quad 306

[Pieoftheday]

morning all, any opinions on quad 306 power amp? i found one at a dealer £200 ,looks in good nick, will use to drive tannoy dc4t, cheers Jim

[r100]

I'm a big fan of the 306. It has untapped potential when upgraded with modern components (cost around 70 EU and a little soldering) and it's built to last.

[Ammonite Audio]

Only yesterday I put my (Quad serviced) 34/306 into the system, to find out how they compared to the Hegel H160, using the same Naim DAC-V1 source and KEF LS50 speakers. The Quad combo sounded perfectly decent, nice and smooth but overall rather 'small' and musically a tad 'detached' compared with the Hegel, which is a model of control, power and musical dexterity. For what these Quads go for on the used market, they are underpriced bargains, but clearly shown the door sonically by a good modern design like the Hegel. I suspect that if the comparison had been with a new amp at £200, the Quad would have been preferred.

[Pieoftheday]

thanks for the replies,apparently the amp has been checked and serviced, i assume by the dealer,ive currently thrown my hat into the ring for a musical fidelity cr 3.2 so ill see how that goes first:popcorn:

[r100]

Only yesterday I put my (Quad serviced) 34/306 into the system, to find out how they compared to the Hegel H160, using the same Naim DAC-V1 source and KEF LS50 speakers. The Quad combo sounded perfectly decent, nice and smooth but overall rather 'small' and musically a tad 'detached' compared with the Hegel, which is a model of control, power and musical dexterity. For what these Quads go for on the used market, they are underpriced bargains, but clearly shown the door sonically by a good modern design like the Hegel. I suspect that if the comparison had been with a new amp at £200, the Quad would have been preferred.

In my experience, it is the 34 that makes the 306 sound anaemic. Both my 34 and 306 where upgraded. But the 306 combined with a passive pre (i.e. just a potentiometer, LDR, etc.) really made it sing.

[walpurgis]

In my experience, it is the 34 that makes the 306 sound anaemic. Both my 34 and 306 where upgraded. But the 306 combined with a passive pre (i.e. just a potentiometer, LDR, etc.) really made it sing.

I've tried a 34 a couple of times and not been impressed. It reminded me of listening to an Audiolab amp. :)

[Ammonite Audio]

thanks for the replies,apparently the amp has been checked and serviced, i assume by the dealer,ive currently thrown my hat into the ring for a musical fidelity cr 3.2 so ill see how that goes first:popcorn:

If the speaker sockets have been replaced with new binding posts, that's a sign that it's been updated - Quad do this by default, as well as the PSU caps etc.


I've tried a 34 a couple of times and not been impressed. It reminded me of listening to an Audiolab amp. :)

I'll try again, using the Naim DAC as a pre directly into the 306!

[Pieoftheday]

The musi cal fidelity amp started to go daft so i bought the quad 306, quite giddy!:)

[Light Dependant Resistor]

In my experience, it is the 34 that makes the 306 sound anaemic. Both my 34 and 306 where upgraded. But the 306 combined with a passive pre (i.e. just a potentiometer, LDR, etc.) really made it sing.

Nice one Rupert ! :)
Yes much better sound results.

As nice looking as 34's are, they offer dismal sound reproduction.
The best thing to do with a 34 is to convert it to be a LDR, I have
already done this to 2 x 33's , but have a 34 that is gathering dust,
a nice winter project.


Cheers / Chris

[Light Dependant Resistor]

The musi cal fidelity amp started to go daft so i bought the quad 306, quite giddy!:)

The 306 is an excellent power amp,

[Ammonite Audio]

Having tried the Quad 306 without the 34 preamp, fed directly by the Naim DAC-V1, I can only agree with what's been said about the 34 pre-amp! Unshackled from the 34, the 306 is a big-hearted little thing, with noticeably deep bass. It soon becomes clear that bass control isn't exactly one of its fortes, since it's all a bit woolly and indistinct (compared to the Hegel H160), but it's certainly enjoyable and a true second-hand bargain at typically less than £200. I'll stick with the Hegel, though, since it has musical dexterity that the little Quad simply cannot match, and that matters to me.

