There's a lot of BS attached to the hi-fi hobby. I've been around almost as long as Kelvin.... my first hi-fi system was a Quad 33/303 coupled with a Garrard 401 and a pair of Spendor BC 1 speakers. I inherited this system in the early Eighties, when I was a teenager. I wanted the new Mission Cyrus amp, but couldn't afford it! Anyway, over forty years later... I now have about 40 amplifiers, 4 turntables, 12 CD players and 15 pairs of speakers, at the last count. And, I'm a collector of vintage Quad amplifiers. I have three 405 MK2, two 303, one 306 and two 606. And I have two 33, two 44 and two 34 pre-amps. Why Quad... because they are built to last and are all serviceable and the company, founded by the late, great Peter Walker, is legendary - the quintissential, British hi-fi company. A company that under Peter Walker's stewardship defined the word "hi-fi" for generstions of enthusiasts. Alas, Peter is no longer with us, but I contacted Quad recently and they are still able to service their Quad amplifiers, no matter how old they are! Pretty amazing. Mostly, I use my Quad 44/606 combination, coupled with vintage Spendor SP2 speakers, which suits my classical music tastes. Sorry to ramble on, but quality counts, and there's a lot of junk out there being promoted by individuals who ought to know better - Kelvin isn't one of them. He is perhaps the most honest and reliable hi-fi reviewer on You Tube...no BS, just like Quad. You are in good company, Kelvin. Keep up the good work.
@@Jezza-k3y don't need to give an in depth analysis in what I favour hifi audio wise. Just I hear people bang on about quad way too often. Like when folks talk turntables lp12 always gets into the convo. There is some great hifi out there past what gets mentioned all the time
@@23chilledI agree. However, I do own a Sondek..., but I also own a Technics SL 120. So, I do use Japanese equipment. Anyway, Quad is not mentioned that much nowadays... Quad was always seen as being "pipe and slippers" and that opinion remains.Given that Kelvin's review features a Quad amplifier, it made sense to pass comment on that particular brand. Other brands are available, but will the companies that manufactures them still service them in fifty years' time? I very much doubt it.
@AlexMitchell-sj4sbThank you, I was very lucky. I thought it was old fashioned at the time... 1985. Be quick and get hold of a Quad pre/power combo if you can - prices have risen recently, on the bay of e? Good luck
I am an ex hifi salesman who has continued with the hobby for 50 years. I have gone through a lot of gear over the years as you might imagine. I have a Quad Vena ii in my desktop system playing Spendor SA1s with an MJ Acoustics sub. Its end game fantastic. I sold a Rega Brio with Rega DAC to reduce the box count. The Quad is every bit as good.
Great video! You are one of the few reviewers I can trust isn't being paid in some way by a manufacturer to give positive glowing reviews. I have nice vintage integrated amps (Creek 4330) NAD 3020 (bought on your recommendation & it sounds great). I also have a Marantz 2275 which is my favorite. I am always wondering if a Modern integrated amp like the NAD C3050 would sound better and it is almost impossible to find reviewers that compare vintage vs. new equipment except your channel. New generally would be more reliable but the costs are prohibitive vs. used Ebay finds. It's a fun hobby regardless!
Initially a lot of modern amps impress but I find that after a while I start to get bored with the sound & then revert back to my older 70s & 60s amps . Great review
Same here . Recently I've purchased Muzishare x7 tubes amp and I'm very impressed. After some tube rolling it's sounds really well but still one of my fav amps are Kenwood ka 4002 (18wch)and marantz 1070( 30ech) . I own new Technics Su g700 mk2 and its nice but to analytical!
I used to love Quad my last Quad was a 66 pre amp with 606 power amp .I used it for years until recently when i bought a used Rega Atheos amplifier and matched it with a used Rega Saturn MK3 cd player driving a really old but beautiful pair of Ruark Accolade speakers , for me the sound is incredible
Thanks for your always straightforward, honest & humorous reviews. You're absolutely right to point out the level of emotional involvement any hifi unit brings for the listener - not shown in lab test figures. That sense of lacking in engagement will often, sooner or later, doom that buyer to lose money chopping in a 'nearly new' but '100% used' unit - and then back to the 'upgrade' path ...
Amps,ye gotta love them Kelvin, I’ve had a few, well let’s say quite a few. From extreme pre/power set ups to dinky little one box thingies, a few good a few bad and a few downright bad and unreliable, I won’t mention brands but mainly British built. What have I settled on the last few years and loving? It’s the Cambridge Audio CXA 81. It’s built like a tank and sounds incredible! Great channel btw.
