Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156 
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Post by Bonky on Jan 25, 2017 17:56:33 GMT
Hi,
Up to a few months ago I was really happy with my Sugden A21a and Living Voice Auditoriums (IbX-R2). ("A match made in Heaven").
Then, on advice I bought a quad 306. I applied the Dada upgrades and RedHill also 'breathed' on it, much to my satisfaction.
The speakers can handle 100Watts and are very efficient (94dB....). 6 Ohms.
I even think that I prefer the quad sound and wondered if another quad amp would improve the SQ? I'm looking at the 405-2 but would really like a 606-2. Some even reckon that the 303 is a very good amp.
Budget IS a consideration - but I would be looking to upgrade the Caps and PS anyway (unless already done).
Any advice/recommendations gratefully received.
Thanks
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2017 20:57:58 GMT
Quad '303'/3 with Net Audio rebuild including Output Modification.
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Post by ChrisB on Jan 25, 2017 21:05:17 GMT
My favourite is the 520 or 520f. Sounded great in my system.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2017 21:56:14 GMT
If you talking Broadcast/Studio Quads the '240' is my fave.
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Post by kettlechips on Jan 26, 2017 10:21:50 GMT
I have 303 (with Net Audio boards etc.), 306 (dada) and 520f, and if you like the 306 with mods, then I'd suggest going for a 520f with dada inspired mods. They do not do a kit, but they do give clear instructions on their site. I used to use my 306's bi-amped to my speakers, but a single 520f blew them away!
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 26, 2017 13:26:12 GMT
I've got a real soft-spot for the 405-2. In fact I would like to hear one again in my current system ...
I like the 'industrial' design, compact size and healthy power output.
I tried the 909 but didn't like it at all! In my system back then it sounded rather brittle, thin and forward
ie nothing like the 405-2. Some people like them a lot so maybe it was just a synergy thing ..
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2017 13:48:54 GMT
I have 303 (with Net Audio boards etc.) I was referring to the Net '303 mk.3' Complete replacement of the Amplifier Boards. Output transistors replaced & wired in Fully complimentary. |
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Post by kettlechips on Jan 26, 2017 14:39:08 GMT
Yes, I have a pair of these 303's fine tuned by David himself all the mods and the new faceplates, everything.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Jan 26, 2017 18:46:02 GMT
Thanks everyone; very interesting! I'll look for a 520f - but they seem like Hens' teeth at present.
Are the Net power board replacements similar to the ones that RedHill Audio do? (http://redhillaudio.co.uk/dual-mono-psu-with-15,000uf-63v-mundorf-capacitors)
BW
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2017 20:36:24 GMT
There was '510' they were Mono's There was actually a '522' which was like a variant of the '520'
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Post by kettlechips on Jan 27, 2017 9:40:43 GMT
There was '510' they were Mono's There was actually a '522' which was like a variant of the '520' There was also a 521 a BBC special if I recall. But the 520f is probably the best one to go for in this case. Do note however, that as a professional studio amplifier it has XLR and or Speakon connectors depending on date of production. I converted mine to RCA inputs, and standard domestic type speaker binding posts. A fairly easy conversion. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2017 12:56:49 GMT
You dont really need to convert anything, just wire the XLR leads to single ended.. The Speakons are a good enough Connector for Hi-Fi use..
There was a '521' your right but nothing worth bothering with, just some BBC Spec crap.
If you wanna stick to older Amps the '50' mono variant were great. I restored a set of '50E' a couple years ago..
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Post by kettlechips on Jan 27, 2017 15:08:18 GMT
I made the changes so that the 520f was easier to fit into a typical modern domestic setup. I don't want to use loads of adaptors, nor have to change plugs and wires every time I change amplifier. I was just warning the OP that professional amps have different fittings... 😀
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 1, 2017 11:33:30 GMT
Hi, So impressed was I with a modified Quad306 that I looked for a 405-2 model or 606; then I came across this UK maker and distributor of 405 clones at an unbelievable price: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332079392104?ul_noapp=trueOK, the cases look 'industrial' to say the least and I'm not sure that the VU meters are really needed but the build quality and customer reviews look appealing. He also does preamps and other power amps. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience of these? Usual disclaimers. Thanks, |
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 1, 2017 14:17:21 GMT
Yes those cases are pretty grim and vu meters horrible but there seem to be a lot of satisfied customers -
you've effectively got a 14 day trial with the returns policy so maybe worth a go ...
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Post by MartinT on Feb 1, 2017 14:38:55 GMT
They don't look too bad and, at that price, they're a potential bargain.
EDIT: look at the video. They look MUCH better in silver!
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 1, 2017 15:02:34 GMT
" They look MUCH better in silver!
Agreed!
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 1, 2017 15:08:34 GMT
Indeed - the silver L10 in the video looks rather nicely finished to me - I could see that on my rack!
Looks to be a lot of amplifier for £425
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Mar 8, 2017 20:52:16 GMT
Just to update... (I'm the OP), I bought a Quad 99 power amp (not the 909); reviews on the 99 seem like hens' teeth.
At first it seemed a little more 'muscular' than the 306 but lacked a little sparkle in the upper mid-range.
I've just had the £165 RedHill Audio upgrade done on it and am just running this in. At first, after the mods, it seemed lifeless but is certainly opening up as time progresses. It now sound 'good' but haven't done a new a/b test with the 306.
I'll do this comparison later.
Why did Quad ditch the current-dumping technique for the 99 and then almost immediately re-invent it for the later models?
Thanks,
R
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Post by Rexton on Mar 11, 2017 16:21:41 GMT
I've had Quad 77 monoblocks in the past, which I sold on. Now I have a fully loaded and modded Net Audio 405-2. I occasionally get it out if I'm feeling nostaligic and want to listen to some 70's speakers.
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