Suggestions for preamp upgrade

[tatami]

What about a variable gain pre-amp from China. It's a Pass derived design with three gain options. I quite like the look of this and was toying with the idea of getting one myself, for use with my Quad 306.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Finished-...cAAOSw5VtZzc2k

Interesting but probably not for me. I love the price but I don't know enough about what I'd be getting and with no reviews I'd feel a bit nervous. Also, it looks like there's no handset and I'd really prefer to have one. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

[mikmas]

A Quad service will actually check all the components which are known to degrade or drift. The good thing about Quad is they do not change stuff for the sake of changing it, if its still within spec it stays untouched. It will also still sound like a 606 when its been done too which I think is a bonus as I like the sound the 606 makes.

I sent a 33 pre-amp back to Quad for a check a while back (noisy filter control) ... great advantage was that they charged a flat fee for labour regardless of what needs doing (don't know if this is still the case)
Less convincing was the time it took to get done (weeks) and they added a charge for packaging because they will only despatch in their original packing material ... If you still have yours for the 606 then no problem.

I have also upgraded a Quad 33 and a Quad 303 using the Dada sets and found this a good route for upgrading IF you have the skills or know someone who can do it for you. Most of the other upgrade options I found way to expensive for what are essentially ancient amps...

On the subject of passives - I have found both a 'simple' voltage divider pot or stepped attenuator perfect with both the Quad 303 and 405-2 amps that I have - in any event equally as good as my modded 33 and plain 34 pre's.
Again, If you can find someone with the skills to build one in a box for you, the remote controlled Alps is an option I would definitely think worth a punt (compared to the pricier alternatives)

A left-field suggestion would be a Quad Vena which would dispense with DAC, pre and power amp. I have one and find the sound it produces definitely on a par with the output from the 405-2 ... with a lot less cabling involved

(I have no experience of the 606 though ....)

[mikmas]

Also worth bearing in mind that passives can have 'pre-attenuation' resistors fitted to allow for a broader range of control - there are details of values on the website of one of the suppliers of stepped attenuators; I will have a scour of my saved links and post it here if I find it.

EDIT to add link:

http://www.goldpt.com/mods.html

[hifinutt]

personally i prefer the more full blooded and bouncy sound from the valve section on the schiit pre amps , the passive does not really float my boat in them. much better in the valve form with my set up . bit 2 dimentional

[Edward]

Philip

In what way do you feel you need your system to improve soundwise? What is your system lacking currently? This will guide you which direction to go.

If you live near me feel free to pop in. We could try out different preamps. I have a valve, LDR passive and solid state preamps.

[tatami]

Philip

In what way do you feel you need your system to improve soundwise? What is your system lacking currently? This will guide you which direction to go.

If you live near me feel free to pop in. We could try out different preamps. I have a valve, LDR passive and solid state preamps.

Well, that's a tempting offer, Edward. I think we must live quite close to each other – I'm in London N8. I'd love to drop by and listen to your various preamps. And I'd like to invite you back to listen to my system and see what you think. How best to arrange?

Philip

[Edward]

Well, that's a tempting offer, Edward. I think we must live quite close to each other – I'm in London N8. I'd love to drop by and listen to your various preamps. And I'd like to invite you back to listen to my system and see what you think. How best to arrange?

Philip

PM me Philip. I work from home so available most times.

[WESTLOWER]

Well, that's a tempting offer, Edward. I think we must live quite close to each other – I'm in London N8. I'd love to drop by and listen to your various preamps. And I'd like to invite you back to listen to my system and see what you think. How best to arrange?

Philip

The North London connections are growing

[Colin2040]

I am considering something similar and one amp I have come across is the Emotiva PT100 seems to get good reviews wondered if this would be an option or if anyone had any experience of it.

[tatami]

I am considering something similar and one amp I have come across is the Emotiva PT100 seems to get good reviews wondered if this would be an option or if anyone had any experience of it.

It looks like a nice bit of kit, Colin, but for me it has elements I don't really need – an FM tuner and a built-in DAC.