I had one of these a while back. It was ok. It lived in my office. I did run it on some good speakers a few times but it didn’t really deliver. I liked it for its connectivity but not for its sound which ultimately is what its all about
Thanks for your review of the Quad Vena11. I considered buying one of these a few years ago but decided on a more powerful amp, the AMC Xi150, with 150 Watts per channel. I'm glad I got more power that can easily run bigger speakers and/or less efficient speakers, with plenty of good dynamics and quality bass.
Another excellent video again thanks. It's funny that back in the 80s/90s cars all started looking the same, designers were using the same programs to design cars and were scared to do anything different. I think we have hit that point in hifi, companies are all making "inoffensive" hifi, nothing sounds different because if it does they'll worry that the product won't sell. Gone are the times that companies would take a risk, they're just playing it safe which is not good for the consumer. Vintage hifi is the best, and always will be.
I have three Vena 2s! Two of them are the 'Play' version and one is the straight Vena 2 you reviewed. My main system is Vena 2 Play used as preamp feeding a pair of Quad QMP Elite monoblock power amps to my Quad 2812 electrostatics. The speaker output of the Vena 2 I use as a voltage source for the Quad L series subwoofer which reinforces the bass below 45 hz. The other Vena 2 I use in my TV system feeding Quad 9L monitors and the preamp output feeding Quad Lite subwoofer. I stream Qobuz via both Vena 2 Plays. The 'spare' Vena 2 I use as a 'takeaway' holiday system with another pair of Quad 9L speakers, with an android tablet plugged into the USB B input to the DAC (a Sabre 32 ESS 9018 which is very good). I have a very large Lp and CD collection (mainly classical - I used to run a record and CD shop), but also some other genres.....by the way, if you use the Diana Krall for vocal assesment, try Sara K's 'Water Falls' on Stockfish Records...the tracks 'All your love', 'The Painter' and the title track 'Water Falls' are amazingly well recorded....espescially the bass end! I had my first Quad system in mid-70s, Quad ESL 57, Quad 2/22, then 33/303, then 34/606. and Quad 63s before the current line up - if the Quad Vena 2 has a 'weakness' it's probably the power amp section - used as a preamp it is very good with Thorens TD 160/SME3009/Goldring E4. Marantz CD6007....and the Streaming section superb with Qobuz via Playfi (better than this app. used to be!).
Quad has built some truly ground breaking kit. The iconic ESL57 electrostatic speakers, #22 valve power amps, The 33/303 and 44/405 pre and power amps and the ESL63 electrostatic speakers which sat in many a hifi reviewers listening room, sometimes with the rare, made-to-measure Gradient Subwoofers that sat directly beneath them to give that added weight and scale to them. What is common to all of these products is that each one sounded brilliant in its own way and many a hifi enthusiast owned one or more of these pieces. The newer, more modern Quad kit seems to have been aimed more at the upper end of "lifestyle audio": not the greatest sounding but not unpleasant, which is a shame because their heritage is stunning; stand outs being: the 22,s, the ESL57's and 63's and, of course the 405 power amp which, in its many iterations and with its CURRENT DUMPING technology was used in multiples to power the main monitors in both broadcast and commercial studios. Lovely to see you again, Kelvin. All the best for you and the channel.
Hi Kelvin! I’m experiencing these differences between modern and vintage gears the same way, good new ones are extremely more detailed, that would be better but really can be not, sometimes a bit “smoother” sounds more enjoyable, my preferred one it’s the Mitsubishi DA-A15DC with his pre/tuner DA-C20, large sound, fast but not hyper detailed, great bass but not exagerated, lovely, a lot! Thanks to be Kelvin! Hello from Italy
Thanks for the intelligent review. I've had one for 2 years and use Tidal as digital input and agree with you review totally. It's very slick with a smooth sound but looses it a bit in the bass, esoecially when things get busy. I downgraded from a Musical Fidelity P270 power amp (to reduce leky bills) and to be honest every amp after that sounds bad!! Love your reviews Phil
I have the old Quad Vena version ”1” and a Xtz A2-300 power amp. Sounds pretty nice. But I certainly would like to try a Sansui if I could find a nice one from the golden years.
