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QUAD 405 renew/upgrade

customer testimonials

updated May 25, 2008

 

 

 

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Dear Robert,
 
I received the 405-2 plugged it in an cranked it up - it sounds great.  I have another amplifier which is not bad, but got the 405 repaired because it sounds so much better.  That said,  with your upgrade it sounds even better than before I sent it to you.  I'm in my 50's and should be startinng to hear less, but now I hear things with the 405 that I did not hear with it before.
 
If you want to use me for a reference/testimonial let me know.
 
Thanks again,
 
M***** M****, NY

May 25, 2008

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I just finished upgrading my 405. After a few trials and tribulations and a blown fuse I can say it was truly worth it. The annoying hiss and hum is gone. The first thing I noticed is a tighter and cleaner bass and as I listen while I type I am hearing as best as I can describe a more clean defined sound. The new speaker connections are great, no more fumbling around and in getting rid of the DIN connection in favor of RCA connections I was able to significantly upgrade my cables. Thank you for being there.
 Mike, New York  USA

November 26, 2007


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Hi!

I have recently performed the modification on my 405, and I must say it just sounds fantastic,
thanks a lot:-)

Thanks
Arnt Ove Skjevik
   -Norway-

March 31, 2007

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Hello Grace Audio -

I just wanted to say "Hello," and that I enjoyed seeing your article and photos about the Mac Mod Quad 405 amps.  Seeing the photos was like finding some old friends, and brought a smile to my face.  "Quad Mods" (including the 33 preamp, 303 amp, and 405) were among the first upgrades I offered when I started The Mod Squad in 1984, and they were popular for several years (especially the 405).  More recently, I have had people contacting me again about the possibility of doing new 405 upgrades.  I really don't have the time anymore, but it is fun to think about all the improvements I could do now.

Thanks for posting the info and photos!

Best regards,

Steve McCormack

SMc Audio
929 El Pajodo Place
Vista, CA 92084
760-732-0352
SMcAudio@pacbell.net
www.SMcAudio.com
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Testimonial $ 99 upgrade set for Quad 405.
 
Better soundstage, depth and detailing from my Totem Arro's, marvelous bass from my REL Storm subwoofer and hearing things I never heard before, after upgrading with the $ 99 set. I also fitted shorter and thicker cables from the secondary side of the transformer to the bridge and power supply capacitors. My advice is to let the set include 4 new fuses, 2 for the pcb of each amplifier. Beware of maintaining earth connection from pre to power amp, which is deleted after getting rid of the DIN connector and -cable.
 
John
Holland

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Got it hooked up, sounds fantastic. I’m very thankful that you repaired this in a very timely fashion, once I got my finger out of my but, and sent it back to you.

One of the smartest things I have ever done, is to get you to repair this amp!!!

Thank You!!

Robert, Bermuda 04.29.06

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Robert, FYI: the Quad modification is beyond my expectation, more detail, transparency, wider soundstage and more sub-harmonic bass. Thanks a lot. Yours truly, Ryan, Winnepeg Canada 03.21.06

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Robert, it sounds bloody marvelous (yes I am originally from UK) you know to me the only way to listen to rock 'n roll is through a Quad 44/405 when coupled to two Tannoy Super Reds! In fact for me, it's the only way to listen to any music and has been for the last 30 years. I'm back in sound heaven. Thanks mate, Brian.

Brian, San Diego California 10.15.05

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Good day Robert, a customer testimonial for you. I tried the amp on 3 sets of speakers that I have, over a 8 hour period (a very late night listening session) It made my new acoustic energy speakers really sing. It made my klipsch heresey's sound better that they ever had. And it made my Linn Kabers reach right out into the room. I'm glad I took your advice and repaired this amp.It really sounds awesome!!!! The only problem is now trying to decide which speakers to run in my main listening room. Thank you again, for a job well done! I just wish I could find another amp to bridge

kind regards,Robert Bermuda 06.29.05

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Yes, I have. There is much less "boom" than there was before (it was simply too loud even at "1" on the volume control). The sound is clearer and, it seems to me, purer. All my recordings, both LPs and CDs, sound much better.  

Thanks again. William 03.26.05

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Hi Robert, Just finish upgrading my 405-2 with the kit.The upgrade was easy and i am a first timer in soldering,the sound now is outstanding,i could say better than when it was new.

Many thanks,Rene from Montreal 04.28.05

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Yes, I have. There is much less "boom" than there was before (it was simply too loud even at "1" on the volume control). The sound is clearer and, it seems to me, purer. All my recordings, both LPs and CDs, sound much better.  

Thanks again. William 03.26.05

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Robert,
Thanx for all the help.
I am not one for audiophile gibberish so you can take my comments at face value - I am of the view that this equipment is solely a tool for the better appreciation of my music - 60's 70's jazz. The better the tool the better the appreciation .. up to a point at least!
The main difference I have noticed is that the upper range is much sharper and clearer - I have always felt my system displays a period vinyl sound with strong mid-range which I like very much. Your mods have clarified the upper range at no apparent loss of midrange, I have a feeling of greater quality and since I bought this system at a time when Quad 405s and 34s etc were not expensive I am well chuffed. I notice more detail through most of the range but mainly the upper half. I generally only play vinyl since I find CD quality very harsh with a midrange void - I used to live in California and amassed a decent collection of vinyl which is now too expensive to buy in europe at any level of quality.. As you gathered I am also a fan of Rudy Van Gelder's simple but very effective 2 channel recordings during the same period, a RVG recorded disc is an easier buy for me if the artists are not familiar to me - I feel my system represents those recording in their original intent if you like - maybe I'm kidding myself but thats OK too!
I am now inspired to work a little more on speaker leads and maybe a cartridge upgrade. I would recommend your upgrade to anyone with a 405!
Thanx and good luck.
James 02.22.05

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Hi Robert,

Just completed the modification of my amplifier this afternoon. The actual
soldering task was not difficult. I bought a new soldering iron to do the
job and enlisted the help of my 14 year old son to do the soldering while I
read the instructions and held the components in place. We had fun doing the
job together and I am very pleased indeed with the result. I'm not able to
give you an audiophile description of how the sound has been improved by
your modification suffice to say that it seems to me that the amp. sounds
like new and I think it is highly unlikely I could tell the difference
between my 26 year old Quad and a brand new $8000 amplifier.
Your kit is $99 very well spent, thank you.

David.
02.05.05

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