DSJR
02-09-2011, 08:49
I've had the pleasure of being custodian of a pair of Glenn Croft rebuilt Quad II's. This particular rebuild has, if anything, enhanced their wonderful endearing qualities I feel.
There is a recent post on the Yahoo Quad group which I wish to quote here if I may, 'cos I think it needs a wider appreciative audience. the original question was about the ludicrous prices some examples of these dear old amps are now fetching.
"But perhaps I'd change what you said to, I believe many people love them for the way they look *as much as* the way they sound. :)
For anyone interested in product design the Quad II is a fascinating object. When used in a domestic environment it wasn't meant to be seen at all but was intended to be hidden in a piece of furntiture. So it's a classic example of Utilitarianism in design with form following function, allowing no concession to aesthetics. I wonder, does anyone in this group keep their Quad IIs hidden in a cupboard now?
And the political and economic context is fascinating too. It was first manufactured in 1953 (not long before me!) when post war rationing was still in place. But if you bought Quad gear you were buying the best. Quad was one of those products that put the Great into Great Britain. Look at the Quad advertising from the period, if you had Quad you had the best of everything. And it didn't come cheap. A single Quad II cost GBP 22.00 in 1953 which is equivalent to somewhere around GBP 1,700 when compared to average earnings today.
And they sound nice too. All warm and cuddly. And just like the guy in the Quad advertising, I just love those dark winter evenings, settled down safe in front of an open log fire with an attentive girlfriend bringing me my slippers and Gin & Tonic! All is well with the world and it makes me feel Great to be Britsh! LOL!"
There is a recent post on the Yahoo Quad group which I wish to quote here if I may, 'cos I think it needs a wider appreciative audience. the original question was about the ludicrous prices some examples of these dear old amps are now fetching.
"But perhaps I'd change what you said to, I believe many people love them for the way they look *as much as* the way they sound. :)
For anyone interested in product design the Quad II is a fascinating object. When used in a domestic environment it wasn't meant to be seen at all but was intended to be hidden in a piece of furntiture. So it's a classic example of Utilitarianism in design with form following function, allowing no concession to aesthetics. I wonder, does anyone in this group keep their Quad IIs hidden in a cupboard now?
And the political and economic context is fascinating too. It was first manufactured in 1953 (not long before me!) when post war rationing was still in place. But if you bought Quad gear you were buying the best. Quad was one of those products that put the Great into Great Britain. Look at the Quad advertising from the period, if you had Quad you had the best of everything. And it didn't come cheap. A single Quad II cost GBP 22.00 in 1953 which is equivalent to somewhere around GBP 1,700 when compared to average earnings today.
And they sound nice too. All warm and cuddly. And just like the guy in the Quad advertising, I just love those dark winter evenings, settled down safe in front of an open log fire with an attentive girlfriend bringing me my slippers and Gin & Tonic! All is well with the world and it makes me feel Great to be Britsh! LOL!"