The Vena II is what I’d call, a small bedroom amp to be used with an FM/DAB tuner and a really good antenna for quality radio programs. It doesn’t compare in the least, performance wise, against top-range Artera Monoblocks because they’re merely cheap Asian integrateds that Quad has slightly massaged. True Quad quality comes from ARTERA SERIES🌹 Excellent reporting as always, and thanks, ol’ friend 🌹
Did you know you can get lot's of clones of high end vintage equipment in China nowadays? FM acoustics, Accuphase, Mark Levinson, Musical fidelity. All well under a thousand. They can do that because the patents expired. (Yeah youtube sucks nowadays, I can't even mention other channels to steer interested people towards interesting stuff, my comments will get immediately deleted)
I think you’re really a vintage guy, Kelvin. No worries, so am I. The receivers that were produced in Japan in the 70s brought a sound you just don’t get today.
The Quad brand name is owned by the IAG Group (International Audio Group). They also own: Wharfedale, Audiolab, Mission, Leak, Castle and Luxman. The Arcam brand is now part of Harman International Industries Ltd. If you’re looking for an amplifier with character look to the independent manufacturers. Exposure, NVA, Atoll, Pro-ject / Musical Fidelity, Rega, Sonneteer, Schiit Audio, Buchardt, Belles.
a vintage lover testing a new amp, I showed what the outcome would be before watching the video. the fact is that vena plays great and not much vintage beats it
I splashed out on a used Copland CSA 150,think it's brill,thing is,I also got a vintage Trio KA9300,I think it could be better,at a fraction of the price! I think the Copland will be for sale soon 😂
Hi Kelvin , i say like you , vintage hifi fanatic seeking that real in your face tow tapping involving , sit back and just get washed away with a wall of sound , ive tried far too many amplifiers new / old …all makes …but after 40 years i bought a 4040s2 ..has to be the s2 , i tried all versions ….it still puts the biggest smile on my face …even big floor standers i had Tdl 3 ,s biwired years ago and that sounded the best ….modern low impedance speakers no good ….anyway ramble over love you to pick up a 4040s2 and hear your opinion ….top stuff Kelvin ! Great channel
Nice review Kelvin. Have you ever tried a Quad 33 and 303 setup out? Reason I’m asking is I’ve recently bought these that were in excellent cosmetic condition and had them professionally serviced and recapped but not had the chance to use them yet. I’d appreciate your comments on these if you’ve heard them. Really enjoy your uploads keep them coming👍
Diana Krall did a cover-version of 10CC's I'm not in love...its on her album "Wallflower"...(great to listen to). Also on her "Best of Diana Krall" album.
Diana Krall is married to Elvis Costello. They don’t need a hi-fi setup as they probably warble to each other constantly. He’s a lucky bleeder, as Ian Dury might say.
Useless trivia: they also share the same manager. I used to work for him doing landscaping, which meant cleaning endless pine needles off his property. Unbearably tedious.
@@audiofool4u No, not for decades. Probably not since the 'Pills And Soap' era. He bores me to tears. I actually listened to the first side of 'Spike' last month, which I've not played for decades and hated every second of it.
You mentioned that the photo stage in that sansui is nothing special. I believe that amplifier needs to be recapped and it would sound fantastic after that. That is known for having a really good phono stage
Acid test.. Does the particular amp reproduce 14-16hz 8ft organ pipe fundamentals through the transmission lines you showed us a little while ago? Old and MUCH cheaper 75- 120w Nad Power envelope will.
So reading between the lines the new Quad is boring. The Sansui is capacitor coupled and it could be that “fatter” sound as a comparison you are liking. I’m using a 33/303 at the moment that I re built changing the gain of the preamp for modern sources, it’s definitely not boring. The good thing about the classic era Quads is they are very easy to work on with bombproof construction.
OMG! The hilarious look in the eyes on your face @the 57th second of this video! I could not stop laughing! You just looked as if you were demanding help from an angel to get tbhe correct text from the heavens...
It sounds like it is blandly adequate. My first hifi was NAD3020, Dual CS505-2, Grado FTE+1 and KEF Coda2. Tony Gascoigne of Lintone Audio (sadly now closed down) described it as having balls, and he was right. Lots of character. I gave him a sale that day. I think that this is what you are seeking. My ears now tell me that the Coda2 are dreadful, the Dual rumbled away, and the Grado was very bright.
I think a lot of reviewers don’t talk about the sound with high feature amps because they are Class D and let’s be honest…pro reviewers don’t like to lie or say bad things…so they will say the amp is transparent or neutral instead of sharing how the amp makes them feel.
Maybe some of it is nostalgia or the sound I am used to/ grew up with, but I have several vintage receivers, integrated amps, and amps that have the sound I really enjoy. Paid less than 600 pounds for each of them. I have no interest in new when the sound can’t compete and it costs more. Only reason to consider it on my opinion is if you are concerned about maintenance it and have no tech in your area. Modern connectivity can added to vintage gear.
