Quad 44 Pre Amplifier

18 Responses to "Quad 44 Pre Amplifier"

Chin Says:
March 1st, 2007 at 6:10 AM

My name is CHIN from Malaysia.Like to buy 2nd hand quad 34 or 44 preamp in Malaysia.Pls help

Nigel from beds Says:
November 21st, 2007 at 9:53 AM

Any ideas how many were produced of the 44?

Hi-fi insight Says:
November 21st, 2007 at 10:56 AM

About 40,000 units were manufactured between 1979 and 1989.

Ton van es Says:
December 18th, 2007 at 10:37 AM

I just replaced my Quad 33 control unit by a used Quad 44. Like the Quad 33, this Quad 44 lacks a CD input as well. I've noticed that some Quad 44 control units has a cd input. How can I manage to have this too?

Hi-fi insight Says:
December 18th, 2007 at 11:16 AM

Ton,

I am no expert on the Quad 44, but I assume you will have an AUX input on your pre-amp that should work fine as a CD input. A quick search on Google and you will find details of how to convert the RADIO input to CD by swapping a couple of resistors to adjust the sensitivity.

I would imagine Quad just re-labelled the AUX as CD on later models. Perhaps someone else could confirm this.

James lally Says:
February 10th, 2008 at 9:01 AM

I have a Quad 44 pre amp and 405.2 power amp. The inputs on the preamp are through remaovable circuit boards. All you need is a screwdriver and the boards can be very easily removed and replaced, as stated in the instruction manual. When I first had a cd player, I contacted Quad and bought an CD board for my preamp which I installed instead of the aux which I found unsatisfactory for my cd player, the job took just minutes. It is possible to use the radio input but I strongly suggest that you contact Quad and buy the proper board and you will have a pre amp that performs magnificently with you cd player. Good luck with it, I hope that you will be as satisfied as I have been.

James lally Says:
February 10th, 2008 at 9:17 AM

A further suggestion. It is worth while every 2-3 years to remove the input boards and then simply reinstall them. This removes any oxide that may have formed from the connector strips and gives a nice clean connection. It also means that you have to remove and refit your connector leads. The first time I did this, the improvement in the quality of sound was considerable. With modern amplifiers, the connections are usually gold plated to avoid any oxides forming but the Quad was made before this innovation. Consider you connector leads too and investigate up to date high quality replacements, this is a cheap upgrade which can make a world of difference. Good luck and good listening.

Avelino.pires Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 3:16 PM

I have a problem on my pre Quad 44 ,the chanels are`nt balanced what i can do?

Thanks

Best Regards

Avelino Pires

James lally Says:
February 27th, 2008 at 10:07 AM

What checks have you made so far? Is it out of balance with all inputs?

Avelino.pires Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 11:02 AM

Yes,with all imputs.The right chanel is fair than left,and sometimes existe a noise into both chanels.Already change imputs and problem presists.

Best Regards

Avelino Pires

James lally Says:
February 28th, 2008 at 9:30 PM

Try another pre-amp, or power amp to determine which of the two units is giving you the problem. Check that your speaker lead connections are ok first, make sure that there is a good, clean connection.

Good luck

Doug Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:01 PM

Dump the Quad to play CD's? Who write this rubbish. After nearly 25 years my 44-2 is stil peforming perfectly. Multiple tests conducted still show how poor CD sounds compaired with vinyl with a state of the art cartridge and turntable.

I do not own a CD player and never will until my Analogue hearing devices (ears) degrade to the point that sampled digitising sounds acceptable.

I would like to know what this "more modern equipment" actually is. Did it get a n award for technological cleverness like the 405? Or is as usual the "audiophile" style of "dynamics", scintillating treble, blah, blah. MAde for pennies and costs £10000's. Oh well, a fool and his money are soon parted.

Hi-fi-insight Says:
August 29th, 2008 at 4:05 PM

Doug,

Sorry - just not really a fan of pre-amps unless they are passive - personal preference I guess.

Steve Says:
November 4th, 2008 at 2:23 PM

I have to agree with Doug, twenty plus years and not a single problem.

James Says:
November 5th, 2008 at 9:04 PM

My Quad 44 has a cd card in it, I have no problems at all playing cd's -- which I have to as part of my work. However, my LP's played on a Linn Sondek --- need I say more?

John s Says:
April 20th, 2009 at 8:06 PM

I've had a 44 for years and love it. But lately it has developed what sounds exactly like turntable rumble on the disc input. Except it's there even when the turntable is disconnected. And it's getting worse. Before I throw myself into the ungrateful and costly arms of the repair guys (who will tell me they can't get the parts), any ideas?

James Says:
May 25th, 2009 at 8:35 AM

The first step is to check your earth connection from your turntable to the preamp. There are specialist repair men that love Quad equipment and wont rip you off. If you take it to a shop on your local High street that is not a Quad specialist, be it on your own head!

Shane Says:
August 28th, 2009 at 8:16 PM

What year were the very last Quad 44 preamps made in? Was it somewere like 1993? And what was the retail price of the very late Quad 44?