I do wish more audio components were as neat and compact as the Quad 306.

[r100]

Nice one Rupert ! :)
Yes much better sound results.

As nice looking as 34's are, they offer dismal sound reproduction.
The best thing to do with a 34 is to convert it to be a LDR, I have
already done this to 2 x 33's , but have a 34 that is gathering dust,
a nice winter project.


Cheers / Chris

Cool, keep us posted ! would you replace the whole PCB and use the 34's power supply ? And would you keep the tone controls ?
I have one lying around as well btw. ;-)

All Best

Ru

PS "Winter project" ?? ah yes, you're on the other side of the Planet ;)

[Pieoftheday]

The 306 is an excellent power amp,

just tracked my QUAD, its out for delivery:carrot:

[southall-1998]

Quad (IMO) make fabulous amplifiers. I still have happy memories of using the 405 poweramp. I've also owned a ''full monty'' NET Audio tweaked 405-2 back in 2010.

Might try another 405-2 again someday.

S.

[Pieoftheday]

ITS HERE!!!1631016311 TUNER? i have to admit i was a tad concerned when i saw that:scratch:163121631316314 i didnt realise it was so small, casework is in very good order, couple of nicks here but theyre only noticable if you get up close, and it works, hurrah:champagne:

[r100]

coooool ! if you are handy with a soldering iron, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Quad 306 Upgrade and Revision Kit (http://www.dadaelectronics.eu/shop/quad-upgrade-kits/quad-306-upgrade-and-revision-kit) from Dada. All the best with your 306 :)

[Pieoftheday]

coooool ! if you are handy with a soldering iron, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Quad 306 Upgrade and Revision Kit (http://www.dadaelectronics.eu/shop/quad-upgrade-kits/quad-306-upgrade-and-revision-kit) from Dada. All the best with your 306 :)

Rupert, i def wouldnt do it myself though i have heard upgrades can bring benefits , ill just enjoy for now, its early days of course but it seems to have good control over the little tannoys:)

[Roy S]

Good little amp, had one for a while, looks like a nice clean example.

Still using Quad amplifiers (Elite monoblocks) :)

[DSJR]

I hated the bloody thing at the time, so limp wristed and lacking in any dynamics, and far far worse as a 34/306 pair (yes, I did compare them - grey button issue - side by side with a later equally grey buttoned 44/405-2), but this was at the time. As said earlier, modern caps here and there and gain tweaking in the preamp can work wonders for them though. The preamp supply caps leak though and MUST be replaced as the board can be damaged. The FM4 is a nice and neutral sounding tuner too and will definitely show up the horrible things the BBC and commercial stations do with compression :(

[r100]

The FM4 is a nice and neutral sounding tuner too and will definitely show up the horrible things the BBC and commercial stations do with compression :(

commercials don't deserve proper hifi :lol:

[r100]

Rupert, i def wouldnt do it myself though i have heard upgrades can bring benefits , ill just enjoy for now, its early days of course but it seems to have good control over the little tannoys:)

of course ;-) enjoy !

[Pieoftheday]

Well a few days in and i really like what the 306 does paired with the x40s pre, a clean clear and nicely detailed presentation with decent bass, the tannoys are a bit restricted in the bass department,not an issue for me though. theres really good seperation of instruments and vocals come accross well, making some previously unlistenable albums very enjoyable.thats my little reviewy bit done:) when it comes down to it,this pre/power combo is musical and easy to enjoy with both music and tv, does a good job with films too, job done,for now:eyebrows:

[Pieoftheday]

sent my quad 306 to Jez (arkless electronics) a couple of weeks ago for a service, just plummed it back in, what a cracking little amp this is. thank you Jez, highly recommended:)

[Pieoftheday]

Should I bin the mains lead on my 1988 amp in favour of a new one? It works but just wondering if it could have degraded in some way? I wouldn't replace it with anything fancy just a straight forward inexpensive one, jim

[Arkless Electronics]

No it will be fine.

[Pieoftheday]

No it will be fine.