Love the reviews! What reasonably priced vintage Sansui receiver would you recommend to drive a pair Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers I'm currently using a Nad c320bee. Thanks
The arcam alpha amps, where always good sounding, I owned the 9 & 9p, then I owned the 10 & 10p, I used both bi-amping & was very pleased with them, they are also very good for upgrading internal parts as well, to take them to another level of performance. Another great video Kelvin 👍
You say you wouldn't buy it for €600 cause it doesnt have the "magic". So what are the modern amps at that price point that DO give you that magic you're talking about. Surely there must be some that do the trick. Thanks for the review
Was that Quad Vena amp bought second hand or brand new? New audio equipment can sound a bit stiff in my experience. There might be some truth in break in periods for audio equipment.
This amp retails for £699. By the time you add speakers and a source, you're up to over £1000. At this point any piece needs to be better than a pair of Sonos 5's which go for £429 each, so £860 for a stereo pair. That's quite a tall order.
The quad's strengths lie in the DAC and pre amp. Power amp is an add on for convinience if say you are in a small space and dont need a lot of power which truth be known, this Quad is laking. If you compare apples with apples, this Quad is superior. The host is missing this point.
I think whereas most things have got better over the last 50 years sterio equipment has not and older stuff can sound so much better than todays mass produced rubbish with all their bells and whistles most of which the average Joe will never use. Amps, turntables and speakers of the past offer so much better value even if you have to re cap them on the way.
Stereo not sterio as in rodeo it's all about the details. I feel much happier now. I have had my little rant, and I will go and listen to some mosick on my best staereo.
Hope it sounds better than the 33/303 and 44/405. Heard these plenty of times, and I've never really got what the fuss is about. It's entirely subjective, and to me they're as dull as ditchwater, and even worse with the much-vaunted ESL's (bass - what's that?) They do look good and from what I understand they're well made, but definitely not for me.
Amplifiers aren't supposed to sound different kelvin, they're supposed to sound inaudible or totaly transparent. If an amplifier does this, and sounds like this, and makes your Pink Floyd sound different (better?) then it's hardly, accurate, neutral and transparent is it ? HiFi is BS. True fidelity audio is true fidelity audio.
Maybe, I tried one, but it just couldn’t drive my harbeth p3’s at all, even my Dali Menuets were lifeless with this quad. I thought it might have been faulty at first but I dug out a pair of cheap Q acoustic speakers that are easier to drive and it was a good match. So I’m guessing the easier the speaker is to drive the better the Quad is. I returned it and picked up a Rega.
There's a lot of BS attached to the hi-fi hobby. I've been around almost as long as Kelvin.... my first hi-fi system was a Quad 33/303 coupled with a Garrard 401 and a pair of Spendor BC 1 speakers. I inherited this system in the early Eighties, when I was a teenager. I wanted the new Mission Cyrus amp, but couldn't afford it! Anyway, over forty years later... I now have about 40 amplifiers, 4 turntables, 12 CD players and 15 pairs of speakers, at the last count. And, I'm a collector of vintage Quad amplifiers. I have three 405 MK2, two 303, one 306 and two 606. And I have two 33, two 44 and two 34 pre-amps. Why Quad... because they are built to last and are all serviceable and the company, founded by the late, great Peter Walker, is legendary - the quintissential, British hi-fi company. A company that under Peter Walker's stewardship defined the word "hi-fi" for generstions of enthusiasts. Alas, Peter is no longer with us, but I contacted Quad recently and they are still able to service their Quad amplifiers, no matter how old they are! Pretty amazing. Mostly, I use my Quad 44/606 combination, coupled with vintage Spendor SP2 speakers, which suits my classical music tastes. Sorry to ramble on, but quality counts, and there's a lot of junk out there being promoted by individuals who ought to know better - Kelvin isn't one of them. He is perhaps the most honest and reliable hi-fi reviewer on You Tube...no BS, just like Quad. You are in good company, Kelvin. Keep up the good work.
It’s not all about Quad there are such other delights of hifi out there. Some British, some Japanese and who knows what else.
A remarkable observation. You must offer us an in-depth analysis and critique the hi-fi you favour.
@@Jezza-k3y don't need to give an in depth analysis in what I favour hifi audio wise. Just I hear people bang on about quad way too often. Like when folks talk turntables lp12 always gets into the convo. There is some great hifi out there past what gets mentioned all the time
@@23chilledI agree. However, I do own a Sondek..., but I also own a Technics SL 120. So, I do use Japanese equipment. Anyway, Quad is not mentioned that much nowadays... Quad was always seen as being "pipe and slippers" and that opinion remains.Given that Kelvin's review features a Quad amplifier, it made sense to pass comment on that particular brand. Other brands are available, but will the companies that manufactures them still service them in fifty years' time? I very much doubt it.
