Advice on Quad power amps.

[Mikeandvan]

I didn't think it mattered too much what passive I bought to match the Quad, I was under the impression they added nothing to the sound, and were just neutral and transparent. I got the Khozmo as it appeared to be of high quality, and the TVC could have taken months to crop up, if at all. Is it a good idea to get the Quad serviced? Then I'll know it sounds as it should, or best to hear it first just in case I don't like it? Have to say its all a bit of a leap in the dark, but I was getting impatient with the Naim, really isn't doing much for me. I need to listen at low volumes now as well, as next door have had a kid and they're getting a bit complainy, not their fault of course, there are times I can listen loud, I just have to make sure the pram is gone from our shared hallway so I know they're out. I'd like a new dac as well, to improve the Pioneer, but that's for another thread may'be.

[Bigman80]

I didn't think it mattered too much what passive I bought to match the Quad, I was under the impression they added nothing to the sound, and were just neutral and transparent. I got the Khozmo as it appeared to be of high quality, and the TVC could have taken months to crop up, if at all. Is it a good idea to get the Quad serviced? Then I'll know it sounds as it should, or best to hear it first just in case I don't like it? Have to say its all a bit of a leap in the dark, but I was getting impatient with the Naim, really isn't doing much for me. I need to listen at low volumes now as well, as next door have had a kid and they're getting a bit complainy, not their fault of course, there are times I can listen loud, I just have to make sure the pram is gone from our shared hallway so I know they're out. I'd like a new dac as well, to improve the Pioneer, but that's for another thread may'be.

A leap in the dark can sometimes be very rewarding. For instance, you tried the NAK, Naim combi, didn't like it. You won't go there again. Now you have a new combo to try. You are building experience and if you buy diligently, you won't lose money. This means you can box swap for very little money, like I did, until you find the direction you seek.

Servicing, well that's debatable. I wouldn't do anything until I was convinced it was something I may like to keep for a while.

You'll need 100hrs on that Khozmo before judging that too. Let it open up sonically and then judge it.

[Mikeandvan]

A leap in the dark can sometimes be very rewarding. For instance, you tried the NAK, Naim combi, didn't like it. You won't go there again. Now you have a new combo to try. You are building experience and if you buy diligently, you won't lose money. This means you can box swap for very little money, like I did, until you find the direction you seek.

Servicing, well that's debatable. I wouldn't do anything until I was convinced it was something I may like to keep for a while.

You'll need 100hrs on that Khozmo before judging that too. Let it open up sonically and then judge it.

Thanks Oliver, I was wondering how long I would have to run it in for, I've only ever bought used.

[Mandryka]

I didn't think it mattered too much what passive I bought to match the Quad, I was under the impression they added nothing to the sound, and were just neutral and transparent. I got the Khozmo as it appeared to be of high quality, and the TVC could have taken months to crop up, if at all. Is it a good idea to get the Quad serviced? Then I'll know it sounds as it should, or best to hear it first just in case I don't like it? Have to say its all a bit of a leap in the dark, but I was getting impatient with the Naim, really isn't doing much for me. I need to listen at low volumes now as well, as next door have had a kid and they're getting a bit complainy, not their fault of course, there are times I can listen loud, I just have to make sure the pram is gone from our shared hallway so I know they're out. I'd like a new dac as well, to improve the Pioneer, but that's for another thread may'be.

Don't get it serviced for a couple of months -- if you like it I'd post it to Quad if I were you, it won't cost much money but it will take a month probably. Pre amps make quite a difference, the Khozmo has a good reputation.

[fatmarley]

If you like it, another option is a Dada service/upgrade kit. They just bring it up to a later spec IIRC. Or maybe save up for a more modern Quad amp? (don't know what they are supposed to be like though)

[Tea24]

I have a 606-2 & a 306. Run into KEF 104/2s can't say I can tell the difference (old ears?).

The 306 has just returned from Quad after a service (£55 standard service charge plus parts & post; they give a 28 day turnaround but what with Christmas etc. was nearer 2 months).

Both good amps though. Haven't tried the amp since its return as we have just moved house so system not up & running yet. I wonder if the service will show a difference between them. They didn't change any parts so I rather doubt it, in which case might sell the 606.

I am sold on Quad - very under rated generally IMHO; other things are perhaps more 'exciting' but that's not what I seek. Also where in our throw away age can you get most things 28 years old serviced & repaired?

[Tryant]

You'll need 100hrs on that Khozmo before judging that too. Let it open up sonically and then judge it.

What happens after 100hrs? How would a passive pre-amp like the Khozmo open up sonically?

[karma67]

Especially as it’s already been said, it’s transparent.

[Bigman80]

Burn in ist mutually exclusive to active or passive components. Cables regularly demonstrate audible changes throughout the first 100hrs.

The Khozmo is no different. At first things can sound a little tight. Maybe even sharp.

After you've given it a good run, it "relaxes".

Why this happens to any bit of kit is not something I have a definitive answer to

[Bigman80]

Especially as it’s already been said, it’s transparent.

It's presentation, not transparency that's affected with the Khozmo.

I've had two, both did exactly the same. Steve's had 3 and his did it too.

I have no idea why it happens but it does.