Hi,
I've managed to buy a lovely Quad 44 / FM4 combination in "hardly ever used" condition.
Quad by Chris Porton, on Flickr
The serial numbers are 030137 (44) and 018994 (FM4) so both from 1987 and the Mark III version of the 44.
I absolutely understand that some people will say just get them serviced by Quad which will retain their resale value. I get that viewpoint.
However there are a number of companies offering Quad 44 upgrade services, such as Redhill Audio, Amplabs, Quad Revisie, Fidele Audio and Dada Electronics.
They all seem to note that the original Op-amps can be improved with lower noise / distortion alternatives as well as suggesting better specification capacitors and improved power supply components to further enhance the 44's performance.
I don't want to have a "value for money" debate if that's OK... I just wanted to ask the following :
- Has anyone used any of these companies to upgrade their Quad equipment?
- What was their experience of both the company and the upgrade itself?
Many thanks in advance if anyone has any insight / tales to tell.
Chris
I've managed to buy a lovely Quad 44 / FM4 combination in "hardly ever used" condition.
Quad by Chris Porton, on Flickr
The serial numbers are 030137 (44) and 018994 (FM4) so both from 1987 and the Mark III version of the 44.
I absolutely understand that some people will say just get them serviced by Quad which will retain their resale value. I get that viewpoint.
However there are a number of companies offering Quad 44 upgrade services, such as Redhill Audio, Amplabs, Quad Revisie, Fidele Audio and Dada Electronics.
They all seem to note that the original Op-amps can be improved with lower noise / distortion alternatives as well as suggesting better specification capacitors and improved power supply components to further enhance the 44's performance.
I don't want to have a "value for money" debate if that's OK... I just wanted to ask the following :
- Has anyone used any of these companies to upgrade their Quad equipment?
- What was their experience of both the company and the upgrade itself?
Many thanks in advance if anyone has any insight / tales to tell.
Chris