@AlexMitchell-sj4sbThank you, I was very lucky. I thought it was old fashioned at the time... 1985. Be quick and get hold of a Quad pre/power combo if you can - prices have risen recently, on the bay of e? Good luck
I am an ex hifi salesman who has continued with the hobby for 50 years. I have gone through a lot of gear over the years as you might imagine. I have a Quad Vena ii in my desktop system playing Spendor SA1s with an MJ Acoustics sub. Its end game fantastic. I sold a Rega Brio with Rega DAC to reduce the box count. The Quad is every bit as good.
Great video! You are one of the few reviewers I can trust isn't being paid in some way by a manufacturer to give positive glowing reviews. I have nice vintage integrated amps (Creek 4330) NAD 3020 (bought on your recommendation & it sounds great). I also have a Marantz 2275 which is my favorite. I am always wondering if a Modern integrated amp like the NAD C3050 would sound better and it is almost impossible to find reviewers that compare vintage vs. new equipment except your channel. New generally would be more reliable but the costs are prohibitive vs. used Ebay finds. It's a fun hobby regardless!
Initially a lot of modern amps impress but I find that after a while I start to get bored with the sound & then revert back to my older 70s & 60s amps . Great review
agree
Same here . Recently I've purchased Muzishare x7 tubes amp and I'm very impressed. After some tube rolling it's sounds really well but still one of my fav amps are Kenwood ka 4002 (18wch)and marantz 1070( 30ech) . I own new Technics Su g700 mk2 and its nice but to analytical!
@@nudawas Completely agree . love old Kenwood Amps, they have a lot grunt , powerful sound.
I used to love Quad my last Quad was a 66 pre amp with 606 power amp .I used it for years until recently when i bought a used Rega Atheos amplifier and matched it with a used Rega Saturn MK3 cd player driving a really old but beautiful pair of Ruark Accolade speakers , for me the sound is incredible
Great speakers 👌🏻👌🏻
Thanks for your always straightforward, honest & humorous reviews.
You're absolutely right to point out the level of emotional involvement any hifi unit brings for the listener - not shown in lab test figures. That sense of lacking in engagement will often, sooner or later, doom that buyer to lose money chopping in a 'nearly new' but '100% used' unit - and then back to the 'upgrade' path ...
Amps,ye gotta love them Kelvin, I’ve had a few, well let’s say quite a few. From extreme pre/power set ups to dinky little one box thingies, a few good a few bad and a few downright bad and unreliable, I won’t mention brands but mainly British built. What have I settled on the last few years and loving? It’s the Cambridge Audio CXA 81. It’s built like a tank and sounds incredible! Great channel btw.
I was wondering what the vena sounded like but there no reviews on it until know great review kelvin 😊
I had one of these a while back. It was ok. It lived in my office. I did run it on some good speakers a few times but it didn’t really deliver. I liked it for its connectivity but not for its sound which ultimately is what its all about
Thanks for your review of the Quad Vena11. I considered buying one of these a few years ago but decided on a more powerful amp, the AMC Xi150, with 150 Watts per channel. I'm glad I got more power that can easily run bigger speakers and/or less efficient speakers, with plenty of good dynamics and quality bass.
Another excellent video again thanks. It's funny that back in the 80s/90s cars all started looking the same, designers were using the same programs to design cars and were scared to do anything different.
I think we have hit that point in hifi, companies are all making "inoffensive" hifi, nothing sounds different because if it does they'll worry that the product won't sell. Gone are the times that companies would take a risk, they're just playing it safe which is not good for the consumer.
Vintage hifi is the best, and always will be.
You’re the best Kelvin. I love watching your videos!
I have three Vena 2s! Two of them are the 'Play' version and one is the straight Vena 2 you reviewed. My main system is Vena 2 Play used as preamp feeding a pair of Quad QMP Elite monoblock power amps to my Quad 2812 electrostatics. The speaker output of the Vena 2 I use as a voltage source for the Quad L series subwoofer which reinforces the bass below 45 hz.
The other Vena 2 I use in my TV system feeding Quad 9L monitors and the preamp output feeding Quad Lite subwoofer. I stream Qobuz via both Vena 2 Plays.
The 'spare' Vena 2 I use as a 'takeaway' holiday system with another pair of Quad 9L speakers, with an android tablet plugged into the USB B input to the DAC (a Sabre 32 ESS 9018 which is very good).
