REcommended preamp for a Quad 405-2?

Hi guys,

Since I remember there are some users here, I'd like to hear about your recommendations regarding a matching preamp to a Quad 405-2, either by Quad or other brands. I'm a vnyl lover, so a nice phono stage's always a pleasant add. Just keep it affordable...

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Vincula

 

From the Quad stable both the 34 and 44 will work well. Look for later grey models with RCA outputs.
The 66 would also be fine as the circuits are essentially those of a 34 coupled to more advanced switching.
Both 34 & 44 have a good inbuilt phono stage which can be adapted to suit a particular cartridge as the stage sits on a plug in card. Various cards spring up regularly on auction sites.

The 405 is sensitive at 500mv for full output. That means many pre amps might seem a bit loud and require the volume control position to sit more towards the low end.

Other than that there are no special requirements and the input load conditions are benign.

Passive also works pretty well with the older Quad amps.

 

Thanks, Rob. I'm particularty interested in this approach, a passive with at least 4 inputs and perhaps with a stepped attenuator... Do you know what relation would be the best for a passive pre matched to the Quad? Any affordable candidates you'd recommend?

Regards,

Vincula

 

The Creek units are good and give remote control over volume and switching. Only three inputs though:

http://www.creekaudio.com/products/obh22.php

These guys will build to order, and prices start at £200:

http://www.decoaudio.com/deco_audio_pre_amps.html

 

The sensitivity issue can be dealt with easily enough although obviously that makes it less suited to its stable mates. The 405 does work well with passives though and I used a switched resistor and autoformer style passive with no ill effects.

Just looking at my sig and the Quad has gone so I'll have to change that!

 

+1 to a simple passive pre. I made one years ago and used it with a modded 405-2, and it was a very happy pairing.

It's easy DIY if you fancy a go. All you need is a a suitable stereo logarithmic pot (a standard 22Kohm one is a very nice compromise for various reasons, and works fine with the 405 providing you don't want to run more than a metre or three of cable from the the passive to the 405), and a 2-pole, 4-way switch, and a case. After that it's just some simple wiring and your time.

ETA frankly those Deco units Rob links to look good value, esp. if you don't fancy DIY.

 

These ones look nice, and price seems right as well...

http://www.khozmo.com/index.html

I was also considering borrowing my friends Croft Micro and try it with the QUAD 405-2. Kind of a passive pre too, isn't it? Or is it just too crazy...

Regards,

Vincula

 

The Micro is active and a very good pre amp. One thing to watch with valve pre amps is high output impedance but you'll be ok with the 405 so long as you stick to short coax interconnects.

 

Hi,I used a pair of Quad 405's biamping Castle Chester speakers for years and used various preamps inc. Quad 33,Cyrus; and a Moth 30 pre.I also had a Moth 30 passive which I loved and a PS Audio dual mono passive which I still use with a modded 405 as a second system.Gorgeous natural sound but I had to use attenuators to lower the dB output - not a problem to find though.Also,keep those interconnects short !Mark.