Quad 33/303 combo...value?

[J_Nightwolf]

Hi everyone; new to the forum here. I have been recently returning to my first love of audio gear and have a chance to buy a Quad 33/303 setup. The owner says both cosmetically and working condition are excellent. Power cords, interconnects and din cables included. He is asking $600 (CDN) for both and even searching through the web I don't know if that's reasonable. I remember listening to a Quad system driving a pair of ESL63s...quite a while back...and if you sat in the sweet spot it was magical! Am also keeping an eye out for speakers. My present humble setup is a Project X1 turntable, Mission 778x driving (temporarily) a pair of Celestion Dittons 110 or Pioneer SPBS22LR (which are surprisingly very good with the right material, ie: vocals, jazz and blues).
Any help is really appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[J_Nightwolf]

An update: the seller says they are in original condition ( he took a look inside) and he is not the original owner.

 

[Quadman2]

Welcome to the AK Crew, JN.

Got the big bro, 405 amp, and the same 33 pre-amp. Great brand! Have have mine for many years, and they run without a hitch.

Had the 303, but ran it hard way back when (party years) and put it to bed wet. Eventually it wore out.

To my way of thinking, that $600 is on the high side, but haven't been in the fray of buying for years, eh? The seller not being an orig owner would concern me to a degree. The Brit builds are well designed, and work well over time. The Chinese at now turning out new stuff, but can't vouch for the calibre of build.

Will do a look-see for you. I know that there's a "Quad" company who does upgrades in the NE States, and they sell parts and do re-conditioning.

Check out the "Canuck Audio Auction" site to see how past prices compare, and if there's any on the market.

Also, check out the "Brit Gear" Forum on AK. You might get some leads for "Quad" gear.


Will be in touch.


Q

 

[J_Nightwolf]

Thanks, appreciate your help. Yes, it’s the cost of potential restoration that has me lowering the price I would be willing to pay. There are a few repair shops here in Toronto I would definitely trust for that.
I will take a look at the UK site and compare; I have been looking at HiFi Shark as well.
Yeah, after a ‘too long’ hiatus I am finally back on the path. Started in high school with a Rotel rx1603 and Yamaha ns1000m speakers. (I worked strictly to buy that system!) Moved through Hafler, Bryston, a Cyrus/Ariston QLN speakers/Ariston RD80 system that was really really nice. It’s been too long coming , but I can finally pursue what I enjoy again.
Thanks again, will keep you posted…