Pre amp for Quad 306

[gary_j]

Hi,

I'm currently using a Beresford 7520 as a pre into a Quad 306, I'm happy with the sound, buy I imagine there should be an improvement with a proper pre, I could also do with a couple of analogue inputs, but no need for a turntable input.

The obvious pre to look at is the Quad 34, I haven't heard one but reviews are mostly positive. I have a budget up to £200, is there anything out there that will beat the Quad at that price range? I'm more than happy to buy 2nd hand kit.

Anyone used a 306 with various pre amps?

My current set up:

Sony xb930 CD player
Beresford 7520 DAC
Quad 306
B&W 602S3 speakers


Thanks

Gareth

[r100]

Anyone used a 306 with various pre amps?

I'm using mine with a passive LDR pre. Before that I used it with a BTE passive pre. Both where clearly better than the 34. I must also add that I updated my 306 with modern components from Dadaelectronics (see sig.). I love this little amp it has never ever caused any problems since I have had it (oh, about 15 years).

[337alant]

I like the look of the quad 34/306 combo. Try and get a late 34 with the grey buttons and orange writing
I agree they are not the most transparent pre amp but suit the 306 very nicely and has a decent phono stage
Here is mine in my second system

Quad 3 by 337alant, on Flickr

Alan

[struth]

Croft pre amps go well with the 306 .

[r100]

@337alant
beautiful industrial design and bulletproof build [emoji7]

[orbscure]

You may have to go slightly over budget, but a Croft Micro 25 Basic and a Quad 306 is a match made in heaven...

[Gordon Steadman]

I've used the 306 with a Creek passive and liked the result. Only three inputs including the tape though.

I'm using the Creek with a 303 which I'm soak testing at the mo and it sounds fine. Leak Stereo20 too and a 405 when I had one. Takes up almost no room on the rack which is useful.

[The Barbarian]

Im against having no Tone Controls so passives would be a no no for me.. i would personally opt for the '44' over the '34' You can configure the input choice on the '44' too.

[Gordon Steadman]

Im against having no Tone Controls so passives would be a no no for me.. i would personally opt for the '44' over the '34' You can configure the input choice on the '44' too.

We have two amps with tone controls but as the 'direct' button is always pressed they are a bit redundant. I do like the slope controls on the Quads though.

[Desmo]

I'm using mine with a passive LDR pre. Before that I used it with a BTE passive pre. Both where clearly better than the 34. I must also add that I updated my 306 with modern components from Dadaelectronics (see sig.). I love this little amp it has never ever caused any problems since I have had it (oh, about 15 years).

+1 for the LDR pre. I'm using the Stereo Coffee LDR with a pair of Quad 303's bi-amped, and it works very well. I know that Chris Daly uses Quad's including 306's when he develops his LDR kits.

Another option would be the Beresford Caiman II as long as you only have digital sources. I found that to be quite an effective pre amp.