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Reviews (3)
07 May, 2015
Pound for pound, I still rate QUAD products excellent value for money.
The following may bore the pants off you, but here goes! I first encountered the 405 in it's original guise during the 1980's, when a fellow enthusiast (J.W.B. sadly now deceased) purchased one, headed by the Quad 44 control pre-amplifier.
At that time this combination, for me, sounded quite compelling and I was impressed. After hearing this, it became quite clear that my set up, consisting of a NAD3020, Thorens turntable and Audiomaster MLS4's, was not in the Premier Division. Clearly things had to change, subject to funds becoming available.
A few years later, during an 'audio evening' at J.W.B.'s, I was prompted to advise my friend that, in my opinion, his system was not 'singing' any more. Indeed, after further investigation, (plugs, sockets, leads etcetera), J.W.B. was in agreement. To confirm which piece of equipment was misbehaving, we hastily hooked up the Quad 44 to an old Sony 50w.p.c. integrated amp (of known quality) and it was immediately apparent that the 405 amplifier had gone lame.
And so the amp was whisked over to St. Ives for attention.
And swift attention Quad gave it, as within four days the
power amplifier was back in J.W.B.'s possession. If my memory serves me correctly, the 405 had a 'silver service' and in addition Mk.11 boards installed.
I was unaware of the foregoing until I received a telephone call from an excited J.W.B. one evening. "You've just got to hear the system now. Can you come over?" Of course I could - and did. Had the service made a difference? You bet it had! We listened to excepts from goodness knows how many L.P's and C.D.'s. The reproduction was outrageously good and it was well after midnight before I was able to tear myself away and head home.
The years came and went and I tinkered with my set-up, changing this and that as and when funds would allow. My ultimate aim was to buy a 405 11 but, as is often the case,
just when you think you're within striking distance, another bill has to be paid. Does this sound familiar? I am forever indebted to J.W.B. for his enthusiasm, some of which rubbed off on me. And I was determined to have a Quad 405 in my system, despite the fact that they had not been in production for many years. Obviously eBay was the sensible way to buy one. I purchased an original 405, which was excellent cosmetically and has given many hours of pleasure headed by a 33 pre-amp also purchased on eBay around the same time. Recently I was fortunate enough to buy a pair of Mk11 boards on eBay and what a difference they have made. I did a re-cap/rectifier renewal job when fitting the fresh boards, which should prolong the life of the amp. There is one aspect of the amplifier set up which annoys me and that is annoying earth loops, with the attendant low-level buzzing noise one can hear through the loudspeakers. I've sought advice from many written sources, but so far have not been able to eradicate the problem.
Obviously there are many amplifiers, past and present, which have greater potential than the Quad, but the majority of them will command disgustingly high prices. They will be lavishly engineered and perform (allegedly) so much better than the next one. For what it's worth, my advice is to remember the saying 'the law of diminishing returns', because throwing megabucks in the direction of the product is no guarantee of satisfaction. Above all, trust your ears.
23 Jan, 2020
A very good 'all round' tool if you're looking for excellent results without breaking the bank.
My sample ran quietly suggesting a well regulated and ripple free power supply.
In terms of sound clarity and quality it did take some hours of
continuous use to achieve clean and satisfying results, but it got there eventually and is extremely impressive when fed via vinyl and open reel tapes.
CD was somewhat 'peaky' and course; perhaps gain attenuation would help here?
Power output was more than adequate driving Spendor BC1's
with no signs of 'clipping'.
It's light years ahead of the celebrated NAD 3020; no question and ergonomics and quality of construction excellent for this marque and
entry level. Simple and easy to understand, instal and use.
It's a 'cracker'!
28 Sep, 2016
What a 'steal!'
When you order these, prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise. Delivery time is fantastic and you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that, in spite of not having paid megabucks, your wiper blades are extremely well made. Fitting them was almost child's play and they function perfectly. However, don't expect them to remove baked on muck and grime from your windscreen - give them a chance by ensuring it is washed clean - regularly!!