Quad QII-Classic new

[PHS]

Hello to all Audiokarma members !

I have the possibility to buy a new pair of Quad II Classics monos.

Speakers i wish to buy in the future: Quad 2912X
Speakers i already have: JBL 4312SE and Audio Nirvana Super 15 Ferrite.

Does it make sense to jump and buy the Quad Classics for the above speakers?

Let's say i understand the 15 watts limitation and i wish to listen at 85 dB for most of the time and occasionally 92 -93 dB.

Even at 85 dB to 90 dB i would like to have a full sound spectrum, that is good bass and good highs (i am not a basshead, i just want to hear the full spectrum).

If they are not pushed over their limits what kind of sound should i expect from the Classics? Wooly bass? Rolled off highs?

Am i making a mistake buying these amps for all above speakers? (Maybe except Audio Nirvana which are very efficient, but hey, you never know ).

I really look for your opinions.

Thanks a lot,

 

[Pup]

I highly recommend the Quad IIs', the originals not reissue. Not that there is anything wrong with the reissues but, I suspect resale value not to be anywhere near as good as the originals.

I run either original and restored Quad II's and they give up very little to my favorite MC30's with JBLs.

I might be willing to part with them. If any interest PM me please.

 

[gadget73]

not knowing much about either, how do the reissues compare performance-wise? If the transformers aren't as good the rest of it doesn't matter so much.

 

[Pup]

my thoughts:

Original Quad II (1953–1970)​

• Warm, liquid midrange
• Gorgeous vocal presence
• Soft, sweet treble
• Bass is rounded but musical
• “British golden‑age tube tone”
• Magical with ESL57, Tannoy, and horn systems
• Slight noise floor, slight hum, but part of the charm

This is the sound people fall in love with.

New Quad II Classic (current production)​

• Cleaner, quieter, more neutral
• Tighter bass
• More extended treble
• Less midrange bloom
• More “modern hi‑fi” than “vintage tube magic”

It sounds good — but not like the original.

If you want the romantic, holographic, vintage Quad sound, the originals win easily.

If you want accuracy and low noise, the new ones win.

and the resale value if ever you want to sell is better with originals.

 

[gadget73]

frankly by the description I probably would prefer the new ones. Hum, noise, soft treble, and "rounded" bass is not a sonic signature I'm into.

the real question is whether or not the circuit is the same, and whether or not the transformers are faithful reproductions of the original. If they aren't, its not really the same amp regardless of the labeling.