I think this was discussed much earlier in the thread, the simple fact is that, nice as it is in it's way, the old Quad gear is not very powerful at about 30wpc and simply does not have control to handle many modern speakers. I know many manufacturers insist that their speakers are easy to drive, but in many cases this is simply not born out in reality.FennerMachine said:With a budget of £3000 what's the best thing to do?
I could get a more powerful/newer amp for £1500 but that only leaved £1500 for speakers.
Unless a £1500 amp works wonders with my Quad 21L2 speakers then that saves me £1500.
I'm not after silly volume levels (although I occasionally crank it up a bit) so I don't need lots of power, although I know a more powerful or newer amp will likely control the speakers better.
Total cost of ownership will likely be lower for my current amps as servicing is relatively cheap and will likely not need doing again for many years (had both serviced recently).
I have found from my demo's that speakers in the higher ranges sound overall better than the lower ranges (Spendor Classic vs A series, Tannoy Definition vs Precision). So a standmount in a higher range sounds better than a floor stander in the range below but may be priced the same.
It's difficult to know what way to go.
I think they are like a Venn diagram ie. There is some common ground, where the sets interlink.altruistic.lemon said:Are you a mate of Ashley's, DDC? You seem to preach from the same gospel - and sometimes use the same words.
Fair comment, I'm the opposite.FennerMachine said:The Quad 303 is 28wpc into 16ohms, 45wpc into 8ohms. Not sure into 4ohms but it handled the Dali speakers well and they are rated at 4ohms.
I am trying to actively avoid a 'lively' sound. I want an easy listen with a smooth maybe even rolled off treble.
Actually I have never met the 'Prince of Darkness', neither have I visited the 'Hellmouth', or Nailsea as the locals call it.CnoEvil said:I think they are like a Venn diagram ie. There is some common ground, where the sets interlink.altruistic.lemon said:Are you a mate of Ashley's, DDC? You seem to preach from the same gospel - and sometimes use the same words.
Nailsworth, Glos. (Nailsea is in N. Somerset.)davedotco said:Actually I have never met the 'Prince of Darkness', neither have I visited the 'Hellmouth', or Nailsea as the locals call it.
Bearing in mind that our tastes and expectations are so far apart I doubt my 'opinion' would really be of any help to you.FennerMachine said:DDC, does that mean in your opinion I might be good to go with about £3000 on speakers with my current amps?
Thanks for the heads up matt, as you can see I rarely venture into the 'wild west'.matt49 said:Nailsworth, Glos. (Nailsea is in N. Somerset.)davedotco said:Actually I have never met the 'Prince of Darkness', neither have I visited the 'Hellmouth', or Nailsea as the locals call it.
I've been to Nailsworth many times. There's a big B&Q there, i.e. a large shed with blokes in it. The town is of little interest: a fairly ordinary place in an otherwise very pretty and interesting area.
In the environs you'll often see somewhat statuesque gentlemen with white, swept-back hair, wearing red cords and offensively bright v-necked jumpers. I just avert my eyes and hope they don't try to make conversation with me.
Just using my imagination.davedotco said:You seem rather familiar with the appearance of the 'Prince', is there something we should be told?
Cheers Big H, you're a star!BigH said:Mac I enjoy your album reviews, please note THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD is on spotify now and also on Deezer.Macspur said:Might be worth your while taking a look through the preowned amps at audio emotion and they will allow home demos, plus do decent part exchange deals too.
Mac
www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net
Well if you're going to Devon try and pay these a visit http://www.audiodestination.co.uk/index.php?route=information/contactFennerMachine said:Matt49, no worries! On a post this long there's always room for banter! Going to Devon for a few says in December.
My thoughts too, though probably for the wrong reasons.Macspur said:Well if you're going to Devon try and pay these a visit http://www.audiodestination.co.uk/index.php?route=information/contactFennerMachine said:Matt49, no worries! On a post this long there's always room for banter! Going to Devon for a few says in December.
Mike and Caroline are lovely to deal with and have a good range of gear.
Btw, a lot of people use the Spendor SA1 and Harbeth P3ESR with a sub
Mac
www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net