I have a very large Lp and CD collection (mainly classical - I used to run a record and CD shop), but also some other genres.....by the way, if you use the Diana Krall for vocal assesment, try Sara K's 'Water Falls' on Stockfish Records...the tracks 'All your love', 'The Painter' and the title track 'Water Falls' are amazingly well recorded....espescially the bass end!
I had my first Quad system in mid-70s, Quad ESL 57, Quad 2/22, then 33/303, then 34/606. and Quad 63s before the current line up - if the Quad Vena 2 has a 'weakness' it's probably the power amp section - used as a preamp it is very good with Thorens TD 160/SME3009/Goldring E4. Marantz CD6007....and the Streaming section superb with Qobuz via Playfi (better than this app. used to be!).
Gear appearance is now king. Spirit of the age.
Quad has built some truly ground breaking kit. The iconic ESL57 electrostatic speakers, #22 valve power amps, The 33/303 and 44/405 pre and power amps and the ESL63 electrostatic speakers which sat in many a hifi reviewers listening room, sometimes with the rare, made-to-measure Gradient Subwoofers that sat directly beneath them to give that added weight and scale to them.
What is common to all of these products is that each one sounded brilliant in its own way and many a hifi enthusiast owned one or more of these pieces. The newer, more modern Quad kit seems to have been aimed more at the upper end of "lifestyle audio": not the greatest sounding but not unpleasant, which is a shame because their heritage is stunning; stand outs being: the 22,s, the ESL57's and 63's and, of course the 405 power amp which, in its many iterations and with its CURRENT DUMPING technology was used in multiples to power the main monitors in both broadcast and commercial studios.
Lovely to see you again, Kelvin. All the best for you and the channel.
Hi Kelvin! I’m experiencing these differences between modern and vintage gears the same way, good new ones are extremely more detailed, that would be better but really can be not, sometimes a bit “smoother” sounds more enjoyable, my preferred one it’s the Mitsubishi DA-A15DC with his pre/tuner DA-C20, large sound, fast but not hyper detailed, great bass but not exagerated, lovely, a lot! Thanks to be Kelvin! Hello from Italy
Thanks for the intelligent review.
I've had one for 2 years and use Tidal as digital input and agree with you review totally.
It's very slick with a smooth sound but looses it a bit in the bass, esoecially when things get busy.
I downgraded from a Musical Fidelity P270 power amp (to reduce leky bills) and to be honest every amp after that sounds bad!!
Love your reviews
Phil
p 270 must be different league
Nice review Kelvin...
Thanks kelvin very honest review love to see a review of one of the rega amps
yes want one
Had a NAD 312, sounded really nice.
I have the old Quad Vena version ”1” and a Xtz A2-300 power amp. Sounds pretty nice. But I certainly would like to try a Sansui if I could find a nice one from the golden years.
The Vena II is what I’d call, a small bedroom amp to be used with an FM/DAB tuner and a really good antenna for quality radio programs. It doesn’t compare in the least, performance wise, against top-range Artera Monoblocks because they’re merely cheap Asian integrateds that Quad has slightly massaged. True Quad quality comes from ARTERA SERIES🌹
Excellent reporting as always, and thanks, ol’ friend 🌹
I wonder if Kelvin would like the Artera amp. I have the pre/stereo, and it’s good to me, albeit slightly laid back. But I’m not an expert.
@@jonathandavis9507 ….Once he sees these entries, he’ll most likely have an opinion.🌹
Did you know you can get lot's of clones of high end vintage equipment in China nowadays? FM acoustics, Accuphase, Mark Levinson, Musical fidelity. All well under a thousand. They can do that because the patents expired. (Yeah youtube sucks nowadays, I can't even mention other channels to steer interested people towards interesting stuff, my comments will get immediately deleted)
yes those Chinese copies are tempting
I think you’re really a vintage guy, Kelvin. No worries, so am I. The receivers that were produced in Japan in the 70s brought a sound you just don’t get today.
The Quad brand name is owned by the IAG Group (International Audio Group). They also own: Wharfedale, Audiolab, Mission, Leak, Castle and Luxman. The Arcam brand is now part of Harman International Industries Ltd. If you’re looking for an amplifier with character look to the independent manufacturers. Exposure, NVA, Atoll, Pro-ject / Musical Fidelity, Rega, Sonneteer, Schiit Audio, Buchardt, Belles.
Quad made great power amps, especially the 606. Their pre amps never did it for me though.
Good video.
