Ultimate amps for the ultimate loudspeaker

Gary Krakow Columnist • E-mail

Even though my search for the ultimate home music-reproduction system will probably never end, I think I’ve gotten very, very close to what I believe is near-perfection. At least, mind you, near-perfection in my price range.

Previously, I told you about my search for the perfect loudspeaker and also about the months and months of testing of amplifiers and associated equipment to make my dream speakers sound their best.

But I’ve saved the best for last: I’ve finally settled on what I think is some of the most amazing-sounding hi-fi gear I’ve auditioned to date.  And the best part is that what I’ve settled on is comparatively affordable.

My friend Robin Wyatt, who spent his formative years in Britain, has owned many, many stereo systems. Some included Quad ESL-57s. A year ago, his living room was fitted with some giant pairs of loudspeakers and lots and lots of associated equipment.

Then, he came to listen to my Quads. Within days he bought a pair for himself and started selling nearly all the other gear. Robin puts it this way: “The classic Quad speakers are limitless in their transparency and their ability to resolve what is put in front of them.” That means the speakers are as good as the associated equipment you use with them. A good amplifier makes them sound good and a terrific amp lets them sound terrific.

It's all about the amp
That’s why Robin settled on the amazing ASR Emitter I Exclusiv Blue amplifier. I must agree that the ASR and his Quads are an incredible synergistic match. They reproduce music that sounds amazingly real. It should: Robin’s ASR sports a suggested retail price of $17,000. That is way out of my reach.

Luckily, I’ve found something nearly as good. As I’ve told you before, I bought a set of old Quad electronic gear way before I found a good pair of Quad speakers. I’ve auditioned these Quad amps on many systems with pleasing results.

The Quad model 33 control or pre-amplifier and the model 303 power amplifier were the company’s first transistor amps. In the late 60’s their design and looks were startling and their sound was very good. To this day, you can find a set in good condition and they still sound good.  But four decades of technical advances have left this old Quad gear behind, somewhat.

NET Audio A view of new Net Audio plug-in boards inside a Quad 33 pre-amp.

That’s why I contacted David Pritchard, proprietor of a small British company called Net Audio. David makes a number of special hi-fi items including upgrades for older Quad transistor equipment. Net Audio can sell you the new circuit boards, specific parts along with instructions or, if you prefer, will do the upgrades for you.

There are all different levels and combinations of improvements you can make. For the 33 preamp you can change some or most of the plug-in boards. You can also solder a new power supply board into your 303 power amplifier – or change nearly everything inside and out — from circuits, capacitors and output transistors to the faceplate and on/off switch. After months of testing on multiple Quads 33s and 303s I believe Net Audio is on the right track.

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