providing audiophile-quality studio monitors that "hear the truth" and faithfully reproduce sound as intended by audio professionals. With an unwavering commitment to precision engineering, innovation, and customization, Quested Audio continues to be a trusted choice for those seeking uncompromising audio quality in the world of professional audio production and high-end audiophile setups. As the industry continues to evolve, Quested Audio's legacy of excellence and commitment to sonic accuracy position the company as a leader in the pursuit of sonic perfection.