I have the Quad 34/305 and along with the 44/405, if any gear were to predict and epitomize the future of compact audio desktop life it is these beautiful audio jewel boxes. Nothing comes close. OK some of us are into ascetics or as some might say WAF. But these Quad electronics are as beautiful now as the day they came out. Yes, they are definitely MiFi. I am always hoping that new OP amps or updates might make them shine (bright like a diamond). The best made schemes of mice and men. Please excuse me for becoming so poetic but they are keepers.
Michael
I've only read of switching the op amps, recapping, and the Quad Mods folks I asked about, who appear to be local to me.To John VF
No, I haven't tried any upgrades after endless ST70 updates in my youth I am cynical about upgrades .But if you know any, as Ross Perot would say, I am all ears, I am glad to see that others love to push Quad buttons, they are on the left not the right, but they are certainly right!
Michael
John VF,
I went through numerous and endless ST 70 mods, each one was the next best thing, (since sliced bread) and all that Jazz, this was in another, era.. I was young and green then. My Tek person now will not touch mods. I love Paul Weller and the whole British Mods screen. But that is another slice of heaven.
Actually when I got out of being into Audio (I bought a house, mortgage payments) my Quad 34/305 took good care of my musical needs in a nice way. They are kind of like my ex, short and compact but heavy.So we both go back a long way.
Now I am more open to Mods, like I am returning to my addiction, but in moderation. So i would love your input.
Michael
Remove/replace/short out the tants on the output of the 44 and you will be very happy (check for DC on the output before the tants, below 50 mV is OK). A general recap wouldn't hurt either. Every module has DC blocking film caps on the inputs and outputs, remove those and it will be even clearer. Some say it loses its soft sound, though. The 34 is a little better generally, but the 99 pre outperforms them in every aspect.
Wish (in my life time) we would have a domestic QUAD dealer within a days drive (or just on the continent)... With my Atma-Sphere OTL Ma-1's updated, I'd simply love to do an audition of the larger, more modern (and manly) ESL-2905's (knowing the '57's are sweethearts). And as legion has held it that, OTL's and the panels are a match made in heaven...
Happy Listening!
John, there is a U.S. dealer? Pro Musica? in your hometown? (that's driving distance for me)
I should say that I have also heard the 63's and 57's in the past, and not heard, but caught the drift that many QUAD lovers from the past, po-po the newer ones as being the dreaded "audiophile sound". I'd like to find out for my own ears, without having to buy/sell a used pair.
Happy Listening!
A very nice Quad reference site here: http://www.quad-hifi.info/showman.php