QUAD II Classic Stereo Amplifier User Manual


 
USER GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
The QUAD II Classic power amplifier is a re-creation of the legendary QUAD II amplifier
designed by Peter Walker, founder of QUAD and one of the guiding lights of early Hi-Fi
reproduction. Like the QUAD II, the QUAD II Classic uses the uniquely simple and timeless
circuit topology developed by Walker. To comply with modern international manufacturing
and other standards certain aspects of the original amplifier have had to be changed but these
are almost entirely superficial. The fundamentals are as they were when the original Quad II
first saw the light of day, fifty years ago.
The QUAD II Classic is designed for the music lover. We make no exaggerated
performance claims and are content to let the results speak for themselves. Thank you for
purchasing this QUAD equipment. We can only hope that it will bring you many years of
listening pleasure, and that, like its illustrious predecessor, it will be a treasured possession
for you and for future generations of music lovers.
Although this equipment has primarily been designed for use with QUAD components, it
may be connected to any high quality audio source component and loudspeaker system.
PRELIMINARIES
The QUAD II Classic amplifier carton contains:
! QUAD II Classic valve power amplifier
! One IEC mains lead fitted with an appropriate mains connector
! Instruction Manual and Warranty Registration form
! One set of packing materials.
Consult the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment if any item is missing.
Please retain the packing materials for future transportation of the product.
Please read this manual in full before installing your new amplifier and retain the manual
and your purchase receipt for future reference.
INSTALLATION
The mains operating voltage of the unit is indicated on the rating plate attached to the
unit. If this voltage does not match the mains voltage in your area, consult your QUAD
dealer about converting the unit. The fuse rating should be:
220 - 240V (UK, Korea, etc.) T 1AL 20mm Slow Blow
100 - 120V (USA, Japan, etc) T 2AL 20mm Slow Blow
KT66 KT66
As the valves start to wear out the sound will become less well defined and a lack of
dynamics and power will become evident.
When replacing valves it is essential to use the highest quality available. Poor quality valves
will adversely affect the sound quality and may in extreme cases damage the amplifier.
When replacing the valves do so as pairs, and for best results use matched pairs.
Output Transformer
After installing or changing the wiring to your speakers keep the volume control at zero, let
the amplifier warm up and turn up the main volume gradually. If you don't hear sound,
switch off immediately and investigate.
The output transformer is the most expensive component in a valve power amplifier. It is
designed to match the high voltage, low current conditions in which output valves operate
to the low voltage high current requirements of a loudspeaker. Although robust and
capable of lasting a lifetime, an output transformer can be damaged and, in extreme cases
wrecked, by careless use.
If you play a valve amplifier into a short circuit, the output transformer will soak up a lot
of energy before failing but if the short persists the transformer could be damaged.
Remember, operating a valve amplifier at high output levels with no loudspeaker connected
can also damage an output transformer.
Overall Volume Levels
Always turn the volume control down before changing sources as the resulting surge could
damage your loudspeakers.
Output levels from different source components in a high fidelity system can vary widely.
A CD player can produce levels significantly higher (>18 dB ) than an FM tuner. It follows
that the position of the volume control is not a guide as to 'how loud' the equipment will
go. Though the overload characteristics of the QUAD II Classic are such that you will be
able to play your music at surprisingly high levels, if the sound is distorted, you are
overloading your equipment whatever the position of the volume control.
CARE AND CLEANING
The surface of the equipment may be cleaned with a damp cloth provided that the power
has been removed first. Solvent based cleaning materials should not be used as they may
damage the paint finish.
GUARANTEE AND PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Your QUAD equipment is guaranteed against any defect in material and workmanship for
a period of one year from the date of purchase with the exception of the valves, which are
warranted for three months. Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.
Please complete and return the enclosed Warranty registration form. Within the warranty
period QUAD will undertake replacement of defective parts free of charge provided that
the failure was not caused by misuse, accident or negligence. Your statutory rights within
the territory in which you purchased the equipment are not affected by this warranty.
QUAD carries out a regular review of its products and reserves the right to adjust the
specifications and performance from time to time.
There are no user replaceable or serviceable parts inside this equipment. Unauthorised
attempts to service or modify this product will void the warranty.
CONCLUSION
Apart from a few very specialised fields, the valve has been obsolete in almost every walk
of life for at least thirty years yet it remains the equipment of choice for thousands of
music lovers and audiophiles the world over. Audio amplification has been with us for
ninety years and for over fifty of those ninety, the name of QUAD has been synonymous
with the best the world has to offer. In producing the QUAD II Classic, we have re-
visited our very roots. We hope the result lives up to your highest expectations.
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