Cheers Jez, right wheres that jamesons:)

[Clive]

I'm so pleased with my 306. I've installed the Dada Electronics upgrade. This is a few modern capacitors, gain level, and 909 input section. Is super clean and fast with great timing. I love it.

[Wakefield Turntables]

My fully modded Quad 405-2 is with Nick Gorham being looked over, I'll post some pics and thoughts with regards the full net audio mods on board.

[walpurgis]

I'm so pleased with my 306. I've installed the Dada Electronics upgrade. This is a few modern capacitors, gain level, and 909 input section. Is super clean and fast with great timing. I love it.

You sound very excited Clive :). Glad you're enjoying it. The 306 is a good amp.

[Clive]

You sound very excited Clive :). Glad you're enjoying it. The 306 is a good amp.

Thinking about it more I'd say the 306 is very transparent. It doesn't have a sound of its own. Warm speakers sound warm. Detailed speakers sound detailed etc.

[Pieoftheday]

I'm so pleased with my 306. I've installed the Dada Electronics upgrade. This is a few modern capacitors, gain level, and 909 input section. Is super clean and fast with great timing. I love it.

Clive, what speakers do you use with your 306?

[Clive]

Clive, what speakers do you use with your 306?
James, I'm mostly using my Bastanis. These are open baffles with 100db sensitivity. I've also used MarkaudioSota Viotti One which are 88.5db reflex with 2nd order xovers.

[r100]

Hello,
I just got my 34 pre back from Dada Electronics who kindly fixed and updated it with their latest recommended components.

I hooked it up to my 306 (also modded) and was very surprised at how lively it has become. It is definitely not the same 34 I remembered which was somewhat dull, and unengaging. Now I find it to be much "clearer" with a well defined soundstage and some nice "clean" bass to round things off !!

Altogether, I'm really enjoying this configuration.

:carrot:

[Clive]

I like what Dada offer. They don't change the "Quadness" quotient but they bring the equipment up to date with today's components. I'm tempted to try a preamp and a 303.

[Pieoftheday]

James, I'm mostly using my Bastanis. These are open baffles with 100db sensitivity. I've also used MarkaudioSota Viotti One which are 88.5db reflex with 2nd order xovers.

Can't say I'd heard of those Clive ,wish I had the space to try something like that though

[r100]

I like what Dada offer. They don't change the "Quadness" quotient but they bring the equipment up to date with today's components. I'm tempted to try a preamp and a 303.

:)

[spendorman]

I like what Dada offer. They don't change the "Quadness" quotient but they bring the equipment up to date with today's components. I'm tempted to try a preamp and a 303.

Yes, do, I have four, quite happy with them. I have a 405-2 and a pair of Quad 11's as well. Don't have a 306 though.

[r100]

I'm craving a 606 MkII. Then upgrade it with the Dada.

[Martyn Miles]

I'm craving a 606 MkII. Then upgrade it with the Dada.

Some people are happy with a 303 and never crave anything else...

[r100]

I also have a 303 and 306 but always thought the 606 was a very attractive and well built piece of kit. It is one amp I really would like to own one day.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Hi Rupert
The 306 and 606 are essentially the same circuit other than final power output,.
There are some very minor differences suggesting the 306 was used to evolve the 606,
and the 306 was still evolving. For instance c4 180pf in the 306 but missing in other
schematics. R8 available on the pcb of the 306 but not allocated or mentioned
in schematics. R42 on the 606 allocated differently in the 306 as R35

The interesting section for me is CR2 a Vishay fet current regulator called a J503
I think Quad selected this part, principally because it was a 2 terminal regulator
and would work with pcb layout. Its output current is very low indeed, possibly too low
at below 1 ma in fact 0.56ma , asking if it is sufficient for both T1 emitter and T3 base combined.
T3 base certainly, but T1 emitter as well ? It suggests a second CR2 for the emitter
leaving the existing one for the base might provide better result. A LM317 will
work here, but messes slightly with turn on. If I find a better way of doing this
I will post it in the DIY section. Also arranging all of the 6v8 as 7v5 and instead
have these with transistors rather than just zeners will bring great result..

Agreed though the 306 is a transparent amp, one of the best Quad ever made

Cheers / Chris