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Quad current dumping amplifiers

My main reasoning would be that it is quite hard to match the original paint as quad do not have any paint codes etc, doe's anyone have any ideas? As for the front panel is there any consensus about updating this but keeping it the original colour? ie the adding of an modern power inlet with fuse where the original is, a power switch where the fuse will have been originally and phono sockets as well as the din socket and possibly new binding posts?

At the moment these are just ideas as i have managed to get hold of one for cheap which was a complete mess rusted in screws broken transistor cover, big hole in the front panel which housed an xlr socket, all components appart from the transformer look like they have been left outside for the last 30 years, it will be completely reconditioned inside, transistors, resistors, diodes, wiring loom, caps and the transformer will be re-varnished, basically brand new inside.
 
1a) Those that want the amps original, never change any components and listen to a lifeless corpse.
1b) Those that want the amps original, but replace old inferior components like dry elcos, elcos in the signal path, ceramic caps in signal path etc. and listen to the truly original sound.
 
Re front panel, the Net Audio guy sells original panels on ebay (or you could contact him direct). The connections might still be a problem - but you can get good 4-pin DIN to RCA interconnects.

If you haven't already, have a good look through the Net Audio mods - they all help, but the best of the lot is the rather expensive PSU board.

P.S. a quick gurgle for "Quad 303 paints" turned up some links that looked promising.
 
I have the Netaudio fronts and they are marvelous in my opinion. A home made version would be easily put together as the plate is flat and the thickness isn't critical.

if you are short of money7 a redesign is a good idea. just take the old plate off make a plate the same dimensions and then off you go with a better layout, iec socket and switch, phono connectors and binding posts.
 
reddish75 said:
My main reasoning would be that it is quite hard to match the original paint as quad do not have any paint codes etc, doe's anyone have any ideas?


Last year Quad's Service Department confirmed to me that the paint was manufactured by Trimite, but they have no further details. I contacted Trimite but drew a blank (huge multinational).

To get a perfect match you need a spectroscopy done - many car bodyshops do these and mix paints based on the results, or there are specialist paint matching companies who do likewise. A garage may give you a price for a professional job.

A while back Malvern Audio sold touch-up bottles for the olive green and tan period Quads having apparently matched them this way, and could be worth contacting.

Pete
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Halfords can do quite a good paint match mixing service, I believe. I used them several years ago and recently a friend used them to match paint on a Quad 50E. The results were pretty good. Halfords put the paint into aerosols cans.
 
Second attempt! I've just bought a 606 MkII. Stupidly powerful for the Tannoys but should be a good match for the ESLs. Should be here Saturday. Fingers crossed.
 
Well the 606 has arrived. Immaculate condition, no nasty crackles, but of a thump on switch on. No idea if it needs recapping but it sounds fine. It's smaller than I'd imagined but very solidly built. I'm running it into the Tannoys at the moment and first impressions are pretty encouraging. A little less of the airy soundstage than the WAD but with the payoff in the bass grip. Certainly nothing pipe and slippers about it. Loads of power too!
 
John, is the 606 a MkI or MkII (the former have sharp edges where the heat fins are, the latter have more rounded off edges)? In any event, I imagine that either would benefit from a full service, including recapping, at Quad in Huntingdon. As I'm sure you know, if you book the unit in in advance, you can drop it in in the morning, and pick it up later in the day when the work's done.

(Might be a good idea to have your ESL63s checked over at the same time, perhaps?)

Be slightly careful with the 606 into the ESL63s, as you can damage the panels with too much signal. I know, as I've done it!

Have fun, anyway!

Graham
 
johnfromnorwich said:
Well the 606 has arrived. Immaculate condition, no nasty crackles, but of a thump on switch on. No idea if it needs recapping but it sounds fine.
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With the 606 playing quietly, switch it of and time how long it takes to stop playing.


The Pipe and slippers tag has more to do the the look of the old Quad factory, employees, lots of faded B&W fotos and the old country gent look of the Walkers.
Absolutely nothing to do with the sound and never has been.
 
It's a Mk2 (s/n Q 23xxxx), its has the angled edges and revised graphics. Anyway, it looks brand new.

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405/2 are fine, there wasnt anything wrong in the 80s, and i better there are more of them in systems than other 80s amplifiers.

the 606 had a better power supply and faster switching transistors. i go for 606

then there is 909 one of the best audio amplifiers at £1000,and basically no changed for years
 
rich46 said:
405/2 are fine, there wasnt anything wrong in the 80s, and i bet there are more of them in systems than other 80s amplifiers.

the 606 had a better power supply and faster switching transistors. i go for 606

then there is 909 one of the best audio amplifiers at £1000,and basically no changed for years
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some 99 are going at half price new
 
John, that looks like a late Mk I to me. My old 606 (S/N 177***) looks exactly like the one in your photo, revised graphics included, but is definitely not the Mk II. Anyway, a call to the Quad Service Centre in Huntingdon would clear this up once and for all.
 
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