Cheers
tend to agree
Thanks for another great review! I hope to see a review of the 33/303 reissue vs the original.
interesting
a vintage lover testing a new amp, I showed what the outcome would be before watching the video. the fact is that vena plays great and not much vintage beats it
I splashed out on a used Copland CSA 150,think it's brill,thing is,I also got a vintage Trio KA9300,I think it could be better,at a fraction of the price!
I think the Copland will be for sale soon 😂
Hi Kelvin , i say like you , vintage hifi fanatic seeking that real in your face tow tapping involving , sit back and just get washed away with a wall of sound , ive tried far too many amplifiers new / old …all makes …but after 40 years i bought a 4040s2 ..has to be the s2 , i tried all versions ….it still puts the biggest smile on my face …even big floor standers i had Tdl 3 ,s biwired years ago and that sounded the best ….modern low impedance speakers no good ….anyway ramble over love you to pick up a 4040s2 and hear your opinion ….top stuff Kelvin ! Great channel
Creek 4040s2
2:40 Hi-Fi reviewers' bread and butter is to talk in vagaries.
Sound is 99% of the issue. Well said!
Nice review Kelvin. Have you ever tried a Quad 33 and 303 setup out? Reason I’m asking is I’ve recently bought these that were in excellent cosmetic condition and had them professionally serviced and recapped but not had the chance to use them yet. I’d appreciate your comments on these if you’ve heard them. Really enjoy your uploads keep them coming👍
oh they are class acts more the 303 I would think
Diana Krall did a cover-version of 10CC's I'm not in love...its on her album "Wallflower"...(great to listen to). Also on her "Best of Diana Krall" album.
yes nice
Diana Krall is married to Elvis Costello. They don’t need a hi-fi setup as they probably warble to each other constantly. He’s a lucky bleeder, as Ian Dury might say.
Useless trivia: they also share the same manager. I used to work for him doing landscaping, which meant cleaning endless pine needles off his property. Unbearably tedious.
@@donello430
Ah yes, but surely you had the bonus of being able to overhear them serenading each other.
If only he'd make a decent record...
@@apollomemories7399 You don’t like ANY of his stuff? Maybe you still have a few pine needles lodged in your ears.
@@audiofool4u No, not for decades. Probably not since the 'Pills And Soap' era. He bores me to tears. I actually listened to the first side of 'Spike' last month, which I've not played for decades and hated every second of it.
A case of you is a Joni Mitchell song from the album Blue take a listen to that album its superb !
yes funny I didn't put the ywo together
my modern amp is a a Rega Brio, rather bright but weighty and has a very well controlled bass.
You mentioned that the photo stage in that sansui is nothing special. I believe that amplifier needs to be recapped and it would sound fantastic after that. That is known for having a really good phono stage
Acid test.. Does the particular amp reproduce 14-16hz 8ft organ pipe fundamentals through the transmission lines you showed us a little while ago? Old and MUCH cheaper 75- 120w Nad Power envelope will.
I always see that meridian 101b (?) in the background have you reviewed it?
So reading between the lines the new Quad is boring. The Sansui is capacitor coupled and it could be that “fatter” sound as a comparison you are liking. I’m using a 33/303 at the moment that I re built changing the gain of the preamp for modern sources, it’s definitely not boring. The good thing about the classic era Quads is they are very easy to work on with bombproof construction.
OMG! The hilarious look in the eyes on your face @the 57th second of this video! I could not stop laughing! You just looked as if you were demanding help from an angel to get tbhe correct text from the heavens...
It sounds like it is blandly adequate.
My first hifi was NAD3020, Dual CS505-2, Grado FTE+1 and KEF Coda2. Tony Gascoigne of Lintone Audio (sadly now closed down) described it as having balls, and he was right. Lots of character. I gave him a sale that day. I think that this is what you are seeking.
My ears now tell me that the Coda2 are dreadful, the Dual rumbled away, and the Grado was very bright.
I appreciate the video!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi kelvin , would be interested to know what is your favourite set up out of all the hifi you have at home
so I would I 🤣
😂😂
Love your videos, do you ever replace the capacitors in older amps as that would affect the sound?
I think a lot of reviewers don’t talk about the sound with high feature amps because they are Class D and let’s be honest…pro reviewers don’t like to lie or say bad things…so they will say the amp is transparent or neutral instead of sharing how the amp makes them feel.
maybe get your hands on a Musical Fidelity A1... or did I miss it, you reviewing that one already?
There's an amp that could sound very very ordinary or completely magical depending on chosen speakers.
