quad gear advice pls

[paddie007]

I love the look of the quad 405/34 combo - just in case heart getting in the way of head would this also make a reasonable audio purchase - how much/little could I expect to pay. As a point of reference I currently run a set of naim 90/92 into some Proac 125s



thks in advance

[Symbianista]

"Reasonable" depends on many criteria, subjective and otherwise....

I've been very happy running that combination - I've had the 34 for 25-ish years (hopefully will upgrade to a 99 pre soon), a 405-2 for about a year, and now a 909. Hugely reliable yet with excellent backup from IAG in Huntingdon which isn't expensive. I like the sound too - not overly clinical and a tad warm. Love the quirky styling - heresy to say so here perhaps, but styling is important. Don't know what Naim sounds like so can't advise.

A 405-2 will set you back about £200, a 34 pre about £150. Worth getting any 2nd hand kit overhauled in Huntingdon. It'll then see you out if you don't box-swap

Happy hunting!

Sym

[Davewhityetagain]

paddie007 wrote:

I love the look of the quad 405/34 combo - just in case heart getting in the way of head would this also make a reasonable audio purchase - how much/little could I expect to pay. As a point of reference I currently run a set of naim 90/92 into some Proac 125s



thks in advance

the quad stuff should sound better than the Naim lots of places sell old quad gear and its not expensive to get serviced

quad will do it for about £50 a box if you buy 34 405 get a 405-2 also try and get matched as in both din or both rca best place for any leads and cables flashback sales link

quad from here

http://www.classiquesounds.co.uk/

or here

http://www.emporiumhifi.com/

[Symbianista]

Afterthought..........if you're using a turntable, make sure you get both MM and MC phono input modules with the 34 pre so you can match to your cartridge.

Sym

[JonEdwards]

Well I've just upgraded my 34 and 2x 306 to a 99CD-P and 909.

I've not got round to doing anything about selling the old kit yet, so if you're interested then drop me a line - prices will be reasonable!

They were all serviced at IAG a couple of years back and are in good nick

jonATfisherproductionsDOTcoDOTuk

[Davewhityetagain]

Symbianista wrote:

Afterthought..........if you're using a turntable, make sure you get both MM and MC phono input modules with the 34 pre so you can match to your cartridge.

Sym

good idea for a simple set up, but if turntable is your main source an external phono stage is worth having

[Headcoat]

Quick thread jump from me but first I have a 34 / 405-2 upstairs and a 44 / 306 downstairs....both excellent combos you'll enjoy.

But I've been thinking of swapping the 405-2 out for a 909 and notice that Symbianista and Jon have moved onto the 909....

How do you find it different from the 405-2 chaps? I'll be keeping the 34 pre if I upgrade.

[Davewhityetagain]

Headcoat wrote:

Quick thread jump from me but first I have a 34 / 405-2 upstairs and a 44 / 306 downstairs....both excellent combos you'll enjoy.

But I've been thinking of swapping the 405-2 out for a 909 and notice that Symbianista and Jon have moved onto the 909....

How do you find it different from the 405-2 chaps? I'll be keeping the 34 pre if I upgrade.

The 909 is a great amplifer and everything the 405 is but better mr Symbianista is using my last 909

[JonEdwards]

Slightly difficult to give a comparison between the power amps only, as I've effectively swapped all my electronics out in one hit, but overall impression is of better grip. Everything is tighter, transients are sharper (uncompressed acoustic instruments sound superb) bass is more solid and defined. More space between the notes if you like, especially when the volume is turned up some.

As I understand it the 909 is simply an evolution of the 405/606/707 series, so should share the same characteristics. From whatI understand the 909 has a big old powersupply and so can supply lots of current on demand.

I've got transmission line speakers - liked the control and tightness afforded by having a big column of air support the back of the cone, but there's seems to be a big benefit from havingplenty of grunt available to move said column of air in the first place.

[Headcoat]

Thanks Jon...useful info. and kind of how I'd expect it to differ.

Dave - blimey £499 I'd have bitten your hand off for a 909 for that price!!

Gotta see how much the 606 (upgraded power supply) gets me and then do my sums.

Seen a few ex-demo ones going for £700-£750, including the one I missed by a day on calling this morning.

[Ian]

Guildford Audio have a minty looking 34 for £110, which seems top value.

[Davewhityetagain]

Ian wrote:

Guildford Audio have a minty looking 34 for £110, which seems top value.

How did you find time to post

[Headcoat]

Oh and it maybe worth my pointing out my 606 in the private classifieds.

Had a new power supply (version 2 power supply)fitted by Quad 3 years back along with a service.

Bit scruffy but all working nicely, will get some pics up soon.

[Ian]

Davewhityetagain wrote:

Ian wrote:

Guildford Audio have a minty looking 34 for £110, which seems top value.

How did you find time to post

Very funny, letting them really warm up having just got provisions (beer and wine) and 5 mins on the pc before I get back in their. It's bloody warm in my front room !

[simont]

You have a good combo at the moment.
Why not take your time and purchase a 99 and 909 2nd hand when funds permit?
I have a cdp2/909 and all I think about spending my money on is the music

[macvisual]

Hi paddieoo7

I have been using a Quad 405 Mk2 power amp for the past 5/6 months with brilliant audio results, I use it directly into the rear of a Quad CDP-2 cd reply, then through Quad ESL 57's, quite an amazing sound! I will never change the set-up, I don't need to as it's SOOOOO good! I paid £185 for my 405 Mk2 amp.



Regards...

-macvisual-

[paddie007]

many thks to all for your comments

[Davewhityetagain]

paddie007 wrote:

many thks to all for your comments

our pleasure ....... have we talked you in or out of anything ?