Regards power of amps these days .Back in the 60's , 70 ,s it was like Clydesdale horses compared to Shetland Ponies to now
like it
650 will get you a used Rega Elex r, worthy of a listen and it comes with a better than half decent phono stage
Maybe some of it is nostalgia or the sound I am used to/ grew up with, but I have several vintage receivers, integrated amps, and amps that have the sound I really enjoy. Paid less than 600 pounds for each of them. I have no interest in new when the sound can’t compete and it costs more. Only reason to consider it on my opinion is if you are concerned about maintenance it and have no tech in your area. Modern connectivity can added to vintage gear.
Thanks for sharing!
Get in and 'Give a Listen' to the Rega io Amp. IGNORE the 'Only 30 Watts' Specs ! Amazing for 400 Notes ... Enjoy
Thanks
Lighting looks good
thanks appreciate production feed back K
Love the reviews! What reasonably priced vintage Sansui receiver would you recommend to drive a pair Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers I'm currently using a Nad c320bee. Thanks
Can you do short a special on MATHMOS lava lamps?
pay attention I am talking hi fi here 😁
I have had my Sansui 771 for years, how would it compare to modern amps and receivers
Great stuff, tks👍
Dianna Krall, a local from Vancouver Island, British Columbia!
spectcular
The arcam alpha amps, where always good sounding, I owned the 9 & 9p, then I owned the 10 & 10p, I used both bi-amping & was very pleased with them, they are also very good for upgrading internal parts as well, to take them to another level of performance. Another great video Kelvin 👍
You say you wouldn't buy it for €600 cause it doesnt have the "magic". So what are the modern amps at that price point that DO give you that magic you're talking about. Surely there must be some that do the trick. Thanks for the review
I had a quad 99 and the sound was slightly muddy on complexed tracks
Was that Quad Vena amp bought second hand or brand new? New audio equipment can sound a bit stiff in my experience. There might be some truth in break in periods for audio equipment.
yes it snot mine its a my friend and its 4 years old i think
A prophecy claims that in the last days people will be born without a soul. This seems to apply to music and hi-fi as well. Viva Vintage.
Brilliant kelvin I’m glad I didn’t buy one now 😊
This amp retails for £699. By the time you add speakers and a source, you're up to over £1000. At this point any piece needs to be better than a pair of Sonos 5's which go for £429 each, so £860 for a stereo pair. That's quite a tall order.
The quad's strengths lie in the DAC and pre amp. Power amp is an add on for convinience if say you are in a small space and dont need a lot of power which truth be known, this Quad is laking. If you compare apples with apples, this Quad is superior. The host is missing this point.
I think whereas most things have got better over the last 50 years sterio equipment has not and older stuff can sound so much better than todays mass produced rubbish with all their bells and whistles most of which the average Joe will never use. Amps, turntables and speakers of the past offer so much better value even if you have to re cap them on the way.
Stereo not sterio as in rodeo it's all about the details.
I feel much happier now. I have had my little rant, and I will go and listen to some mosick on my best staereo.
Plenty of "Wellie" LOL!
Anyone managed to make play fi to work successfuly?
Hope it sounds better than the 33/303 and 44/405. Heard these plenty of times, and I've never really got what the fuss is about. It's entirely subjective, and to me they're as dull as ditchwater, and even worse with the much-vaunted ESL's (bass - what's that?) They do look good and from what I understand they're well made, but definitely not for me.
Kelvin, to your point of expecting better for £650, don't forget the crazy inflation we have suffered. £650 is not what it was even 5 years ago.
I know for 650 read 450 fair point
nice video but... these modern soulless, perfunctory black boxes....not for me.
Amplifiers aren't supposed to sound different kelvin, they're supposed to sound inaudible or totaly transparent. If an amplifier does this, and sounds like this, and makes your Pink Floyd sound different (better?) then it's hardly, accurate, neutral and transparent is it ? HiFi is BS. True fidelity audio is true fidelity audio.
I have 15 amps they all sound different that's the reality
Don't go with specs go with your ears 😅
Awful with low sensitivity speakers. Good with the opposite
yeah I see your point but it still hs its own sound ?
Maybe, I tried one, but it just couldn’t drive my harbeth p3’s at all, even my Dali Menuets were lifeless with this quad. I thought it might have been faulty at first but I dug out a pair of cheap Q acoustic speakers that are easier to drive and it was a good match. So I’m guessing the easier the speaker is to drive the better the Quad is. I returned it and picked up a Rega.
Boring amplifier, typical mass produced
No. It's absolutely average.....maybe slightly less.
go for it 😇
Does the Quad always sit so cr@ppy/W0bbly on the table..?